Karabakh Won't Join Armenia and Won't Become Independent, Aliyev Assures

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Nagorno Karabakh can be granted the status of wide autonomy but not independence. Karabakh will not join Armenia and will not become an independent structure. Armenians residing there can achieve the high status of autonomy within Azerbaijan," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in an interview with Turkish media. He stressed that the "position of official Baku bases upon international norms while Armenia's stand conflicts with jus cogens." In his words, "Azerbaijan has enough potential to settle problems with Armenia." He also informed of the increase of the military budget. "In 2004 military expenses in Azerbaijan made $170 million, in 2005 - $300 million, in 2006 it will total $600 million. I once said that our military budget must be equal to Armenia's state budget and we will achieve this goal. We must be strong. If we are strong we will settle everything," he said.