"The Azerbaijani foreign ministry voices strong protest in connection with the transfer of arms to Armenia and calls on Russia to take all necessary steps to avert the consequences," the ministry said in a statement.

On Wednesday Russia's defence ministry denied Azerbaijani media reports that Moscow had supplied Yerevan with 800 million dollars (610 million euros)-worth of tanks, armoured personnel carriers, rockets, grenade launchers and ammunition via a Russian army base in Armenia, Interfax news agency reported.

"There have been no supplies of Russian weapons to Armenia. The reports alleging this are untrue," Russian defense ministry spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky said.

Azerbaijan said the alleged weapons transfers violated UN resolutions aimed at preventing a renewal of the conflict over Nagorny Karabakh, where Armenia-backed separatists wrested control from Azerbaijan's authorities in a war after the 1991 Soviet collapse.

"The transfer of weapons serves to strengthen the military potential of Armenia, which has occupied a part of Azerbaijani territory," the Azerbaijani ministry said.

Azerbaijan and Armenia still periodically exchange fire around Nagorny Karabakh causing casualties on both sides.

Russia is a close ally of Armenia's and its military base in Armenia represents a significant outpost in the volatile South Caucasus, while Azerbaijan has ties to the United States and has supported its operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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