Azadliq, Azerbaijan
Oct 22 2009

Azerbaijan to review military doctrine due to row with Turkey

Azerbaijan’s military doctrine, which is yet to be approved in
parliament, will be reviewed in view of a recent row with Turkey.
Opposition daily Azadliq quoted an unnamed source involved in drafting
the doctrine as saying that Turkish-Armenian rapprochement was the
main cause for the review.

"The current doctrine describes Turkey as Azerbaijan’s strategic ally
and Armenia as an enemy. Azerbaijan is obliged to make some amendments
following the ‘alliance’ between the Turkish leadership and Armenia.
The latest moves by the Turkish authorities have necessitated changes
to Azerbaijan’s military doctrine," Azadliq quoted the source as
saying on 22 October.

According to the source, Turkey will lose its status of strategic ally
if the row with Azerbaijan goes on. "Unfortunately, the row continues
and there is no intention to prevent it," the source added.

[translated from Azeri]