Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
December 10, 2004, Friday

AZERBAIJAN WILL STRENGTHEN ITS ARMED FORCES

Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is not the topic of negotiations –
it must be restored, and the invaders must leave the republic’s
territory. Only after that the issue of the peace treaty can be
raised. (…) This statement was made by President Ilham Aliyev of
Azerbaijan at a government meeting on December 7. (…)

Azerbaijan will focus on military construction. (…) Aliyev stated:
“The defense budget will increase by 30% next year. Later on we will
be able to increase it by 50%, 100% and 200%. Azerbaijan’s economic
potential makes this task realistic. Armenia cannot compete with us.
Armenia’s budget amounts to only $500 million. Azerbaijan spends $250
million on its army.”

Source: Turan information agency (Baku), December 8, 2004

Translated by Alexander Dubovoi