Possibilities of Azerbaijani army participation in international operations being studied - Zakir Hasanov
Possibilities of the Azerbaijani army's participation in various operations conducted by the UN and NATO are being studied.
This is stated in the preface by Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov to the "Report on Peacekeeping Operations of the Azerbaijani Army," jointly prepared by the Center of Analysis of International Relations and the Ministry of Defense, Trend's correspondent reports.
"Currently, in order to assist in maintaining international peace, possibilities of the Azerbaijani army's participation in various operations conducted by the UN and NATO are being studied," the minister noted.
According to him, since 1999 to date, more than 3 thousand servicemen of the Azerbaijani army have taken part in peacekeeping operations conducted in various regions of the world.
Z. Hasanov noted that the peacekeeping forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan were established in 1997 on the instructions of national leader Heydar Aliyev. "This historic decision is a vivid example of our country's commitment to peace, international security and stability," he said.
The minister stressed that despite the difficult political and economic situation, the occupation of 20 percent of the country's territory and the presence of about a million refugees and internally displaced persons, Azerbaijan was able to create peacekeeping forces and contribute to ensuring international security.
"The Republic of Azerbaijan, despite all difficulties, having demonstrated its will and determination, has succeeded in creating its own peacekeeping forces to realize the aspiration to contribute to international security. Azerbaijan's first peacekeeping mission was carried out in Kosovo; later, servicemen successfully served in international missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the operations in which our peacekeeping forces participated, they performed such important tasks as guarding facilities of strategic importance, escorting columns with humanitarian aid, ensuring public security, disarming armed groups, evacuating the wounded and others," he noted.
Z. Hasanov added that currently Azerbaijani servicemen continue to contribute to international security as military observers in the UN mission in the Republic of South Sudan.
"Political decisions taken regarding participation in peacekeeping operations, the will demonstrated by our country and the contribution of our peacekeeping forces have further strengthened Azerbaijan's authority in the world as a reliable partner and friend, and also declared it as a peace-loving country," the minister emphasized.
Z. Hasanov noted that as a result of the special attention of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the peacekeeping forces are being equipped with modern weapons and equipment, and programs for special training of personnel are constantly being improved.
