GROWING DEFENSE EXPENDITURES RESULT FROM AZERI DEVELOPMENT – DIPLOMAT

Interfax News Agency
June 24 2008
Russia

The regular enlargement of defense expenditures is not a goal in
itself but a trend reflecting the general development of Azerbaijan,
Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim told a Monday press briefing.

"Azerbaijan is not only developing its military might, as this is
not the main goal of the country, we are developing all spheres,
including economics, politics and defense," he said.

The spokesman was commenting on a recent statement by U.S.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, who said that Azerbaijan
should quit military rhetoric in the Karabakh conflict because the
possible resumption of combat in that region would be harmful for
everyone.

Ibrahim said that Azerbaijan would use the advantages of its
comprehensive development for the soonest resolution of the Karabakh
conflict.

"Azerbaijan has achieved the highest rates of growth in its region,
which naturally has an effect on various development aspects, among
them the military might. These measures are targeted for the soonest
release of the occupied lands," he said.