Official news
The Swiss President Pascal Couchepin's first official visit to Azerbaijan is going on successfully, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in a joint briefing with his Swiss counterpart in Baku on 12 May.
Aliyev attributed the results of one-to-one talks and meeting in large with the participation of government delegations as constructive.
The President voiced his satisfaction with the current level of cooperation and noted the importance of further development. "This visit will give a new impetus to bilateral relations," Azerbaijani President stated.
Couchepin was on an official visit to Azerbaijan from 10 May. Official talks were held on 12 May. No document was signed as a result of meetings.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda at the Presidential on 12 May.
During the meeting President Ilham Aliyev appraised Indonesia's fair position on Azerbaijan in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Wirayuda conveyed to the Azerbaijan President an invitation from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The Indonesian foreign minister said that the expansion of political relations, the successful development of bilateral relations in different spheres, as well as good prospects for further consolidation of relations in the economy.
On 13 May the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received at the Presidential Palace the Ambassador of Cuba to Azerbaijan Marti Martines Horhe on the occasion of accomplishment of his diplomatic tenure.
During the meeting they stressed the development of ties between the two countries. The sides discussed the further enhancing of cooperation between the two countries.
On 13 May, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev offered his condolences to the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Khu Tszintao, due to the earthquake in the Country which led to the death of numerous people.
On his and Azeri people's behalf, the President expressed his condolences to the relatives of victims and wished prompt elimination of the consequences of this natural calamity.
On 13 May, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the Speaker of the Russian Parliament Boris Grizlov in the Presidential Palace.
President Aliyev and Boris Grizlov stressed the successful development of relationships between the two countries in different fields and noted that expansion of inter-parliamentary relations will contribute in further deepening of the bilateral relations.
On 14 May, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Director General of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura.
During the talks, they pointed to the high level of Azerbaijan-UNESCO relations and stressed the importance of bilateral meetings.
President Ilham Aliyev and Koichiro Matsuura expressed their confidence that the cooperation between the country and the organization will continue to intensify.
On 14 May Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accepted the credentials of Ukraine's newly appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan Boris Klimchuk.
The Head of State said that the bilateral Ukraine-Azerbaijan relationships are successfully developing in a variety of fields. He wished every success to the ambassador in his further activities. Aliyev expressed hope that ambassador`s diplomatic mission would help develop bilateral ties.
Klimchuk assured President Aliyev that during his tenure he would make every effort to expand cooperation.
On 14 May, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Stats-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin. Grigory Karasin noted the dynamic development of bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing the leadership of the Russian Federation attaches special importance to expansion of bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted successful development of the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia and expressed confident for further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulation message to the participants of the UNESCO Sub-Regional Conference in Support of Global Literacy entitled "Addressing Literacy Challenges in Europe with a sub-regional focus: Building Partnerships and Promoting Innovative Approaches" which commenced in Baku on 14 May.
"As to problems of education of more than one million refugees and IDPs ousted from their homelands as a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, they constantly are in the center of attention. I hope, that the questions connected with their education also will become object of discussion of your Conference," the letter says.
"Your Conference will, certainly, become a serious step directed on increase of the level of literacy in Europe, and also a new stage in the cause of achieving the purposes put forward in the strategic documents of UNESCO, related to education," mentioned by the message.
On 15 May Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Shalom Simhon.
The sides had exchange of opinions on possible perspectives of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, including the agriculture.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev inspected Thursday construction work at the International Mugham Center. The President was joined by first lady Mehriban Aliyeva, UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Princess Firyal of Jordan and ex-President of Iceland Vigdis Finnbogadottir. President Ilham Aliyev viewed the center`s hall and rooms. The construction of the Mugham center was initiated by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and is being carried out with the support from UNESCO. The International Mugham Center`s foundation stone was laid in August 2005 by President Ilham Aliyev, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended a ground breaking ceremony for the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpet and People Applied Arts named after Latif Karimov on Thursday. The Museum, whose construction was initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and is to be carried out with the support of UNESCO, will be built in the shape of a rolled carpet. The design of the building was performed by the Austrian company Hoffmann-Janz. Construction work will be carried out by local company AIKON. The three-storey building of the Museum will cover an area of 18,446 square meters, and contain exhibition hall, carpet weaving and sewing center, library, souvenir and book shop, conference and audio-video presentations room, archive and other facilities. Along with President Ilham Aliyev, present at the ceremony were first lady Mehriban Aliyeva, UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Princess Firyal of Jordan and ex-President of Iceland Vigdis Finnbogadottir. President Ilham Aliyev and UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura spoke to the ceremony.
On 16 May Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Joseph Nye, Professor of the US Harvard University.
Prof Nye said that key objective of his first visit to Azerbaijan is to get familiar with going developments in the country and receive overall information about the country.
The President noted the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States in al spheres. The head of state voiced his confidence that during the visit the professor would got closer familiarization with Azerbaijan.
On 16 May, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Chairman of South Korea's Kolon Company Woong Yeul Lee.
President stressed that the South Korean companies have been running fruitful business in Azerbaijan for many years, adding that it contributes to expansion of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.
He also expressed his hope that the Kolon Company would also start a successful business in Azerbaijan.
Elections Eve
It is planned not to set up pollng staions in the military units of Azerbaijan in line with the ammendments and additions made to the Election Code. "According to changes, the armed forces personnel can vote in the nearby polling station. If there is no polling station near the military unit or if it is difficult to reach polling station, only then the polling stations will be set up in the military units," Safa Mirzayev, the head of administration of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani parliament) said in his exclusive interview with Trend .
