The visiting defense secretary of the United States Donald Ramsfeld and defense minister of Azerbaijan Safar Abiyev held a news conference at the President Palace on 3 December.

The defense ministers made Statement.

STATEMENT OF US DEFENSE SECRETARY DONALD RAMSFELD

- I am pleased with my visit to Baku. It is my second visit to Azerbaijan as defense secretary of the United States.

I have met with Mr. Safar Abiyev in Brussels, and a few times ago we had again met. We just participated at the meeting with Mr. President Ilham Aliyev. On behalf of President Bush and the people of America, I express my gratitude to Azerbaijan for support in combat against global terrorism. We discussed the issue of partnership in the frame NATO PfP Program. It is important for both NATO and Azerbaijan.

We, also discussed the issue of bilateral military co-op, strengthening of borders in the Caspian. We are to strengthen and broaden this cooperation in the years ahead.

STATEMENT OF DEFENSE MINISTER OF AZERBAIJAN SAFAR ABIYEV

- Dear ladies and gentlemen,

A delegation led by the United States defense secretary Mr. Donald Ramsfeld is visiting Azerbaijan. A few times ago, we met and exchanged views on the issues of regional security, cooperation in defense, combat against global terrorism, security of the oil-gas pipelines, and development of the US-Azerbaijan cooperation. We reached an agreement to work out a common approach in estimation of risks and threats, as priorities in our cooperation, as well as condemned international terrorism and aggressive separatism, and in the whole, stressed the necessity of joint efforts in combat against such forms of threats for humanity.

It was also noted that the ongoing tension in the South Caucasus, occupation by Armenia of the Azerbaijani territories, impunity and arbitrariness at the occupied lands, as well as support of some states for the aggressor to accelerate its military potential hampers settlement of the conflict. This causes new threats for Azerbaijan and other countries. The problems Azerbaijan faces should be settled jointly with the countries, which have interests in the Caucasus.

During the meeting, we updated each other on the changes in our Armed Forces. It was noted that cooperation and strategic partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan responds the interests of both sides. Development of further close cooperation between our armed forces would make great contributions to the cause of strengthening of peace and stability.

Then, the defense ministers answered media representatives.

Q. Mr. Ramsfeld, Washington conducts discussions on basing of the US military forces in some parts of the world. Is it planning basing of these forces in Azerbaijan? Did you discuss this issue in Baku?

Donald Ramsfeld: I would answer this question so. I have had discussions related to this issue in the last two years. This concept has not found its final solution. The core of the concept is that instead of large forces we intend to base rapid forces. This will promote resolution of the questions we have put forward in the XX century. In contrast to permanent billeting, these forces can implement their tasks rapidly. Currently we are having consultations with our partners in coalition and allies. Though there is a statement on launch of this process, there it is too early to speak of any results.

Q. How do you assess the Presidential elections in Azerbaijan? Can these conclusions have influence on military cooperation between the two countries?

Donald Ramsfeld: As you know, we have both military and socio-economic relations with Azerbaijan. Perhaps, we are to continue this cooperation with the new leadership of this country.

Q. Mr. Ramsfeld, it has been for many years that Armenia has occupied Nagorno Karabakh and ignores the UN resolutions. Can we expect activation of our ally against the separatist regime?

Donald Ramsfeld: Your question, likely, should be addressed to the Department of State. As to me, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are engaged in this issue and occasionally discuss it. I should better answer the question in that frame. As known, the co-chairs should be in Baku late this year.

Q. My first question is to Mr. Abiyev. Could you say, how serious are your intentions to bring the American armed forces here and what is your position in regard with billeting of the American military bases Azerbaijan? The second question is to Mr. Ramsfeld. You told that the United States intends to cooperate in the issue of safeguarding marine borders in the Caspian. What does this cooperation mean?

Safar Abiyev: I would like to say that defense ministry of Azerbaijan is working on this item. And, of course, to make decision is not within our powers. May be the government of Azerbaijan will consider this issue. Nothing can be told on conclusions yet.

Donald Ramsfeld: In the issue of cooperation in the Caspian and safeguarding of marine borders, as well as protection of the energy projects from possible terror attacks, we shall continue our cooperation with the Azerbaijani side. Our support would increase the ability of safeguarding of the borders of Azerbaijan. We shall also render assistance in combat against illegal drug circulation. The issue was discussed in Baku shortly.

Q. How does the United States regard expansion of military cooperation between Russia and Armenia?

Donald Ramsfeld: I would reiterate that this question concerns the Department of State. On the other hand, Russia is one of the Minsk Group co-chairs. Perhaps, the US ambassador to Baku often faces these questions. The only thing I would note is that the United States recognizes territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and respects it.

Q. How do you estimate perspectives of the Russian bases in Georgia on the new ground of realities? Will there be held consultations with Russia and Georgia in this regard?

Donald Ramsfeld: It is one of those questions that we have discussed it earlier and at present. As other countries, we also adhere the position that stability should be established in Georgia.

Q. Dear Minister, you are welcome to Azerbaijan, a friendly and fraternal country for Turkey, too. Turkey is one of the leading allies of US. How do you assess the last terror attacks in Istanbul? After this event, the European countries have announced Turkey as dangerous state. Does the United States share this assessment?

Donald Ramsfeld: Terror acts can take place in any country and any time. To defend from it is truly difficult. Turkey, from this standpoint, is not ruled out and the innocent people there can undergo terror, too. Turkey is our partner in NATO and an important ally in combat against global terrorism. We also deeply grieve on death of the victims as the result of terror acts in Turkey. We hope that the news on imprisonment of the criminals is right.