Assa-Irada,
17, April 2008

The United States is ready to provide assistance to Azerbaijan for further defense reform, a senior US official has said on a visit to Baku.

General Harry Wyatt, commander of the Oklahoma National Guard, said reforms in the field have been stepped up compared to previous years but much work remains to be done. The U.S. and Azerbaijan are holding military consultations in a number of areas. Bringing the army into compliance with NATO standards, bilateral planning, technical assistance and increasing Caspian security are among the priority issues.

Gen. Wyatt said meeting NATO standards was not confined to raising the level of the national army. Military equipment, the conduct of advanced training and ensuring high-level skills in the military are pivotal as well.

"We have been informed that Azerbaijan is expected to increase its military budget. This is happening because of economic growth and rising per capita income. But no country, and the U.S. is no exception, possesses endless resources. Therefore, allocations in other fields such as education, healthcare and the social sector should be made.

"Does Azerbaijan indeed require $2 billion for its military? Azerbaijan should answer this question itself," Wyatt said.

Touching on the recent recall of Azerbaijani peacekeepers from Kosovo, the US official said: "They were successfully serving there. Furthermore, we will be anticipating a decision to double Azerbaijan's force in Afghanistan."

The fifth round of US-Azeri consultations started on Wednesday. The sides are discussing the strategy for military cooperation for the next three to five years.