BAKU DENIES RUMOR ON TALKS ON PLACING US MILITARY BASES IN AZERBAIJANDecember 3, 2003 - 19:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Official Baku has not held any talks with US representatives on placing American military bases in the territory of Azerbaijan. Such official statement, as reported by "Day.Az," was made after in the light of the visit of defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld to Baku, commencing today, Azeri media published information on the contrary. Nevertheless, Azeri government representatives noted they did not rule out opportunity of military cooperation between the two countries. Meanwhile, as a source in the Azeri defense ministry told "Echo" Baku newspaper, "one of the issues D. Rumsfeld will discuss with the leadership of Azerbaijan, will be the topic of reconnoitering the locality, where Americans would like to have a point to base their servicemen in the prospect." According to the source, military airdromes of the former USSR, situated in Kyurdamir, Gala and Haji settlements are meant. 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 | Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. |