Baku may agree to install Russian and American ABM system on its territoryMay 30, 2009 - 15:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Russia and the U.S. have had a long dispute, starting from the Munich speech of Vladimir Putin, when he strictly criticized Washington's plans related to placement of their antiballistic missile systems (AMB) in Poland and Check Republic. The U.S. justifies the placement of ABM systems by the danger, coming from Iran, while the Russians regard them targeted against Russia. Therefore they want those rockets and ABM systems be placed in Azerbaijan, rather than in immediate neighborhood of Russia's European part," Azerbaijani political scientist Vafa Guluzade said, commenting the statements made by the Russian diplomat Alexander Sternik in London. The latter said, that if the Americans really are so afraid of Iran, then they can install their rockets and ABM systems in Azerbaijan, frontier to Iran. According to Vafa Guluzade, the U.S. will not place their rockets and ABM in Azerbaijan. "Russia is really represents danger for them, and they are eager to control it. However, if Washington and Moscow reach agreement over the ABM placement in Azerbaijan, then without Baku's participation those issues would not be settled. The U.S. and Russia before agreeing, first must receive permission from Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, we must weigh all the pros and cons of such a proposal from Washington and Moscow. Taking into account the aggressive behavior of Teheran in the region, I think Baku could accept their offer. Anyway, I repeat, without permission of Azerbaijan's leadership, neither the U.S. nor Russia are eligible to make such statements on behalf of our name. I think, prior making such statements the Russian diplomat needed to ascertain, if Azerbaijan wanted to install the American rockets and ABM on its territory", said Vafa Guluzade, 1news.az reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |