NATO HQ, Brussels 10 June 2005

Statement by Colonel-General Safar Abiyev,Minister Of Defense Of Azerbaijan at the Meeting of the EAPC in Defense Ministers Session Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Colleagues, In the light of the changing security environment and in terms of defeating the asymmetric challenges and threats and the fight against terrorism the NATO’s transformation gains even higher importance. Azerbaijan welcomes the framing NATO’s military transformation within a broader, proactive political agenda and calls for a more dynamic contribution to security in the South Caucasus. We welcome Alliance active involvement in strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area based on practical cooperation between Allies and Partners. We have been witnessing the value of this cooperation and joint actions through Euro-Atlantic Partnership both in the Balkans and in Afghanistan, in the fight against international terrorism where Azerbaijan is taking part by contributing to KFOR and ISAF under the NATO Command. In the meantime, Azerbaijani peacekeeping contingent is participating in the democratic reconstruction of Iraq within coalition forces. With regard to NATO’s training, education and exercise programs and Partners’ capabilities we welcome the on-going revision and adaptation of the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) and fully support the continued work to further develop and give more substance to the Training and Education Enhancement Program, Planning and Review Process (PARP) and the Military Training and Exercise Program. Taking into account the OCC and PARP complementary elements, we would suggest finding of better synergy between these two important instruments. The adoption of this holistic approach will avoid duplication of effort and generate greater effectiveness and efficiency, while maintaining the individuality and benefits of both programs. We are confident that Azerbaijan’s Individual Partnership Action Plan recently approved by North-Atlantic Council will provide an appropriate framework for comprehensive bilateral security dialogue. İn its turn, Azerbaijan will undertake all measures to implements it commitments with regard to IPAP. Mr. Chairman, The South Caucasus is the only region in the Euro-Atlantic area where the security and stability of nations remains hostage to unsettled conflicts. Contrary to the requirements of the 2nd article of the PFP Framework Document, the existence of occupied and uncontrolled territories undermines the realization of the fundamental norms and principles of International law, including the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, inviolability of internationally recognized borders in the region. This situation prevents the full realization of Euro-Atlantic Partnership initiatives and activities in the region. It is important to emphasize that the non-implementation of the four resolutions of the UN Security Council on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, transfer of weapons and military equipment to Armenia from the military bases stationed in Georgia, accumulation of vast amount of weaponry in the territories of Azerbaijan current occupied by Armenia raise the possibility of resumption of the war. In conclusion, I would like to underscore that the Republic of Azerbaijan remains committed to practically supporting the on-going NATO-led Crises Response Operations and speaks in favor of open and constructive cooperation to combat international terrorism and aggressive separatism, to strengthen security, stability and peace in the whole Euro-Atlantic area. Thank you very much for your attention.