Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Jan 18 2005
Armenia one of major spenders on military in CIS
Amidst the 7-9% increase of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in CIS
states in 2004, these countries’ military spending has increased 30%
on average.
Russian Marketing and Consulting news agency reports that the share
of 2005 designated military expenses of Armenia in the GDP grew 3.6%.
The same source said that the Upper Garabagh army is supported at
Armenia’s expense. This country’s military spending, including these
expenses, make up over 4% of the GDP, or $127 million. The figure
exceeds that of 2004 by 35%.
The news agency said that Azerbaijan has also earmarked more funds
for the military this year. Whereas the figure grew 12% and 20% in
2003 and 2004 respectively, the increase in 2005 made up 36%.
Azerbaijan allotted a total of $245 million from the state budget for
this year.
The same source said that Georgia increased its 2005 military
expenses 44% as compared to 2004. It said that the South Caucasus
countries are conducting new large-scale military exercises to
increase their defense capability. This implies that the Upper
Garabagh and Abkhazia conflicts may resume this year, the news agency
said.*