Azerbaijan will try to increase military build-up in the next several years, Deputy Director of the Yerevan-based Caucasus Institute Seregy Minasyan said talking to RFE/RL.

“I am not that confident that resumption of hostilities in the Karabakh conflict zone is realistic at the moment. Azerbaijan’s military rhetoric is an effective instrument to influence domestic audience. Azerbaijani leadership seriously reckoned on so-called “military blackmail” which it considered could play significant role, affect positions of Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and world community,” he said.

According to him, there are no prerequisites for changes in military and political balance in the region. “On the one hand military potential of the sides, from the viewpoint of combat readiness, is nearly equal. On the other hand, world community arrived at consensus on one point regarding Karabakh conflict - not to allow resumption of hostilities in the conflict zone,” Minasyan noted.

According to him, Azerbaijan is expressing readiness to resume hostilities and is trying to develop offensive arms. Armenia, which in fact is satisfied with current situation, is striving to enhance its defensive capability. 

According to report by Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, the country has spent $2.75 bn budget funds for military expenses in 2010, 35% more than in 2009.