AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT HOLDS MEETING AT DEFENSE MINISTRY
APA
April 23 2010
Azerbaijan
Baku – APA. Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of
the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev held meeting on army building at the
Ministry of Defense on April 23, APA reports quoting AzTV.
The Supreme Commander-in-Chief noted that the army building had always
been in the focus of attention in Azerbaijan: "This is the issue of
primary importance for us, because the territories of Azerbaijan are
under the occupation for long years".
The Head of State underlined that that the existing situation makes
Azerbaijan strengthen its military potential at high level: "Armenia
and its supporters have committed special cruelty and mercilessness in
the process of occupation. Khojaly Genocide is a bright example for
this. Armenia roughly violates all legal norms. Despite the adoption
of four resolutions by the UN Security Council in the early 1990s
demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian
armed forces from the occupied lands, the Armenian armed forces are
still holding our territories under occupation and do not implement
these decisions".
Taking stance on updated Madrid principles, the Head of State said that
the last proposals might be a ground for preparation of the agreement:
"I want to reiterate that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan
has never been and will never be a subject of discussion.
Prolonging the negotiations, Armenia does not want to free the
territories it has occupied. Our biggest compromise is that Azerbaijan
is still committed to the peace process for 20 years. The international
community should respect for their decisions. No problem can be solved
in the region unless the Armenia – Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno
Karabakh is resolved, because the conflict seriously impact on the
processes in the region".
Speaking about the significance of the meeting, the President stated
that further development of the military sphere is in the focus of
attention in Azerbaijan. According to him, the military preparation
is at high level in Azerbaijan, military expenses has increased by ten
times over the last 5-6 years, military industry is rapidly developing
and a great number of military equipment has been purchased: "This is
our natural right. Today the Army of Azerbaijan is stronger and more
professional than Armenian one in all spheres. Azerbaijan is one of
the rare countries in the region that doesn’t need the help of anyone".
Further, Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev provided
detailed information on the measures taken in the direction of the
army building.
Issues on army building were discussed afterwards.