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October. A new draft on improving the Election Code has been developed as a result of the discussions between the Azerbaijani government and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and draft of the Bill has already been submitted to the Parliament.
According to previous Election Code, the military personnel could only vote in the military units. The number of the voters was not divulged as it was considered a military secret. The international organizations and Azerbaijani opposition demanded to change the procedure of voting for the military personnel.
"The names of voters from the military units and civil persons will be included in the same list. Polling stations will not be set up in Baku," he said.
According to Mirzayev, the polling stations will be set up in the military units located in the front line.
Those registered as observers will observe vote the military units in line with the other amendment, he said.
Draft changes and supplements to the Elections Code of Azerbaijan, developed by the Azerbaijani Government and the Council of Europe Venice Commission and submitted to the President's Executive Apparat for consideration, do not envisage cut in the term of elections campaign.
"Several MPs proposed to reduce the term of elections campaign. However, the bill submitted by President Ilham Aliyev to the parliament does not imply any change to the term of the elections campaign," Safa Mirzayev, the head of the Administration of the Azerbaijani Parliament, said in an interview with Trend .
In accordance with the existing Elections Code of Azerbaijan, the pre-elections campaign will begin 4 months before the elections. The propaganda period will last for two months.
In connection with the improvements into the Elections Code, some proposals were sounded to cut the elections campaign to two months and the propaganda period to 21 days.
"Some MPs consider that four-month elections campaign is too long period, posing difficulties for candidates, state organization and parties. Therefore, some representatives from the ruling and opposition parties proposed to reduce the term of elections campaign. However, it does not mean the period will be cut," Mirzayev said.
Restrictions have been imposed on canvassing of the presidential candidates on the private TV and radio channels in line with the changes to the Election Code of Azerbaijan.
"According to the changes made into the Election Code, the presidential candidates can carry out their canvassing on the private TV channels and radio stations in line with the Bill on Commercials," Latif Huseynov, the member of Azerbaijan in the Venice Commission, said during the discussions in the Standing Parliament Commission on Judicial Law and Statehood over the draft of changes to the Election Code on 14 May.
The Public Television and Radio (ITV) will continue to allocate free air time to candidates during the presidential, parliamentary and municipality elections in Azerbaijan. "ITV will allocate free air time to the candidates for presidential post in the same framework as it was in the State-run Television and Radio (AzTV)," Safa Mirzoyev, head of the Parliamenatry Administration of Azerbaijan, stated in his exclusive interview to Trend .
"Under the previous version of the Election Code, AzTV used to allocate 6 hours free air time to candidates in a week. Three hours were allocated on TV and three on radio. Furthermore, agitation materials by candidates were also printed in the newspapers, financed by the state".
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October 2008. A new draft on improving the Election Code has been developed as a result of the discussions between the Azerbaijani government and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and draft of the Bill has already been submitted to the Parliament
The new draft imposes ban on propaganda of candidates for presidential, parliamentary and municipality elections on television, radio and newspapers financed by the government. Opposition believes that the project limits the possibility of the opposition camp.
"The rumours that the amendments into the Election Code were directed to limit the possibilities of opposition are not true. The prohibition to propaganda candidates in the presidential, parliamentary and municipality elections on television, radio and newspapers, financed by the government, meet international norms and it covers all the political forces in the country," Mirzoyev stated.
Mirzoyev stated the State-run television is under the state control and the propaganda by candidates via this channel is not right. "Venice Commission also recommended stopping propaganda of candidates on the State-run television as well," Mirzoyev said.
The chairman of the Central Election Committee of Azerbaijan (CEC) has protested against indicating the addresses in the voters' list hung in the polling stations.
"The voters' lists hung in the polling stations do not indicate the address of the citizens in any country of the world. The insistence of international organizations in this regard concerning Azerbaijan is not clear," Mazahir Panahov, the CEC chairman said in the meeting of the Standing Parliament Commission on Judicial Policy and Statehood on 14 May.
The changes and additions have been made into the Election Code of Azerbaijan, as a result of the discussions between Azerbaijan and Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. According to changes, addresses of the citizens should be indicated in the voters' lists hung in the polling stations.
According to the previous Election Code, the voters' lists in the polling stations did not indicate the address of the citizens. Only members of the polling stations had this data.
A new head was appointed to the Information Centre of Central Election Commission (CEC).
According to the information, Ramil Huseynov was appointed as the head of Information Centre of CEC. So far, Igbal Babayev took this position. However, Babayev resigned from his position due to his personal problems.
Huseynav has already taken his office. Moreover, he added that he would undertake all the need measures to improve further functioning of the Centre.
The Parliament of Azerbaijan has rejected the Bill on Changes to the Election Code submitted by the MP group of the oppositional Musavat party. "The Bill developed by the MP group of Musavat party suggests setting up Election Commissions on the equal basis from both government and opposition members. But it is inadmissible," said Ali Huseynov, the chairman of the standing parliament commission on judicial policy and statehood.
The Bill on changes and additions to the Election Code of Azerbaijan submitted by the MP group of the oppositional Musavat party in March 2007 was discussed in the meeting of the standing parliament commission on judicial policy and statehood on 14 May.
The Bill suggested setting up of the Election Commission on the equal basis with both the government and opposition members. According to Bill, the Central Election Commission should include 18 people- 9 from the Government and 9 from the Opposition. The heads of the district election committees and constituencies should also be appointed on equal basis. The other changes are of technical character.
The US National Democratic Institute is concerned about the Azerbaijani court verdict to cancel the registration of the local Election Monitoring Centre (EMC).
"The verdict strikes against the democratic election process, as well as the citizens' right to observe the elections," National Democratic Institute reported on 15 May.
