SIGNAL FROM FIRING RANGE

Large-scale joint operational and technical exercises by detachments and units of the Ministry of Defence, the State Border Service and Interior Troops were held on 24 June to mark the 91st anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Azerbaijan Republic. The main stage of the exercises, which included the tactical preparedness of detachments, units and systems, was watched by Azerbaijani President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev.

The fact that large-scale military drills involving different types of troops were conducted in Azerbaijan is further evidence of the army building and reinforcement strategy being implemented in the country. It is one of the priorities of national policy. Powerful military hardware was also demonstrated during the exercises. The 300-mm reactive system of volley fire deserves special mention, as it is one of the most reliable weapons for the long-distance destruction of enemy targets, causing extensive damage to enemy troops and hardware. The 203-mm self-propelled artillery unit Pion employs the most powerful systems of this type of weaponry, while artillery units 2C3 Acacia and 2C1 Carnation are capable of destroying enemy hardware, troops and command posts. Also engaged in the training was the T72 tank, which provides greater manoeuvrability and fire power to the armed forces. The armoured 80A personnel carrier ensures the transportation of motorized infantry units and STOR M-3-SOFA and АBIR М-462 vehicles can be used in special operations against terrorist and sabotage reconnaissance groups. The troops participating in the exercises demonstrated excellent combat readiness by achieving all the training objectives.

This is the first major military exercise to be held in Azerbaijan with such seriousness. Most importantly, it delivered the message that our army is clearly prepared to carry out any military task. Addressing the Azerbaijani servicemen, the commander-in-chief declared confidently that "our army is the strongest in the region". "I often visit military units and witness the steady growth of military might. The large-scale military exercises held today are a graphic example of that," the president stressed. The head of state also recalled last year's military parade, which marked the 90th anniversary of the country's armed forces.

The bottom-line of the president's speech was of Azerbaijan's readiness to restore its territorial integrity. "Our territorial integrity is inviolable. Our lands have been under occupation for many years. We are and will be trying to resolve the problem through negotiations. But the talks have lasted for 15 years since the cease-fire and are not yielding any fruit. In such a situation we have to count on the strength of our army," Aliyev said. The head of state added that "there are armed units in Azerbaijan capable of carrying out any task and, if necessary, we can resort to military force to restore our territorial integrity. This is our sovereign right. International law is also on our side. I have no doubt that our territorial integrity will be restored. This injustice will end."

Aliyev reiterated that our military strength has been achieved largely due to our economic potential which is "developing successfully, even in the months of crisis. This year our total state budget is at a level of $16 billion. Azerbaijan has achieved all this on its own. Unlike others, we do not depend on foreign states for aid and do not provide for our needs with donations from foreign countries." Aliyev concluded his speech by saying, "The war is not over yet, only the first stage. And we have to be prepared at all times to free our lands from the enemy by force."

Ilham Aliyev's statement should be seen as a message not only to the people of Azerbaijan, but also to those who are trying its patience. Armenia, which has occupied a fifth of our country, and the world's superpowers, first of all those co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group which, over the years of alleged peace-making activity, have failed to take effective measures to subdue the aggression, have to understand that Azerbaijan has no intention of forever putting up with aggression. We have sufficient human, intellectual, economic and certainly military potential, as was clearly demonstrated in the exercises. In other words, our support for the peace process is not boundless. If there is no progress at the end of peace talks, we will be left with no other option but to set out upon a war of liberation to restore historical justice to our lands. The means of preventing aggression and occupation is provided for by international law, the UN Charter, all resolutions and documents of different international organizations pertaining to the conflict and stipulating Armenia's withdrawal from occupied Azerbaijani territories and the restoration of our country's territorial integrity.

It is worthy of note that Aliyev's statements were made against the backdrop of preparations for a meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents, which was agreed by foreign ministers Elmar Mammad-yarov and Eduard Nalbandyan in Paris. The meeting of the two ministers was quite productive and this provides realistic opportunities for the development of the so-called basic settlement principles this year. The results of the Paris meeting were unanimously approved not only by mediators but also by the parties to the conflict. The new talks between the two presidents may be held in Moscow in July. The positive repercussions of the ministers' meeting indicate that Armenia has at least given a hint of long-sought concessions. The much quoted statement by the US co-chairman, Mathew Bryza, that the parties are trying "to provide Nagornyy Karabakh with the right to self-determination through a nationwide vote, but within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan" is also significant. It appears that Armenia is facing palpable international pressure and this is making it reckon with the only possible solution - the cessation of occupation and the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Even retired Russian co-chairman, Vladimir Kazimirov, who occasionally reminds us of himself by his clearly pro-Armenian statements, has begun urging Yerevan to be more flexible in the talks and to "begin preparing the public for the eventuality that certain concessions will have to be made".

One thing is clear: the interests of the peace process require the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from all occupied Azerbaijani districts. Otherwise, a peaceful settlement will have to be forgotten. If Armenia does not display an intention to quit its policy of occupation, further talks will be pointless. However, the world's superpowers, who continue to express interest in a peaceful and stable South Caucasus, have the opportunity to prove their aspirations and prevent the resumption of hostilities in Karabakh. To do that, they need to engage all levers to make Armenia vacate the territories seized. Otherwise, Azerbaijan will do it itself, using its military power.