06 12 04 - WAYNE MARY: ARMENIA HAS ARMY, AZERBAIJAN ONLY HAS ARMED FORCES

By Petros Keshishian-AZG Armenian Daily ,02/12/2006
Nagorno Karabakh conflict can have no military settlement, US foreign policy and military expert Wayne Mary stated in a speech delivered at John Hopkins University in Washington. "The military option of Nagorno Karabakh regulation has been openly discussed in Azerbaijan recently. But in that case Azerbaijan cannot succeed.
Nagorno Karabakh is an impregnable fortress in itself that is even more reinforced by the Armenian military detachments. Even the US army will face difficulties in attacking it," Mary said. In expert's words, this is a dominating opinion in the Pentagon.
"The Armenian detachments leave the enemy behind in respect to their battle-worthiness. It's no secret that the Armenians have an army whereas Azerbaijan has only armed forces. In case of a new war,Azerbaijan will be forced to lean on its human resources whereas Armenia can count on the superiority of its weaponry," Mary said adding that in case of a new stage of hostilities it will suffice for Armenia to only defend Karabakh but Azerbaijan will have to occupy its whole territory, which is impossible in fact. She pointed out that by using war rhetoric Baku poses danger to OSCE Minsk Group's commitment not allow another bloodshed.
"For the regulation of Karabakh issue the Armenian side has to get Karabakh and control Lachin corridor.
The other territories surrounding Nagorno Karabakh that serve as buffer zone should be handed over to Azerbaijan," Wayne Mary stated.

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