EMC, for the first time, submitted its documents to the Justice Ministry on 14 March 2006. The corresponding bodies from the Ministry refused to register EMC for five times. In February 2008, Centre received the registration. The organization monitored six elections and held trainings for 4,000 observers in Azerbaijan.
On 14 may, the Khatai District Court cancelled the registration of the Election Monitoring Centre (EMC). The Court has approved the lawsuit by the Central Registration Department and Notary Office of Justice Ministry to cancel the EMC registration.
Ministry explained that EMC registration was cancelled because the organization gave no detailed information about the founders, as well as Ministry was not informed about the new address of the organization, and the submitted documents did not include any information about representatives of EMC- located in Azerbaijani eight regions.
"Any action against the local monitoring of elections adds to the concern about the improvement of election process. We hope that justice will be achieved and the Election Monitoring Centre will be permitted to watchdog presidential elections in the country in 2008," the report says.
Mammadli stated he would make a court appeal against this decision.
OSCE Baku Office expresses regrets with regards to 14 May decision of Khatai District Court to cancel registration of the Elections Monitoring Center.
The organization called on to help registration of the public organizations and to give an opportunity to these organizations to improve their faults during registration.
"In democratic system, the powers should recognize and support positive role of civil society. Azerbaijan, as a OSCE participating country, accepted importance of internal observation of the elections and importance of the role that the NGOs may plan in enlightenment of human rights, democracy and supremacy of the law," the Head of OSCE Baku Office, Hose Luis Herrera, said.
The OSCE call on the Government of Azerbaijan to do all depending on the Country to determine the situation so that the Center for election observation can be registered in the nearest future.
Parliament
Date about the facial features, eyes and finger and palm prints will be indicated in new biometrical passports.
The Bill on Biometrical Passports was discussed in the meeting of the Standing Parliament Commissions on Judicial Policy and Statehood and Human Rights.
The new passports will also include the data about the results of the DNA, voice, handwriting, signature and others.
The Bill says that the system of biometrical identification will help to improve national security system, recognition of searched people in the densely populated areas, exchange of data with the international biometrical reserves on migration, and physical examination on the basis of the biometrical data and others.
The projects envisages collecting biometrical data to develop official documents for identifying a person, control over migration and borders, intelligence, counter-espionage, life-saving activities in emergency situations and others.
It was decided to introduce the Bill for the discussion of the Parliament.
The Azerbaijani Parliament is going to discuss the changes and supplements into the Election Code. "Changing and supplementing the Election Code will be discussed at tomorrow's meeting of the Standing Parliamentary Commission on Policy of Law and State building," Azerbaijani Parliament reported to Trend .
The project on changes and supplements into the Election Code were developed by the Azerbaijani government and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. The project was sent from the Presidential Administration to the Parliament. The Standing Parliamentary Commission on Policy of Law and State Construction in its turn has also developed a project on changes and supplements into the Election Code.
The Parliament reported that the commission will discuss both the projects envisaging changes into the Election Code.
According to the supplements and changes made in the Law on Freedom of Assembly, foreign citizens residing in Azerbaijan will be enabled to hold demonstrations in the country. "In a range of European countries foreign citizens still do not have right to hold mass actions. Azerbaijan offering this right to expats leaves Europe behind," Latif Huseynov, Azerbaijan's representative in the Venice Commission of the Council o Europe (CE), said at the joint meeting of the standing parliamentary commission on human rights and standing parliamentary commission on policy of law & state building on 15 May.
The meeting discussed the project on supplements and changes in the Law on Freedom of Assembly.
The Law on Freedom of Assembly was passed in Azerbaijan in 1998. Development of draft supplements and changes commenced in 2005. The Venice Commission positively assessed the supplements and changes offered in December 2007.
The period of Azerbaijan Parliament's spring session will be expended by a month. "Due to the 90th jubilee of Azerbaijan Parliament and existence of several important law drafts which should be adopted, the spring session will conclude not in May, but at the end of June," the Head of Azerbaijan Parliament's Administration, Safa Mirzayev, reported to Trend .
According to the Internal Charter, the spring session of Azerbaijan Parliament should conclude at the end of May. The autumn session begins on 1 October and concludes on 30 December.
Mirzayev said that the 90th anniversary of the Parliament will be marked at State level. "Several measures will be held due to it. Parliamentary delegations from other countries, representatives of the international organizations will arrive in Azerbaijan to attend the events," he said.
Special meeting of Azerbaijan Parliament will take place on 16 June due to the jubilee.
The Bill on Biometric Data was approved by the Azerbaijani parliament during the first reading on 16 May.
Rovshan Rzayev, deputy chairman of the standing parliament commission on judicial policy and statehood, informed of the Bill on Biometric Data.
According to Rzayev, new biometric passports will include data about the features of face, eye, finger and palm prints, DNA data, and the tone of voice, signature and handwriting.
The Bill indicates that the system of the biometric identification will secure improvement of national security system, recognition of searched people, exchange of the biometric reserves on migration and conduct of the medical examination on the basis of the biometric data.
The Bill envisages the collection of biometric data in order to develop official documents for control over migration and borders, espionage, counter-espionage, and life-saving works.
Arzuman Aliyev, Head of the Passports and registration Department of the Interior Ministry of Azerbaijan said that the Bill is very important and stressed the significance of its approval.
Mehdi Najafov, deputy head of the State Population Register Service of the Justice Ministry of Azerbaijan said earlier in his interview with Trend that the new biometrical will be introduced to the population by 2011.
According to Najafov, majority of the world countries have shifted to this system to fight against transnational crime.
