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ALIYEV SHOWS S-300 MISSILES TO WHOM?
Azadliq, Azerbaijan
Oct 6 2013
Experts say the move is calculated for the election: 'The goal is
just to make a show'
Recently a military unit of the Azerbaijani Air Force's Air Defence
Force demonstrated the S300 PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile
complexes which this unit has, parliamentarians and journalists were
briefed on the anti-aircraft missile complexes' tactical and technical
indicators. They could also watch the missile complexes being brought
into a ready position.
Usually such steps, that is the flexing of muscles, take place after
similar steps by Armenia or military exercises, or if the topic of war
surfaces, as well as during events related to the army and military
parades when Azerbaijan displays the weapons it possesses. At this
juncture there was no need for this. Armenia has not demonstrated its
weapons and the talk of war is not on the agenda. With several days
left to the election what is the purpose of demonstrating the S300
PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile complexes meant for defensive
purposes in Azerbaijan?
Experts say that this step was calculated for the election. Although
only several days remain to the vote, the Azerbaijani authorities have
failed to take serious steps to wage a meaningful campaign for the
people. Pensions and salaries remain low, while the country continues
to lead the world in terms of the corruption level. But something must
be shown to the people and [incumbent and presidential candidate]
Ilham Aliyev decided to show the people weapons. The weapons that
will never have to be used by Azerbaijan, because these missiles
are not offensive, but defensive weapons. One cannot take Karabakh
with these missiles. The S300 PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile
complexes are meant to prevent an attack from another country. It is
very likely that Azerbaijan will never have to use them because our
neighbours, including Armenia, do not possess weapons these missiles
are meant to protect from. Only Russia has offensive missiles and
yet it does not seem feasible that Russia will first sell defensive
weapons to Azerbaijan and then attack it. In this sense it seems not
normal that the authorities demonstrate the defensive missiles in
the current situation.
According to experts, the goal here is just to make a show. The
government wishes to show thus its power, strength and weapons. This
is a very meaningless show because one does not go to the election
with weapons, but with a strong economy, major successes, prosperity
of the population and a good ranking in the happiness index.
Azerbaijan has neither of these. Therefore, the demonstration of
missiles is a very unsuccessful and ill-thought step. The people will
greet these with sneers and this will work against Ilham Aliyev in
the election campaign, especially in the voting process.
[translated from Azeri]
Azadliq, Azerbaijan
Oct 6 2013
Experts say the move is calculated for the election: 'The goal is
just to make a show'
Recently a military unit of the Azerbaijani Air Force's Air Defence
Force demonstrated the S300 PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile
complexes which this unit has, parliamentarians and journalists were
briefed on the anti-aircraft missile complexes' tactical and technical
indicators. They could also watch the missile complexes being brought
into a ready position.
Usually such steps, that is the flexing of muscles, take place after
similar steps by Armenia or military exercises, or if the topic of war
surfaces, as well as during events related to the army and military
parades when Azerbaijan displays the weapons it possesses. At this
juncture there was no need for this. Armenia has not demonstrated its
weapons and the talk of war is not on the agenda. With several days
left to the election what is the purpose of demonstrating the S300
PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile complexes meant for defensive
purposes in Azerbaijan?
Experts say that this step was calculated for the election. Although
only several days remain to the vote, the Azerbaijani authorities have
failed to take serious steps to wage a meaningful campaign for the
people. Pensions and salaries remain low, while the country continues
to lead the world in terms of the corruption level. But something must
be shown to the people and [incumbent and presidential candidate]
Ilham Aliyev decided to show the people weapons. The weapons that
will never have to be used by Azerbaijan, because these missiles
are not offensive, but defensive weapons. One cannot take Karabakh
with these missiles. The S300 PMU-2 (Favorit) anti-aircraft missile
complexes are meant to prevent an attack from another country. It is
very likely that Azerbaijan will never have to use them because our
neighbours, including Armenia, do not possess weapons these missiles
are meant to protect from. Only Russia has offensive missiles and
yet it does not seem feasible that Russia will first sell defensive
weapons to Azerbaijan and then attack it. In this sense it seems not
normal that the authorities demonstrate the defensive missiles in
the current situation.
According to experts, the goal here is just to make a show. The
government wishes to show thus its power, strength and weapons. This
is a very meaningless show because one does not go to the election
with weapons, but with a strong economy, major successes, prosperity
of the population and a good ranking in the happiness index.
Azerbaijan has neither of these. Therefore, the demonstration of
missiles is a very unsuccessful and ill-thought step. The people will
greet these with sneers and this will work against Ilham Aliyev in
the election campaign, especially in the voting process.
[translated from Azeri]