May 18, 2011 - 12:55 AMT
Azerbaijan launders money through purchase of weapons

The extent of arming and the fighting efficiency of the army are totally different things, similarly to an expert army in peaceful and war times, according to Artsakh-based military expert.

In a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, the expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited different reasons for Azerbaijan's purchasing enormous number of munitions.

“One reason is, Baku believes, that spending exorbitant sums on weapons will induce Armenia follow the suit. Another reason is money laundering through purchase if weapons. Still, whatever the true reason, it won't prove effective, with Baku failing to train expert military personnel,” the expert stressed.

He characterized Armenia's situation as more advantageous, with the army's command staff having been through a war.

The expert was deeply sceptical over t he possibility of a new war in Karabakh. “The matter is not for Armenia or Azerbaijan to decide. It is to be determined by more serious players, who won't let Aliyev fire a single shot, much as he tries. ”