AZERBAIJANI ARMED FORCES AND US EUROPEAN COMMAND TO CONCLUDE ACTION PLAN
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 14 2007
Azerbaijani Armed Forces and US European Command will conclude an
action plan on military cooperation, Azerbaijani Defense Minister,
General Colonel Safar Abiyev addressing the event on the anniversary
of the US Armed Forces said, APA reports.
Mr.Abiyev saying that Azerbaijani soldiers are participating in
counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Afghanistan,
and Kosovo together with US soldiers, reminded the visit of European
Command’s senior officials to Baku every year. The minister stressed
the existence of Section 907 to the Freedom Support Act puts serious
restrictions to the development of cooperation in a number of spheres,
including military sphere between the two countries.
"President George Bush regular decisions to restrict Section 907 every
year have positive impact on the development of military cooperation,"
he said.
Mr.Abiyev underlined there exists many-sided military cooperation
between the two countries. He said Azerbaijan is cooperating with US
military forces in improvement of Air forces’ aerodrome, Sergeant
School, Partnership for Peace Center as well as establishment of
Stimulation and Model Center and qualification of peacekeepers.
"Moreover, we are cooperating in ensure of strategic interests in
the Caspian Sea and preventing of transnational threats. We are also
cooperating in modernization of Azerbaijani naval forces’ ships. Task
forces from two countries hold joint training several times a year,"
he said.
Azerbaijani Defense Minister also noted that training of medical
personnel of both countries will be held in Azerbaijan in several
days later in the framework of cooperation with Oklahoma State.
The Minister focused the attention on Armenians’ aggressive policy in
his speech. He accessed Armenia’s demonstrating its military equipment
in the occupied regions of Azerbaijan as breach of the Conventional
Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (SFE).
"This proves that Armenia seriously violates security in Europe.
International community is indifferent to the just solution of this
conflict, double standards are put. There exists passive approach
towards Armenia’s aggressive policy which provides an opportunity to
the activity of terroristic organizations, transit of narcotics and
weapons in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan," he stressed.