Statement

by Colonel-General Safar Abiyev
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
at the meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
in Defence Ministers Session

Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Colleagues,

Let me first emphasize the value of partnerships in general and of the EAPC in particular that provides fruitful cooperation between Alliance and Partners in the military, defence and security areas. The Republic of Azerbaijan remains committed to supporting security and stability throughout Euro-Atlantic area by practical contributions and cooperation in NATO-led Crisis Response Operations. We have been witnessing the particular value of this cooperation in the joint operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is taking part in these important joint endeavours by contributing its forces to KFOR and ISAF under the NATO Command.  In this regard I would like to confirm our commitments to redouble the current troop contribution of Azerbaijan to ISAF.  

Also, I would like to welcome the main trends of Partnership reflected in the Chairman’s Report on the Euro-Atlantic Partnership, and its geographic priorities in particular. In this regard I deem it necessary, to underline a productive work of the Secretary Generals’ Special Representative in Caucasus and Central Asia. His effective engagement in the region has provided important advice to Azerbaijan in supporting our defence reforms.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Azerbaijan effectively utilises the PfP instruments and mechanisms that facilitate implementation of our commitments and objectives while conducting defence reforms. Azerbaijan has already transformed the entire staff structure of Land Forces, Navy and Air and Air Defence Forces according to NATO model.

This initiative, which has been agreed in the Azerbaijan IPAP update, lays out a fundamental basis for adoption of NATO standards, doctrine, concept and procedures. We will continue our sustained efforts in this endeavour. In the field of interoperability and operational capabilities Azerbaijan will continue to train its declared forces unit through the series evaluation and feedback activities within Operational Capabilities Concept. The NATO Evaluation Level 1 Exercise is scheduled for May 2008.

Mr. Chairman,

Distinguished colleagues,

Let me once again use geographic dimension of Partnership and draw your attention to the South Caucasus.  This is the only region in the Euro-Atlantic area where the security still remains a hostage to unsettled and unresolved conflicts. 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 recognised borders in the region. This situation prevents the full realisation of Euro-Atlantic Partnership initiatives and activities in the region. 

In conclusion, I would like to underscore that the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue supporting the all Alliance’s operations and speaks in favour 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 for your attention.