AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: "AZERBAIJAN MUST LIBERATE ITS LANDS BEFORE 2011"

Today.Az
10 October 2008 [12:10]
Azerbaijan

"Currently, there are no prospects for the settlement of the Karabakh
problem", said presidential candidate and chairman of the United
Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan Qudrat Gasanquliyev.

He noted that the military expenses of Azerbaijan must be raised to
25-27% for the resolution of the Karabakh problem.

Moreover, it is necessary to give Armenia a year for the unconditional
liberation of the occupied lands in line with the due resolution of
the UN Security Council.

"We must undertake steps for liberation of all of our occupied lands,
restoration of the sovereign rights of Azerbaijan and raising the
flag of Azerbaijan in Khankendi by no later than 2011.

We consider that today Azerbaijan has all opportunities for building
a professional army.

If we strengthen the state and public control over the army, use 80%
of the Oil Fund for the development of the defense industry, ensure the
most advanced military technique and ammunitions for the Azerbaijani
armed forces and strengthen the defense system of air offensive with
the use of the latest achievements of military technology, we will
be able to return our lands.

These actions will prove to Armenia and international organizations
that we are ready to return our lands by way of force.

In case the occupied lands are not liberated within the established
term, it is necessary to declare the ceasefire treaty invalid and
adopt an official declaration about the start of military actions at
any time.

We should not hope that the Karabakh problem will be settled by its
own. It is necessary to take definite steps", announced he.

Hasanquliyev also said that Azerbaijan must reject the mediation of
the OSCE Minsk Group.