Azerbaijan News Service
June 25 2005

PRESIDENT OUTLINES AZERBAIJAN’S MILITARY POWER TO RELEASE OCCUPIED
LANDS ON ARMY DAY CELEBRATION
2005-06-25 16:53

President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev estimates peaceful
talks with Armenia over settlement of Daqliq Qarabaq conflict as
concession by Azerbaijan. `Today they speak of concessions. Holding
peaceful negotiations is the biggest yield from Azerbaijan’s side’,
stated Ilham Aliyev during the graduate ceremony of the High Military
School cadets named after Heydar Aliyev. President assured that
Azerbaijan will recover occupied lands by Armenia. `Peace agreement
will be signed and Azerbaijan will get back occupied territories. Our
position is based on principles of international law. Azerbaijan
enjoys political superiority. Adopted documents and discussion of the
Daqliq Qarabaq conflict at international organizations prove that’.
At the same time Ilham Aliyev pointed out necessity to attach
constant attention to armed forces. `Taking into account that
Azerbaijan is in state of war we must always show care to national
army’, said Ilham Aliyev. Commander in- Chief noted that formation of
the armed forces is one of the priority tasks before the government.
`In 2005 year state budget increased by 35 percent compared to 2004
year. Military spending amounted to 135 million USD in 2003 year, 175
million USD in 2004 and in 2005 year it equals to 300 million USD.
The process to increase military spending will be carried on in
following years too’. President added that in connection with
increase of the 2005 year state budget military spending was also
increased accordingly. `It is connected with dislocation of Russian
army bases from Georgia to Armenia. These bases are not given to
Armenian side but transferred to its territory. However it is
necessary to take adequate steps’, outlined Ilham Aliyev. `At present
Azerbaijan’s army is the strongest in the South Caucasus. We must
strengthen and develop our army. Azerbaijan obtains military
techniques, armament and equipment. The process will be ongoing in
future too. The enemy should know that Azerbaijan can release
occupied territories at any time’, stated Mr. Aliyev. Military parade
was held in the territory of military school.