Head of the Centre for Military Studies "Doctrine" , Jasur Sumerinli, in an interview with "Objective TV" commented the results of the visit of NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, to Azerbaijan.
According to him, Rasmussen outlined the purpose of the visit during a speech to the students of the Diplomatic Academy (ADA).
"He sent a clear messages on regional security and Azerbaijan. In particular, he said that NATO wants complete the settlement of regional conflicts, the reforms in the armed forces of Azerbaijan, the reforms in the field of elections and media freedom," said Sumerinli.
However, he pointed out that earlier NATO focus more on the reforms in the armed forces, and now it calls for political reforms, including such non-military areas as elections, freedom of the media and fight against corruption.
"I believes that messages of Rasmussen will play a major role in future relations between Azerbaijan and NATO," said the expert.
In his view, the results of seven years of collaboration within IPAP (Operational Plan Individual Partnership) does not have much success.
"The National Army conducted some structural reforms on the level of middle management.
The changes were made also in the Air Forces and the Navy, but these reforms are not enough. They had little impact on internal processes to strengthen social welfare of personnel.
At the same time, necessary changes have been made in the law , but no measures were taken to strengthen discipline, there were not structural reforms at the highest level of the armed forces. We expected that in the course of the reforms the Defense Ministry will be separated from the General Staff and the Defense Minister will be a civilian. Unfortunately, it did not happen, " said Sumerinli.
However, the expert considers necessary NATO’s intervention in the settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus.
Otherwise, this will continue, and Russia’s position will gradually increase and help to maintain the tension in the region.
"That is why NATO should be actively involved in the settlement of processes and demonstrate in the Karabakh conflict as a clear position as in the occupation of Georgia. NATO should recognize the fact of occupation of Azerbaijani territories, " said Sumerinli.—03C06-
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