ABSENCE OF RESULTS IN PEACE TALKS DIMINISHES DIPLOMATIC PROGRESS – ALIYEV

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Oct 15 2005

Baku, October 14, AssA-Irada
President Ilham Aliyev has cited diplomatic progress in talks with
Armenia on settling the long-standing Upper Garabagh conflict but
said the lack of results diminishes this progress.

“There is certain diplomatic success in the process, as
‘positive changes’ have occurred in the positions of international
organizations. But all these achievements are worthless in the absence
of any results.”

The President said that the negotiating process will continue as
long as its potential is not exhausted. “But our patience is not
inexhaustible. How long will this situation persist?”, he said.

“I am absolutely confident that if we want to return our [occupied]
land on the basis on fair peace, we should attach great importance
to army building”, Aliyev said.

The President noted that Azerbaijan’s military budget will reach the
overall budget of Armenia in the future and the occupied territories
will be liberated.

Whereas the country’s military expenses made up $175 million in 2004,
the figure will reach $600 million in 2006.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress