Interfax, Russia
Russia & CIS Presidential Bulletin
February 8, 2008

AZERBAIJAN HOPES FOR PEACEFUL NAGORNO-KARABAKH SETTLEMENT – …

Azeri President Ilkham Aliyev believes that the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict should be resolved based on international law.It is
impossible to blatantly violate international norms and ignore world
public opinion in the 21st century. Occupation is unacceptable. But,
regretfully, the talks, although progressing, have yet to bear
fruits. I have no doubts that we will settle the issue based on
justice and international law, Aliyev told the third congress of the
international union of public organizations Public Committee of War
Veterans in Baku.

Azerbaijan wants a peaceful resolution of the conflict and is making
efforts in this direction. Nonetheless, the country has been building
its armed forces at the same time, Aliyev said.

Defense expenditures come first as regards budgetary spending.

This includes higher payments for soldiers, the construction of
infrastructure, and the purchase of equipment. We have begun
manufacturing military goods, established the Ministry of Defense
Industry and refitted several factories. Defense expenditures will
amount to $1.3 billion this year, the president said.