Azerbaijani MPs demand to consider the issue on fire kindled by Armenians in the Azerbaijani occupied territories with the international organization representatives and foreign ambassadors.
"The representatives from the UN, OSCE, GUAM and OSCE Minsk group should be invited to take part in the discussions on the issue regarding fire in the Azerbaijani occupied territories and destruction of Azerbaijani historical monuments. A regulation must be adopted as a result of the discussions and it should be submitted to the international organizations," MP Ali Masimli stated on 16 May.
Masimli said that Armenians still continue to kindle fire in the Azerbaijani occupied territories.
MP Aynur Jamalgizi also believes it relevant to consider this issue in the Parliament. "International organizations and foreign countries representatives pay visits to Azerbaijani occupied territories by Armenians. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry must appeal to the member-countries and international organizations to stop visits to Azerbaijani occupied territories," MP said.
Ogtay Asadov, Speaker, stated that Azerbaijan has fulfilled significant work on international organizations level regarding the fire caused by Armenians in the occupied territories. " GUAM, PACE and Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization will evaluate the fire caused by Armenians in the Azerbaijani occupied territories soon," the Speaker said.
Foreign policy
The Strategic Researches Center at the Azerbaijani President held a closed roundtable on " Azerbaijan in the system of regional geopolitical and geo-economic relations", the Centre said on 12 May.
The gathering mulled Azerbaijan's geopolitical role in the context of regional and global processes. Major themes of discussions were crisis situation in the Near East, problems in this region and their impact on the developments in the South Caucasus. Possible ways for solution of these problems were also scrutinized.
There was held broad analytical discussions over regional security amid continuing resistance between world leading powers and huge regional players. The center refused to answer additional questions related to the meeting.
On 12 May, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Indonesia signed in Baku a bilateral agreement on removal of visa regime for citizens of the two countries who hold the diplomatic passports, as well as an agreement on economic and technical cooperation, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry announced.
Hasan Virayuda, the Indonesian Foreign Minister, started his visit to Azerbaijan last weekend. During the visit he held meetings with the Azerbaijani businessmen.
Azerbaijan will donate $0.5mln for the removal of outcomes of the natural calamity in Myanmar.
Last weekend, over 100,000 people died and hundreds of people got injured as a result of Nargis hurricane in Myanmar.
The Azerbaijani Government took a decision to assist the Myanmar Government. The funds will be allocated out of reserve fund of the 2008 public budget.
The funds will be sent to the official organizations of Myanmar.
The President of the Confederation of Switzerland stated that favorable conditions had been created in Azerbaijan for foreign investments and it attracts the foreign capital. "Secure conditions established in Azerbaijan for foreign investments boost the opportunities for Swiss companies," Swiss President Pascal Couchepin stated in Baku on 12 May.
Addressing the briefing on the results of talks with the Azerbaijani President, Couchepin stated that during his 3-day stay in Baku he held a number of meetings at many places. "I was deeply impressed by the growth level of Azerbaijan," the Swiss President stated. He invited his Azerbaijani counterpart to Switzerland for an official visit.
Until the briefing Couchepin held one-to-one meeting with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and then talks in large with the participation of government delegations. The Swiss President voiced his satisfaction about the development of bilateral cooperation, and also the confidence in existence of tremendous potential for further development. He also stressed the importance of developing the economic and culture relations.
Couchepin's official visit to Baku will end on 13 May.
On 12 May the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, received the newly appointed Ambassador of Ukraine to Azerbaijan, Boris Klimuchuk.
The sides touched upon preparation for the energy summit which will take place in May in Kiev, the documents that the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, will sign during his visit to Kiev in May, co-operation within GUAM, joint energy projects, prospects of project on transport corridor connecting Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea.
The Ambassador expressed gratitude for opening a monument of Ukrainian Poet Taras Shevchenko and presented copy of credential to the Minister.
Russia is ready to organize a meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents to continue peaceful negotiations on settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"There are good opportunities for a meeting between the conflicting sides' presidents. Russia offers its assistance to organize the meeting," Boris Grizlov, Speaker of the Russian Parliament, said in Baku on 13 May during the meeting with the chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ogtay Asadov.
" Moscow will support any decision of the sides regarding the conflict," Grizlov said.
The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia are expected to meet in St Petersburg in June within the framework of the Economic Forum to take place from 6 to 7 June.
The Moscow International symposium 'Caucasus Albania and Lazgi nations: historical-cultural heritage at present' carries a scientific character and does not have any connection with the political issues, Alexander Juravski, a representative from the Regional Development Ministry of the Russian Federation, considers.
"This is a scientific event and everybody supports this symposium only as a scientific event. The framework of participants clearly shows that neither political nor administrative-territorial borders could prohibit the scientific people to discuss the issues that interest them most," Juravski stated to Azerbaijani journalists while commenting on the symposium which started in Moscow on 14 May.
The organizer of the two days event, held in the Russian State Service Academy at the Russian Presidency, is the Federal Lazgi National-Cultural Autonomy (FLACA) of Russia.
Juravski refused to comment the literature distributed in the symposium where there have been stated a territorial pretension towards Azerbaijan openly.
The pamphlet 'Up to date problems of Lazgins and Lazgi speaking nations' was published by FLACA and Committee on National Affairs of the Russian State Duma on the ground of materials obtained from a round table. The report developed by Abduragimov, Chairman of the National Council of Lazgi Nations 'National-Cultural features of development of South Dagestan nations', openly urges to 'recognize forcible split of Lazgi people in 1920s'. The report also said about illegal delimitation of the borders between the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan, as well as a need to consider them again and to join the northern regions of Azerbaijan to Dagestan in order to form the Lezgistan.
