AZERBAIJAN NOT TO ATTEND JOINT TENDENCY-2007 MANEUVERS HELD IN ARMENIA

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 27 2007

The solemn opening ceremony of the US European Command’s "Joint
Tendency-2007" maneuvers started in Armenian Defense Ministry’s
Military Aviation Institute. Azerbaijani military men do not attend
these maneuvers.

Armenian Defense Ministry press secretary Seyran Shahsuvaryan told
that through Azerbaijani side agreed to participate in these maneuvers
that are being carried out in the framework of "Partnership for Peace"
program, it refused later on.

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry spokesman Ilgar Verdiyev said that the
ministry is unformed about any events organized in partner states in
accordance with NATO’s procedure.

"But, we were not informed beforehand in what country the maneuvers
will take place. It is up to the partner states to decide whether to
attend the events. We refused to participate in the maneuvers that
will take pace in Armenia. We do not need to knock at the enemy’s
door," the spokesman said.