'Turkish stars' enrapture bakuvians

Though not intended for retaliation to Iranian intrusion, Turkish fighters seen as "rescuers" from Iranian threat

Pilots of the Turkish Air Force "Turkish Stars" squadron put on an unforgettable 30-minute air show over Baku's "Azadlig" square on Friday. Around a million people from all walks of life in the capital turned the city center into a stagnant gridlock to watch the first arrival of F-5 fighters in Baku.

This was the first time the square had gathered such a huge crowd since Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, as government members, mayor's office representatives, leaders of political parties stood next to housewives and children.

Azernews correspondent was in the hub of the developments. Public sentiments were overwhelming: "Now we feel a lot safer", says a mother of two. Another middle-aged man who introduced himself as a Garabagh refugee said, "Let those threatening our sovereignty see that we are no longer alone".

The Mayor of Baku Hajibala Abutalibov told Azernews, "I am overwhelmed with the feeling of pride and admiration with the skills of "Turkish Stars" pilots. This is another illustration of the fact that we are one nation in two countries". The arrival of Turkish military aircraft in Baku drew heavy fire from Tehran, which demanded Baku to provide explanation. In response, Foreign Minister Guliyev stated that Azerbaijan does not have to explain its actions to any country.

On the following day, an official parade was held outside the Ministry of Defense at 3 p.m. Saturday in honor of the visiting chief of staff of the Turkish armed forces, General Hussein Kyvrikoglu. Attending the ceremony, Azeri defense minister Colonel-General Safar Abiyev said he was satisfied with the development of military and technical cooperation between the two countries.

He said Turkish specialists had been teaching at the Higher Military School since 1997 in accordance with NATO standards and first officers taught under the program were expected to graduate from the school in a ceremony to be attended by teh head of state on Saturday.

According to the minister, Azerbaijan is subject to pressure from neighboring countries, Armenia in particular. The protraction of the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict, continuing occupation of Azeri lands and conversion of Armenia into a weaponry arsenal further intensify the threat of renewed military operations in the region. Nonetheless, President Aliyev has repeatedly stated that Azerbaijan stands for a negotiated settlement to all problems with its neighbors.

President Aliyev congratulated Gen. Kyvrikoglu on being decorated with the "Azerbaijan flag" order.

General Kyvrikoglu said it was his third visit to Azerbaijan and that he was very pleased to see positive changes.

"Today we will attend the graduation ceremony at the Higher Military School. This is evidence to the successful cooperation between our two countries", he said.

General Kyvrikoglu put flowers to the graves of national heroes buried in the Alley of Martyrs on Sunday.

Graduation ceremony

First alumni of the Azerbaijan Higher Military School in the Zykh district of Baku celebrated completion of the 4-year course under the supervision of Turkish specialists as part of the NATO program. The ceremony started with a 20-minute show by the "Turkish Stars" squadron, which left viewers awestruck.

Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said in his remarks that the Azerbaijan Armed Forces are capable of liberating the occupied Azeri territories on an instruction from the Azerbaijan President.

Chief of staff of the Turkish Armed Forces General Kyvrikoglu wished the Azeri officers to follow suit of their Turkish colleagues. He then underscored his country's readiness to continue cooperating with Azerbaijan.

On behalf of the Azerbaijan government and people, President Aliyev expressed his gratefulness to the Turkish President Sezer, prime minister Ecevit and general Kyvrikoglu for the assistance in army construction. He then spoke highly of the skills demonstrated by the "Turkish Stars" pilots. The head of state announced that Azerbaijan is determined to resolve the Garabagh problem in peace. "But Azeri soldiers must be prepared to liberate the occupied Azeri lands. We are a peace-loving country and would like to live in peace with everyone, but we must have a strong army", he said. President Aliyev then said there were drawbacks in the army, which must be eliminated.

Afterwards, the diploma-conferring ceremony was held.