Domestic

Domestic

US to render considerable assistance to Azerbaijan in 2007

09 February 2007 16:59 (UTC +04:00)

The US will allocate more funds to Azerbaijan, including financing of military programs. According to the source, these aids will not concern the Caspian Sea security project (CMSP), Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) between NATO and Azerbaijan, protection of borders and etc.
In addition to that, the US plans to render considerable assistance to Azerbaijan in 2007 for ensuring security of energy projects and also for fighting against terrorism threats. According to the military source, the technical assistance will cover Azerbaijani Naval Forces, Air Forces, Border Troops, Special State Security Service and other military bodies. These aids will comprise provision of military bodies with new radio communication equipment, helicopters, motor-launches as well as giving training.
The US Embassy public affairs officer Jonathan Henick told the APA the Congress confirms the sum of military aids. So, the sum can be changed during the discussions at the Congress.
â€œ$4.3 million is not a general military assistance of the United States to Azerbaijan but for implementation of certain programs. General assistance is much more,â€? Mr. Henick said confirming the reports on increase of the US financial assistances.
The public affairs officer also said Azerbaijani Army officers will join language and various military courses in the US in the framework of the Military Education and Training Program.
US President has recently submitted offers to the Congress which suggest allocation of $4.3 million to Azerbaijan and $3 million to Armenia in 2008. In addition to that, $300,000 will be allocated to Armenia and $1 million to Azerbaijan for military training and foreign language courses in the framework of the Military Education and Training Program. /APA/