SERGE SARGSIAN: IN 2005 WE ARE READY TO PAY FOR ARMAMENTS NO LESS THAN AZERBAIJAN DOES

In 2005 we are ready to pay for armaments no less than Azerbaijan does. We have heard of Azerbaijan’s intentions to solve its problems with a grand military budget for already 10 years and will probably hear within the next 10 years as well”, Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsian stated during today’s meeting with Armenian writers held in one of the military unit dislocated in the town of Armavir. The armament and efficiency of the army are inseparable and are capital-intensive, he noted and added that modernization of the armament, what demand less expenses, is under way presently. When commenting on the mutual concessions to be possibly made by Armenia and Azerbaijan, Serge Sargsian noted, “Some speak of inadmissibility of concessions but we should determine our position and decide where to lead our people and whether we want a new or eternal war.” Eternal war is a variant, he said and added that if the Armenian people chooses such position he will support them. “I am not obliged to listen one or two persons who have the right to express their opinion but are blear-eyed”, he stated. At that Serge Sargsian noted that he does hold the opinion that the statements on compromises are statements of defeatism.