June 23, 2003 - 20:19 AMT
BAKU SEES NO BORDERS FOR ARMENIA'S PARTICIPATION IN COMING NATO MANEUVERS IN AZERBAIJAN
Head of Azeri defense department press service Ramiz Melikov did not rule out the possibility of the Armenia's participation in the "Cooperative Best Effort-2004" exercise to be held in Azerbaijan. In his words, as reported by the "Echo" Baku newspaper, the trainings are conducted under the aegis of the NATO, so there are no obstacles for participation of the Armenian soldiers in them. It should be noted that the maneuvers within the frames of the NATO "Partnership for Peace" program are planned to be held in Azerbaijan next autumn. To remind, as stated earlier by deputy assistant to the Armenian defense minister Murad Isakhanian, Armenia is ready to take part in the "Cooperative Best Effort-2004" exercise in Azerbaijan if the corresponding invitation is issued by the NATO leadership. Let us add that Azerbaijan's representatives do not participate in the "Cooperative Best Effort-2003" exercise being held in Armenia at present, though the invitation from the NATO has been sent to Baku.