Letter: British mercenaries for Azeri war

Sir: Tim Kelsey reports (24 January) that 'Azerbaijan . . . is fighting a vicious war with the neighbouring former Soviet republic of Armenia over disputed territories'. The fact is that Azerbaijan is trying to defend - rather unsuccessfully - its own territory. Armenians, who are the aggressors in this conflict, invaded at least 20 per cent of Azerbaijan proper. The territory being fought over, which is alleged in Mr Kelsey's report to be 'disputed', is in fact internationally recognised Azerbaijan territory.

The Independent for a long period has been campaigning for the rights of Bosnians to defend themselves. The situation of the Azerbaijani people is no different, and therefore deserves balanced and unbiased reporting.

Yours faithfully,

OZLEM ER

Manchester

25 January