26 January 2005, 23:58
Probability of hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia under discussion
"Azerbaijan's military expenditure increased by 12% in 2003, by 20% in 2004, and the unexampled increase in military expenditure by $245 million (36%) is planned for 2005. The increase in defense expenditure in the country shows that Azerbaijan does not rule out that the Karabakh problem can be resolved by force," reads a report published by the Azerbaijan analytical center Sel.
Military expert Uzeir Dzhafarov claims that Azerbaijan can establish superiority over Armenia if military operations begin today. However the existence of regional interests and projects in the South Caucasus will not allow the resumption of hostilities, the military expert believes.
Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent
