Azernews.Az

The provision had been included in the document on the initiative of Iran and Russia. The measure could be seen as a response to allegations that the United States could launch hostilities over its nuclear row with Iran.
Khalafov said it was wrong to assume the measure targeted third states and that all heads of state made it clear in their statements that the Caspian should be used strictly for peaceful ends.
"Therefore, developing relations among countries and strengthening reciprocal trust is pivotal to bolster peace and stability in the Caspian region. It is for this reason that this provision was included," Khalafov told a news conference Friday.
He said the move was essential and in full compliance with Azerbaijan's foreign policy, as the country has chosen the path of maintaining friendly relations, living in peace with its neighbors and honoring the sovereignty of nations.
"Neither Azerbaijan nor other Caspian Sea nations would allow the use of their territory for an aggression on any of them. Such commitments have been reflected in our bilateral agreements as well," Khalafov concluded.
The five littoral states that co-signed the declaration in conclusion of their second summit - Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - indicated that "under no circumstances will they allow (the use of their) territories by third countries to launch aggression or other military action against any of the member states".
Western nations accuse Iran of seeking atomic weapons, a charge Tehran denies, saying its atomic program is entirely peaceful and it wants only to generate electricity to sell more oil and gas. Washington has refused to rule out military action if diplomacy fails to bring stand-off to an end.
Khalafov went on to say that Baku was not in favor of military cooperation in the Caspian region, as littoral states should use the basin solely for peaceful purposes.
"The reality is that there are military forces in the Caspian.… We do not support the prospect of military cooperation here, on the contrary, we back ensuring security in the Caspian Sea.
"Discussions on complex security issues in the Caspian will be continued, and these efforts will be coordinated by Azerbaijan," Khalafov said.
He added that agreement to that end was reached at the Tehran summit. "We will now work to combine all related proposals and make specific suggestions for further discussion by the sides."