Baku calls China on rocket-sale to Armenia

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Azerbaijan has accused China of selling rockets to neighboring Armenia despite Beijing's pledge to end missile proliferation.

Baku says China sold eight Typhoon rocket systems to Armenia, which has simmering dispute with Azerbaijan.

China has denied that its government took part in the sale, which was conducted by a private company.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday expressing the hope that Beijing will demand the return of eight Typhoon rocket systems. Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Beijing Tamerlan Karaev was quoted as saying that he received assurances from a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official that Beijing has recalled all its military instructors from Armenia.