 | World's most popular air show in Baku |
1000 Nato troops to hold military exercise in Baku By Emil Bagirov & Saba Agayeva Azernews Staff Writers
The "Turkish stars" squadron of the Turkish Air Force comprising 10 F-5 fighters is going to put up a paramount show in the skies of Baku on three consecutive days starting August 23.
Turkish Air Force Colonel Mehmet Kutlu, organizer of the flights, and Lieutenant Colonel Mehmet Aydogmush told a news conference at Europe Hotel of Baku Monday that the squadron established in 1992 conducted its first official demonstration in 1994. Since then it has staged performances in various parts of the world and is one of the world's most popular air shows. "Turkish stars" include 12 pilots and 4 junior officers. The show lasts 30 minutes and consists of 24 acrobatic movements.
After arriving in Baku on August 22, on the following day the squadron will fly above the city, on August 24 at 6 p.m. above "Azadlig" square and on August 25 above Zykh settlement of Baku. 7 fighters will be involved, with 3 others in the reserve.
Asked whether there is any connection of the "Turkish stars" show with Iran's recent intrusions into Azerbaijan's airspace, Mr. Kutlu said it had nothing to do with that, that it was a planned measure, which was scheduled last year.
The August 24 demonstration will end with a concert being organized by the Mayor's office of Baku. The event will be attended by President Aliyev and Turkey's Air Force Chief of Staff Hussein Kyvrikoglu, who will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan.
The presence of Turkish fighters in Baku has stirred harsh feelings in Tehran, as Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, in his speech in Iranian parliament, described the actions of the Turkish authorities as provocative.
The diplomat went on to say that Iran stands for demilitarization of the region. The statement comes shortly after Iran itself threatened an Azeri research vessel with the use of force last month and forced it to abandon the Alov-Araz-Sharg oilfield under gunpoint.
Iran News daily has described the presence of Turkish military aircraft in Baku as crude interference of Turkey with the affairs of neighboring countries. The paper recalls of Turkish-Israeli relations, saying Turkey could not have made the step if it had not been inspired by its allies - Israel and USA.
According to an MOD source, a military exercise "Cooperative Determination-2001" as part of Nato's "Partnership for Peace" program is scheduled in Baku in late November. Defense Ministry spokesman Ramiz Malikov has said the first Nato training in South Caucasus will be joined by 1,000 troops from Nato partner countries.
Iran cannot but feel the growing Nato influence in the region. And what is being scheduled for this fall may further inflame the existing tensions in bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, the West is making no secret of its interest in the Caucasus region. "US Defense Secretary is known to be personally interested in the South Caucasus and US-Azeri military cooperation", says Geoffrey Starr, Deputy Defense Secretary and co-chairman of the US-Azeri working group for cooperation in the defense and military areas.
The US Defense Department is currently working hard on how the US Government can assist regional countries and private companies in ensuring the security of the regional pipeline infrastructure.
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© 1998-2003 Azernews. All Rights Reserved.
Issue No.N34 (216), 2001
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