"I cannot comment anything on the issue. The symposium itself carries simply the scientific character. The discussions are also of only scientific meaning," Dmitri Kozaka, Chief of the Regional Development Ministry Department of Russia stated in the symposium while reading out the greetings from the Regional Development Ministry.
The President of the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Russia 'AzerRos' considers that using the Moscow scientific symposium on Caucasus Albanians for political goals brings harms to not only Azerbaijan, but also Russia. "The symposium is held at a good scientific level, but if some-one wants to use it for political goals, it brings harms to not only Azerbaijan, but also Russia," the President of AzerRos, Soyun Sadikov, said.
Jointly organized by the Russian Academy of State Service under auspice of Russian President and Federal Lezghin National Cultural Autonomy of Russia, a symposium 'Caucasus Albania and Lezghin peoples: historical-cultural heritage and modernity' takes place in Moscow on 14 May. Literature containing territorial claims of the Lezghins against Azerbaijan is disseminated within the event which the Azerbaijani side refused to attend.
Sadikov welcomed the initiative of the organizers to hold symposium. "Each people should know their history, culture, root, religion". However, if some-one openly speak of history, practically it is impossible to avoid political tinges because already it itself is policy of certain character, Sadikov said.
According to President of AzerRos, neither Azeri people, nor Armenian or Georgian peoples have Albanian root. "The Albanians are different nation who preserved their roots. If you would know Adygei well, you could understand the culture, language and traditions of Adygei people who coincide with the Albanians," Sadikov added.
He regretfully stated that the Armenian historians have tried formerly and try now to prove that Albania was part of 'Great Armenia' or Armenian state. "Over the recent period, Lezghin people also make efforts to connect themselves with the Albanians although the root of the Lezghin people comes from pre-Albanian history of Caucasus," Sadikov said.
According to him, currently majority of the Lezghin people reside in Azerbaijan, and part in Russia, especially in Dagestan. "Firstly, before speaking about possibility of any territorial claims, it needs to know opinion of the Lezghins residing in Azerbaijan - do they want it? Of course, they do not want. Simply there are elements in each nation who want to take political benefits from any historical discussions. Normal nation never go to separatism," Sadikov said.
He said that the Lezghins residing in Azerbaijan have the equal rights like all citizens. "Who is it possible to speak about pressure on the Lezghins in Azerbaijan if Azerbaijan's Minister of Defence, Chief of General Headquarter, head of Ganja city are Lezghins by nationality. The Lezghins have been widely represented in all power structures, including Interior Ministry," Sadikov said.
Sadikov consider abnormal the absence of the Azerbaijani historians in the scientific discussions in Moscow. "The motives of absence of the Azerbaijani delegation are not clear and present regret because the scientists from Armenia, Georgia and Dagestan actively participate," he said.
Published by Federal Lezghin National Cultural Autonomy of Russia and Russian State Duma's Committee for Nationality Affairs, the brochure contains challenges by the Chairman of National Council of Lezghin People, Professor G.Abdurahimov, to recognize forcible split and ethnocide of the Lezghin people in 20s of the last century. It highlights illegality of delimitation of borders between Russia and Azerbaijan, importance of their re-consideration and unification of Azerbaijan's north regions with Dagestan.
Baku and Moscow agreed upon details of delivery of Russian cargo for Busher nuclear power station via the territory of Azerbaijan.
"We succeeded to coordinate or reach a progress almost on all issues," Georgiy Karasin, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, told journalists in Baku on 15 May after talks at the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.
The cargo of Russian AtomStroyExport containing heat-insulating facilities intended for Busher was detained at Azerbaijan's border with Iran on 29 March.
In accordance with the international requirements regarding the control of exported cargo, the Azerbaijani customs service required Russia to get a permission of Cabinet to pass the country
In its turn AtomStroyExport said that this was not a dual-purpose cargo, let alone nuclear materials and the delivery had been designed in accordance with international rules.
Elmar Mamadyarov, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, received Grigori Karasin, Russian Federation Deputy Foreign Minister.
They exchanged views on the most essential issues in the meeting. The sides stated about a need to upgrade the agreement legal basis and to sign several documents during the visits of high ranking state officials, as well as to intensify the cooperation amongst diplomatic academies and other spheres.
"Heydar Aliyev was an epoch, well-known figure, founder and architect of a sovereign democratic Azerbaijan, who left an independent self-sufficient state for the future generations," Ramiz Mehdiyev, head-of-staff of the Azerbaijan President's Executive Apparat, stated in an evening dedicated to 85th anniversary of the former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev in Moscow on 14 May.
Heydar Aliyev's biography is a model for every contemporary politician. "The most contributions towards betterment of people in Azerbaijan and in former Soviet countries were rendered by the great leader Heydar Aliyev, because what he did in favor of people is a real exemplary," he said. Heydar Aliyev's name is written in the golden letters in the world history along with the outstanding political figures such as George Washington, Muusfata Kemal Ataturk and Conrad Adenauer.
Ceremonial evening and concert dedicated to Heydar Aliyev's memory was held at the Tower Hall of the Union House with the assistance the Russian Government, Mayoral Office of Moscow, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Turkey, Ceyhan, 17 May / Trend corr Y. Tahiroglu/ Lyceum named after Azerbaijan's ex-President Heydar Aliyev is planned to be opened in Turkish Ceyhan city, Huseyn Sozlu, head of the Ceyhan Municipality, said at the opening ceremony of Heydar Aliyev Museum on 14 May.
