Azerbaijani peacekeepers to be recruited voluntarily

Personnel of peacekeeping units of Azerbaijan will be recruited voluntarily as soon as the law on participation of Azerbaijan Republic in peacekeeping missions abroad is adopted, member of the Azerbaijani parliament’s security and defense committee Zahid Oruj said.

He said the peacekeeping units would be formed from the staff members of the Border Troops, Internal Troops, as well as the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

They will pass different selective rounds and then will be sent abroad.

The Defense Ministry will make annual report to the parliament about the peacekeeping mission.

Oruj said the law would determine the format and nature of peacekeeping missions where the Azerbaijanis would serve.

“According to the law, the serviceman can not join the operations as a party. He can participate in the security of facilities, infrastructure and providing of public security under the aegis of international organizations," Oruj added.

The lawmaker said during the committee hearing he raised the issue of giving status of veteran to the peacekeepers who have participated in the international operations and status of war victim to those, who die during the service.

“My proposal was welcomed by Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Chingiz Mammadov and was submitted to the lawmaking group. If the proposal is accepted, the soldiers who have served in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan will also receive the status of veteran”.

/APA/