LIBERATION OF OCCUPIED LAND POSSIBLE ONLY WITH POWERFUL MILITARY – ALIYEV

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Oct 6 2005

Baku, October 5, AssA-Irada
Azerbaijan is seeking a peaceful settlement of the Upper Garabagh
conflict but no results have been achieved in this area yet,
which prompts the country to continue strengthening its military
power, President Ilham Aliyev said at the ceremony of opening a
new administrative building of the Special State Guard Service on
Wednesday.

Aliyev pointed out the need for establishing a strong military
potential. “Only powerful Azerbaijan army will achieve liberation
of the country’s territories. If the peace talks turn out fruitless,
the occupied lands will be freed through military action,” he said.

President Aliyev said the government is increasing military spending
every year. Whereas military expenses made up $175 million in 2004, the
figure is $300 million this year and will reach $600 million in 2006.

The President also praised the activity of the State Guard Service.

“The employees of the Service ensure my security. This means that the
stability and security of Azerbaijan is reliably protected,” he said.

Aliyev said the national guard plays an important role in ensuring the
security of oil and gas pipelines, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
main export pipeline to take Azeri oil to world markets.

In conclusion of the ceremony, President Aliyev awarded several
military men, presenting them with keys to new apartments.*

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress