UNDER CONDITIONS OF RAPIDLY GROWING MILITARY BUDGET OF AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA MUST ENSURE BALANCE AT EXPENSE OF QUALITY

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 12, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. The programs of allocations for Armenia’s
defence system were implemented completely in 2007, the RA minister
of defence Seyran Ohanian said during a talk with reporters on May 12.

According to him, since January 1, 2001, the monetary allowances and
salaries of servicemen and employees of the defence system have grown
by about 20%. Expenditure programs have been implemented for enhancing
the combat preparedness of troops, replenishment and operation of
military and technical equipment and improving the living conditions
and health care services of servicemen.

Expressing concern about the growth rates of Azerbaijan’s mmilitary
budget, the mnister underlined that Armenia must do everything to
maintain the balance at the expense of qualitative indices. "We know
that the military programs of Azerbijan are growing year by year. We
will do our best so that the defence expenditures will meet the needs
of the army," S. Ohanian said.

In response to a question, S. Ohanian assured the reporters that
based on an agreement reached with the Azerbaijani side, the Armenian
citizens who recently crossed the border and are now in Nakhijevan,
will be soon handed over to the Armenian side.