INCREASE OF AZERI MILITARY BUDGET SHOULD NOT CAUSE OSCE MG CONCERN, BAKU CONSIDERS

PanARMENIAN.Net - «The increase of military spending of Azerbaijan is due to the economic development of the country. The increase of army expenditure should not be regarded as exceeding the permissible limits,» Azeri Deputy FM Araz Azimov stated. In his words, the 100% increase of the share of military expenses in the state budget of Azerbaijan should not cause concerns of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (MG). «Has not enough funding been allocated for army needs in Azerbaijan up to now? Mr. Merzlyakov should pay attention to it. There were many problems and needs up to now. I do not see any reason for hysteric over the increase of the military budget. Azerbaijan will increase its spending as much as necessary. This is an internal affair of Azerbaijan. No one has the right to interfere,» Azimov stated. «Our country also fulfills international commitments in the sphere. This is done under the conditions, when there is neither continuing military conflict, nor occupied territories in any other European country, who has undertaken international commitments. Azerbaijan fulfills its obligations in this complicated situation. Today the increase of military spending in Azerbaijan is a normal phenomenon. Armenia should liberate, leave the occupied territories. First of all the conflict should be decided by means of political tools. In my opinion Mr. Merzlyakov has identified Armenia and Azerbaijan in this respect without having any grounds for it,» the Deputy FM said. «At present reforms are held in Azerbaijan and if it makes anyone worry, it is the problem of that person,» Azimov remarked.