Social

Home page

Social

Azerbaijan determines internal and external factors threatening maritime security

12 September 2013 09:32 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that Maritime Security Strategy confirmed on September 11 covers 9 external and 8 internal threats to maritime security.

The main external threats are increase of naval capabilities of the Caspian states, change of the balance of forces and combat capabilities not in favor of Azerbaijan, any potential external interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs, limited access and use of its natural resources and maritime communication lines, unauthorized use of natural resources in Azerbaijan's territorial waters in the Caspian Sea, illegal distribution of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, their components and means of their transportation, modern military technologies in the context of the military-political ambitions of various countries, activities of terrorist organizations, pirates and other criminal groups, unilateral violation of international treaties and agreements on the illegal distribution of weapons by neighboring states.

Recently growing threats against Azerbaijan such as maritime territorial claims, interstate conflicts, combat operations at sea and possibility of their escalation, violation of Azerbaijan’s maritime border regime, escalation of sea-border disputes are considered as the main external threats.

The main internal threats include illegal spread and transportation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, their components, modern military technology in the sea, the activities of terrorist organizations, pirates and other criminal groups, illegal shipments, smuggling and human trafficking through the sea, pollution of the marine environment from the land, vehicles and offshore installations, threats arising from disasters (natural, industrial and environmental), natural disasters (quake and other seismic events, storms or other meteorological hazards), man-made accidents (accidents and disasters in passenger or commercial shipping spheres).

Against the background of growing threats, the Strategy reflects the protection of territorial integrity, combat terrorism for ensuring maritime security, taking of necessary measures to maintain the military balance in the sea, protection of energy infrastructure, protection of sea borders and implementation of border control, protection of ports infrastructure, conducting of anti-mine activities, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue activities, conducting of above-water and underwater observation and other issues.

According to the document, the Maritime Security Strategy indicates Azerbaijan’s readiness to conduct joint and agreed activities together with the Caspian littoral states against maritime threats. Baku supports determination of the legal status of the Caspian Sea complying with international legal norms, international maritime norms and principles and respecting the positions and interests of the all Caspian littoral states.