From: MihranK@aol.com
Subject: BAKU: Azerb Armed Forces US European Command to conclude action plan

Azerbaijani Armed Forces and US European Command to conclude action plan

14 May 2007 [17:21] – Today.Az

Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces and US European Command will conclude an
action plan on military cooperation, said Azerbaijani Defense
Minister, General Colonel Safar Abiyev addressing the event on the
anniversary of the US Armed Forces.

Abiyev saying that Azerbaijani soldiers are participating in
counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
Kosovo together with US soldiers, reminded the visit of European
Command’s senior officials to Baku every year.

The minister stressed the existence of Section 907 to the Freedom
Support Act puts serious restrictions to the development of
cooperation in a number of spheres, including military sphere between
the two countries. "President George W. Bush regular decisions to
restrict Section 907 every year have positive impact on the
development of military cooperation," he said.

Abiyev underlined there exists many-sided military cooperation between
the two countries. He said Azerbaijan is cooperating with US military
forces in improvement of Air forces’ aerodrome, Sergeant School,
Partnership for Peace Center as well as establishment of Stimulation
and Model Center and qualification of peacekeepers.

"Moreover, we are cooperating in ensure of strategic interests in the
Caspian Sea and preventing of transnational threats. We are also
cooperating in modernization of Azerbaijani naval forces’ ships. Task
forces from two countries hold joint training several times a year,"
he said.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister also noted that training of medical
personnel of both countries will be held in Azerbaijan in several days
later in the framework of cooperation with Oklahoma State.

Minister focused the attention on Armeniansâ?? aggressive
policy in his speech. He accessed Armenia’s demonstrating its military
equipment in the occupied regions of Azerbaijan as breach of the
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (SFE).

"This proves that Armenia seriously violates security in Europe.
International community is indifferent to the just solution of this
conflict, double standards are put. There exists passive approach
towards Armenia’s aggressive policy which provides an opportunity to
the activity of terroristic organizations, transit of narcotics and
weapons in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan," he stressed. APA