Ilham Aliyev: "I think the military expenses of Azerbaijan should reach $2,000,000,000 this year"

The due announcement was made by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at a session of the government on results of socioeconomic development in the first quarter of this year, according to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

"Our expenses on defense have risen from $150,000,000 up to $1,300,000,000 within the last 4-5 years", said I.Aliyev, whose speech was transmitted by the national television.

The head of state note that such a rise in expenses is connected with the overall rise in state budget.

"In a number of cases, some international organizations try to criticize us, saying that armament process is going on in Azerbaijan and military expenses are growing.They should know that the military budget of Azerbaijan has risen by 10 through 14 years", the head of state noted.

Ilham Aliyev announced that the military expenses of Azerbaijan will be raised in the result of review of budget parameters for 2008.

"The rise in military budget should not be taken from the overall context. We should not forget our being in state of war. I think we should raise the military expenses. Though $1,300,000,000 is a great amount. The calculations are held now and I think military expenses should reach $2,000,000,000 this year", the head of state said.

He noted that the country's leadership should take special attention to raising the defense potential of Azerbaijan.