The Azeri Embassy in Tbilisi has denied entry visas to 5 Armenian officers, who intend to participate in Cooperative Best Effort – 2004 exercises, which will start within the Partnership for Peace NATO program in Azerbaijan September 13. Embassy officers explained their refusal by “absence of Azerbaijani leaders’ political decision.” It should be reminded that US European Command Deputy Commander Charles Wald stated in Yerevan April 26, “I. Aliyev has personally assured me that the Armenian military can participate in these exercises.” Besides, Wald added, “US Ambassador to the NATO Nicolas Barnes deals with the issue.” It should be noted that being in Baku September 9, Wald discussed the question with Azeri defense minister Safar Abiyev.
ԻմPANը
