Azeri army capable of liberating occupied territories

"Azerbaijan has a strong army capable of defending national independence", President Aliyev told an official reception dedicated to June 26, the Day of the Armed Forces. He then urged military commanders to step up their effort toward further improving discipline in the army.

The head of state also pointed out to the drawbacks in the Defense Ministry and a number of military units, saying that some conscription commissariats are corrupt. Cases of abuse of power and drafting the unfit to the army are rife, he said and demanded to put an end to this.

Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said in his address that the army is very well prepared to fulfill any task of the commander-in-chief.

He then spoke of the road the army has covered, of its current international contacts and cooperation within the framework of NATO's "Partnership for Peace" program.

The official ceremony was followed by a musical performance.