According to experts, in 2005 the GDP level of CIS countries increased by 6%, and military expenses -21%. The total was $28,2 billion. Military expenses are almost three times more than the real growth of GDP. This tendency may go on in 2006 too. According to their preliminary information, the military expenses in CIS countries will go up by almost 30-40%. The reason is the fact that the military forces of CIS countries think that the danger of war is rising day by day. For instance, the military budget of Georgia was increased by three times and has now reached $43,9 million (from 1,2% GDP up to 3,5%). Georgia is the leader out of all the CIS countries. The reason is the fact that this country wants to solve the problems concerning Osya and Abkhazia with the help of military forces. As for Armenia and Azerbaijan, the reason for increasing the military budget is the Karabagh issue. Azerbaijan’s military budget has increased almost twice up to $600 million (from $313 million). As for Armenia, the state has provided $150 million (3% of GDP) of the 2006 state budget, which is the highest mark since the declaration of independence.
