Turkish, Azeri defence ministers discuss cooperation, Armenia

Anatolia news agency
5 Oct 04

ANKARA

“Armenia’s policy about Azerbaijan and Turkey is extremely
dangerous. If Armenia does not give up its policy, Turkey should not
open its border with Armenia, and Azerbaijan will be ready anytime to
take its occupied territories from Armenia” said Defence Minister
Safar Abiyev of Azerbaijan on Tuesday [5 October].

Turkish National Defence Minister Vecdi Gonul met today Abiyev who is
in Turkey for an official visit.

Speaking at the meeting, Gonul said: “Turkey was the first country
that recognized Azerbaijan’s independence. Turkey and Azerbaijan have
been acting in full harmony in international fora such as the Council
of Europe and the NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP). There have been
perfect military relations between our countries. Nearly 3,000
Azerbaijani military personnel were trained in Turkey.”

Meanwhile, Abiyev recalled that a part of Azerbaijani territories had
been under occupation of Armenian armed forces. “Despite four
decisions taken by the United Nations in 1992 and 1993, Armenia has
not yet withdrawn from our territories. Azerbaijan must have a
powerful army to take its territories back. Therefore, we attribute
great importance to strengthening and modernization of our army,” he
said.