ANKARA - ''Armenia's policy about Azerbaijan and Turkey is extremely dangerous. If Armenia does not give up its policy, Turkey should not open its border with Armenia, and Azerbaijan will be ready anytime to take its occupied territories from Armenia'' said Defense Minister Sefer Abiyev of Azerbaijan on Tuesday. Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul met today Abiyev who is in Turkey for an official visit.
Speaking at the meeting, Gonul said, ''Turkey was the first country that recognized Azerbaijan's independence. Turkey and Azerbaijan have been acting in full harmony in international fora such as the Council of Europe and the NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP). There have been perfect military relations between our countries. Nearly 3,000 Azerbaijani military personnel were trained in Turkey.''
Meanwhile, Abiyev recalled that a part of Azerbaijani territories had been under occupation of Armenian armed forces.
''Despite four decisions taken by the United Nations in 1992 and 1993, Armenia has not yet withdrawn from our territories. Azerbaijan must have a powerful army to take its territories back. Therefore, we attribute great importance to strengthening and modernization of our army,'' he said.
(UK-ULG) 05.10.2004