Heydar Aliyev Museum was opened in Ceyhan due to ex-President's 85th anniversary. It was established with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Ceyhan Municipality.
The Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Residing Abroad Valeh Hajiyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey Zakir Hashimov, Azerbaijan's Consul General in Istanbul Sayad Aran, head of the Ceyhan Municipality Huseyn Sozlu and other officials were in attendance.
The 162 photos and books about Heydar Aliyev's life and activities presented to the museum by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation were demonstrated at the ceremony. Hajiyev spoke of the life and political activities of Heydar Aliyev, his role in development of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, BTC pipeline.
Sozlu said that a lyceum and then a university named after Heydar Aliyev would be opened in Ceyhan.
A concert took place in the Azerbaijani-Turkish friendship park in Ceyhan after the opening ceremony.
Adana held a concern on 13 May and Ceyhan on 14 May with participation of Azerbaijani singers devoted to the 85th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev.
Veronika Kotek was appointed as a special representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani standing representative in the Council of Europe reported to Trend .
Kotek will replace Denis Bribosia, former Special Representative of Council of Europe Secretary General in Azerbaijan, for two years term.
At present, Kotek takes the position of project Director of the Court Department and legal reforms of Director General on human rights. Previously, Kotek worked in the Moscow office of the UN Supreme Commissariat on refugees.
The Government of Afghanistan has invited the Azerbaijani companies to participate in the construction of suburb settlements in Kabul, Sabir Rzayev, head of the economic department of the Azerbaijani embassy in Pakistan, told to Trend over telephone on 16 May.
According to Rzayev, the Azerbaijan Government presented bids to private companies, who are willing to participate in the rehabilitation of destroyed infrastructure of Kabul.
In 2007, the goods turnover between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan made up $30mln.
Azerbaijan appointed its permanent diplomatic representative in Afghanistan on 9 May 2008.
A protest was staged in Nardaran, located 30km from Baku, on 16 May to protest against the opening of Israel-Azerbaijan Friendship Park in Baku on 18 May.
The protesters were shouting slogans- "Allahu akbar!", and " Israel's Downfall!", " America's Downfall!". Addressing the rally, Haji Ali Huseynov decisively condemned opening of such park, reminding that 18 May is an occupation day of Lachin.
At the end of the rally, the protestors burnt flags of Israel and the United States.
Around 30 people participated in the rally.
Political movements
The decision to participate in the upcoming presidential elections was discussed in the meeting of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA) on 12 May and the Party decided to keep is decision in force, Serdar Jalaloglu, the chairman of DPA said to Trend on 12 May.
The principle articles of the draft Bill which envisages additions and amendments to the Election Code have been published. The draft Bill does not indicate changes in the composition of election commissions. Apart from it, the conduct of election campaign in the state-owned channel and official press has been banned and time allotted for the election campaign has been shortened. The opposition protests against changes claiming that these moves are undemocratic.
Jalaloglu said that DPA does no accept additions and changes made to the election code. "We strongly oppose these changes and we hope that the government will not approve them. We plan to take part in even most undemocratic elections as there are enough voters who are displeased with the government," he added.
Karabakh Liberation Organization (KLO) protested against the opening ceremony on 8 May - anniversary of occupation of Azerbaijan's city of Shusha. In its appeal to the Foreign Ministry and Embassy of Israel, the Organization stated that holding such an event on occupation day of Shusha is unacceptable.
According to Guliyev, notwithstanding its date, the intelligentsias unanimously protest against opening of the Azerbaijani-Israeli friendship park.
Guliyev said that public resistance against Azerbaijani-Israeli friendship park accelerates.
KLO, Azerbaijan Islamic Party, Union of the Azerbaijani Intelligentsia, Center for Protection of Freedom of Religion and Speech.
The Azerbaijani oppostion opposes the latest amendments and supplements into the Election Code. "The recent draft into the Code contradicts international obligations," Sardar Jalaloglu, Chairman of the Democratic party of Azerbaijan and presidential candidate, stated to Trend .
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held in October 2008. The amendments and supplement were injected into the Election Code as a result of the joint discussions between the Azerbaijani government and Venice Commission. Under the amendments and supplements, about AZN 10mln will be allocated to the candidates for presidential post and AZN 500,000 -to candidates for parliament
According to the previous Article 191 of Election Code, only 1mln conventional unit could be allocated for candidates' election campaign. Previously, the candidates who collected only 3% of votes had to return the allocated amount back to the State Budget.
One conventional unit equal to AZN 1.1 and correspondingly 1mln conventional unite equal to AZN 82,500.
Under the previous version of the Election Code, AzTV used to allocate 6 hours free air time to candidates in a week. Three hours were allocated on TV and three on radio. Furthermore, agitation materials by candidates were also printed in the newspapers, financed by the state
The opposition opposes the amendments and supplements into the Election Code.
The Azadlig bloc, which unites three opposition parties - Popular Front, Liberal and Citizen and Development, also does not support the recent draft. Ali Aliyev, Chairman of the Citizen and Development party, stated to Trend that the project would lead to certain limits. "The term of election campaign was cut from 120 to 60 days. It is impossible to hold agitation campaign in Azerbaijan within 21 days," Aliyev said.
Code demonstrates that they are not confident with the results of elections completely.
The ruling New Azerbaijan party (NAP) considers the statements by opposition ungrounded. MP Mubariz Gurbanli, Deputy Executive Secretary of NAP, stated to Trend that the draft is based on the world practice and was agreed with the Council of Europe Venice Commission.
Azerbaijan's opposition party Umid has experienced staff changes. The meeting of the party's administration on 13 May appointed new chairmen of the party's four departments, Umid reported.
