NO SEPARATE STATEMENT MADE BY AZERBAIJAN
To make things clear, AzerTAj reporter has referred to chief of the Foreign Ministry’s press office Metin Mirza. The latter in particular said:
Under the item 16, article 95 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic, the Milli Majlis considered on 7 May 2003 the President’s submission on sending the Azerbaijani servicemen to Iraq, and adopted a positive decision. In complete conformity with the UN SC resolution No 1546 of 8 June 2004, and at the request of the Iraqi government, 150 Azerbaijani militaries are serving today in Iraq as a part of the Multinational forces.
Because of the increase in frequency of terror acts and hostage-takings in Iraq, the Coalition members decided to make a joint statement. The text of the statement was agreed with the leaderships of the Multinational forces members including Azerbaijan, and disseminated on August 5. We are underlining that no a separate statement was made by Azerbaijan. Confirming the resoluteness of the Coalition members to help the Iraqi people build united, sovereign and peaceful Iraq, the statement condemns terrorism and emphasizes that the members of the Multinational forces will not make any compromise with terrorists or retreat before their threats.
The statement, therefore, completely corresponds to the Azerbaijan’s policy towards Iraq and international terrorism. The statement does not contain any new aspects related to staying, increase in number or change of status of the Azerbaijani military contingent in Iraq.
It shall be reminded that the Azerbaijani servicemen had been send to Iraq on voluntary basis, and that both soldiers on active duty and extended servicemen are among them. The Azerbaijan Defense Ministry keeps in constant touch with its military contingent in Iraq, and is well informed on the situation.
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