Nargiz Nagiyeva was appointed the chairwoman of Umid's Department on Work with Women, Chapay Hasanov was appointed the chairman of the PR Department, Mahammad Ersoy was appointed the chairman of the Ideological Propaganda Department, Razi Abbasov was appointed the chairman of the Economic Policy Department.
Pro-opposition Umid party was established in 1993. In 2002, Umid merged with the National Unity Party. After the merging the chairman of the National Unity Party MP Igbal Agazade was elected the chairman of Umid.
The organizational issues will be considered in the meeting of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA). "It is expected that several candidates will nominate their candidatures for chairmanship position in the party," Fuad Mustafayev, PFPA Deputy Chairman, stated to Trend .
At present, PFPA is a member and co-founder of the political bloc Azadlig. The bloc will boycott the upcoming presidential elections.
According to Musrafayev, Ali Karimli must be again elected to the chairman position of the party. Party managed to strengthen its position during the chairmanship of Karimli.
Mustafayev stated that the meeting was expected to be held before the presidential elections. "At present, conference is being held by regional departments of the party. We will hold a meeting after the preparation work," PFPA Deputy Chairman stated.
Abulfaz Elchibay, ex-President of Azerbaijan, was the founder and chairman of PFPA. Ex-MP Ali Karmli had been the chairman of the party since 2000.
The left central opposition Social-Democratic party of Azerbaijan (SDPA) has postponed the meeting initially planned for May. "The meeting was postponed because of the internal issues of the party," Araz Alizade, SDPA Chairman stated to Trend on 14 May.
Alizade stated that the meeting may be held in September or October 2008. "The meeting was postponed due to internal issues of the party. Furthermore, change of staff policy will depend on the decision of the participations of the meeting," Alizade said. The issue on participation in the upcoming presidential elections will also be considered in the forthcoming Central Plenum. "We will nominate our candidate in the elections," Alizade stated.
Alizade stated that the election situation in Azerbaijan is democratic and considers the statements by his counterparts as ungrounded. "The Azerbaijani opposition understands that the current President Ilham Aliyev will win the approaching presidential elections," SDPA Co-Chairman stated.
Until now, not any organization has announced that it will support nomination of Isa Gambar, a presidential candidate from the oppositional Musavat (Equality) party. "Not any party has appealed us in this regard yet," Arif Hajili, Head of the Central Administration of Musavat party said to Trend .
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October 2008.
The Majlis of the Musavat Party nominated Isa Gambar, Democratic Party of Azerbaijan nominated Sardar Jalaloglu, and Green Party of Azerbaijan - Mais Mammadguliyev for the presidential elections. The political expert Eldar Namazov stated that he will be nominated as an independent candidate. The ruling Yeni Azerbaijan is going to nominate the President Ilham Aliyev for the elections in the party meeting.
According to Hajili, Musavat has its own way to attract voters dissatisfied with the Government. We are going to bring together these voters. A bloc uniting allies of the Musavat Party is expected to be established prior to the elections.
The oppositional party "Musavat" was founded in 1992. Isa Gambar, the present Chairman of the Party was the Ex-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis) in 1992 to1993 and was nominated for the 2003 presidential elections. The Party is represented by five MPs in the parliament.
Azerbaijan's Musavat opposition party calls on Azerbaijani opposition to participate in the presidential elections. "Whatever the case opposition should participate in the elections," Musavat activist Rauf Arifoglu said to Trend on 14 May.
Presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. Opposition's suggestions were not included into the draft supplements and changes in the Election Code which is expected to be passed at the end of this year. Opposition is dissatisfied with the passed supplements and changes and is trending towards boycott.
Arifoglu considers opposition's urge to be fair, because the supplements and changes in the Election Code even more restrict opposition's opportunities. "However, to my thinking, participation in the elections is most important. The philosophy of our call is based on chances that the situation may be changed. Anyhow we see the experience of our neighbouring countries," Arifoglu said. According to him, presently Musavat is not discussing boycott but may consider it in near future.
The Baku City Administration has not granted the permission to the pro-opposition Great Establishment Party (GEP) to stage a demonstration in front of the building of the State Property Management Committee on 16 May, Ajdar Aliyev, chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the party said to Trend .
GEP did not have a permanent premise since its establishment. The Party headquarters was always located in various rented premises. At present, the Party does not have any premises as it is not able to pay a rent.
Fazail Gazanfaroglu, the chairman of the party appealed the State Property Management Committee to provide them with premises; however the premises offered by the Committee did not suit the requirements of GEP.
According to Aliyev, the reply letter of Baku City Administration said that staging of demonstration in front of the Committee is inexpedient.
Gazanfaroglu stated to Trend that if Baku City Administration does not allow staging a demonstration, GEP will take the matter to court.
The New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) will set up a new body to coordinate the work of the political parties supporting the current President Ilham Aliyev's nomination.
"According to Action Plan of NAP for election, Coordinating Council will be set up to coordinate the work of the political parties after the election campaign officially starts," Siyavush Novruzov, the deputy executive secretary of NAP said to Trend on 16 May.
The presidential election in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October. The ruling party has announced that it will nominate the current president Ilham Aliyev for the presidential elections. Furthermore, the oppositional Vahdat and the Advisory Council of Pro-Government parties, uniting 8 parties, will support Ilham Aliyev in the elections.
The Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan and Red Cross Society have officially nominated the President Ilham Aliyev for the presidential elections.
According to Novruzov, the ruling party will not ignore the decisions of other political forces to nominate Ilham Aliyev. "We will coordinate work of these parties after changes and additions are made into the Election Code and election schedule is available," he said.
The Pro-governmental Democratic party of Azerbaijan (PDPA) has changed its decision regarding participation in the elections with its own candidate. "The party has a single opinion on participation in the upcoming presidential elections. PDPA will support the candidature of the President Ilham Aliyev," Mammad Alizade, Chairman of PDPA, stated to Trend on 16 May.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October 2008.
Alizade stated that there were persons in the party who wanted to nominate his candidature." Presently, all members of the party support the candidature of Ilham Aliyev," Alizade said.
Democratic Elections Center, which brings together nine opposition parties of Azerbaijan, has brought Baku City Executive Power to court. The Chairman of Azadlyg Party, which is represented in the Center, Ahmad Oruj stated that the decision on it was made at the meeting of organization on 15 May.
On 30 January, nine opposition parties - Azerbaijan Classic Popular Front Party, Azadlyg Party, National Democratic Party, Great Establishment Party, Azerbaijan Unified Popular Front Party, Great Azerbaijan Party, Open Society Party, Takamul Party and Green Party made a decision to establish Democratic Elections Center.
Baku City Executive Power gave permission to the Center to hold a demonstration on 12 May in Bibi Heybat settlement. However, the Center refused to hold demonstration in this square.
The Center suggested holding the demonstration in National Park, in square in front of Nariman Narimanov Cinema, Fizuli Square, Garden of Academy of Sciences and Jafar Jabbarli square.
According to Chairman of Azadlyg Party, the complaint was submitted to Sabail District Court.
Oruj said that the issue of confirming the Center's new demonstration date was not discussed.
The Baku City Administration had replied to the appeal of Musavat party to stage a demonstration on 18 May. The reply letter of the City Administration deemed it expedient to stage a demonstration in Bibi Heybat settlement, Arif Hajili, Head of the Central Administration of Musavat party said to Trend .
The letter sent to the City Administration by Musavat party proposed to hold a demonstration in front of Fuzuli square, a square in front of Tebriz cinema, Ukraine square, territory in front of Galaba cinema and in front of Narimanov subway. Earlier, Musavat party had planned to stage a demonstration on 4 May. On 1 May, the City Administration permitted to stage it in Bibi Heybat settlement. The demonstration aims to protest against the artificial price rise and acceptance of the demands of opposition while making changes to the Election Code.
According to Hajili, we will not hold demonstration in a venue offered by the City Administration, as it was offered without showing reasons.
Nagorno-Karabakh
On 13 May, the Armenian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire agreement from the positions located in Yusifjanli and Marzali villages of Agdam region, as well as from Khojavand region and Kuropatkino village at about 4.40pm to 11.30p.m, and from Garakhanbayli village near Gizil Oba village of Tartar region fired at the Azerbaijani National Armed Forces on 14 May, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
On 15 and 16 May, the Armenian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire agreement from the positions located in the Fizuli region, as well as Chinarli and Mosesgah villages of Berd region of Armenia at the Azerbaijani positions located in the Tovuz region, Kokha Nabi village, as well as Kuropatkino village of Hojavand region and Yusifjanli village of Agdam region, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported
On 16 and 17 May, the Armenian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire agreement from the positions located in the Berd region of Armenia, as well as Chinari and Mosesgah villages and fired at the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Tovuz region, Kokha Nabi village of Agdam and Alibayli regions and near Tapgaragoyunlu village, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported
For the first time the European Commission has condemned the bloody act committed in the Azerbaijani Khojali town.
"The European Commission resolutely condemned the bloody act committed in Khojali," the letter sent to the Coordinating Council of Azerbaijani Organizations of Benelux on behalf of the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso says.
On 13 May, Fuad Humbatov, honorary chairman of the Coordinating Council of Azerbaijani Organizations of Benelux and First Secretary of the permanent representation at the Council of Europe, said to journalists that the letter from the European Commission's President recognizes that Khojali has experienced a crime against humankind.
On the night of 25 to 26 February 1992 the Azerbaijani settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh, Khojali, was occupied by Armenian separatists, with active participation of military personnel and army tanks of the 366th regiment of the Russian army. The annihilation of the peaceful people continued for several days during which time the Armenians executed and killed prisoners, committed violence against women and children, cut off the heads of Azerbaijani military prisoners and had them hung up. During this crime, 613 peaceful people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 elderly men, were killed within just one night.
The Coordinating Council of Azerbaijani Organizations of Benelux held a demonstration in front of the European Commission due to the 16th anniversary of the Khojali massacre and sent an official letter to the Commission urging to recognize the Khojali tragedy.
According to Humbatov, European Commission's impartial estimate of the Khojali tragedy is the first step towards the recognition of the genocide by international community. In his letter Barroso said that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be peacefully solved and the European Commission will do its best to support the process.
"Since long time the Karabakh conflict has no more been the Russia's lever for Azerbaijan," Russian political scientist Aleksey Malashenko said on 13 May during the video bridge devoted to the current Azerbaijani-Russian relations.
"Just the opposite, the conflicting countries use the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to exert the pressure on Russia openly stating that they would join the West if Russia does not stir up its efforts to settle this conflict," Malashenko said.
According to the political scientist, the conflict must be solved internally by both the conflicting sides.
The Defence Ministry of Azerbaijan stated that the expansion of Armenia's defence expenditures is of no concern for Azerbaijan. "The statement of the Armenian Defence Minister on expansion of the country's military budget is intended for internal situation," Eldar Sabiroglu, Spokesperson for Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, said to Trend on 13 May.
On 12 May, the Armenian Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan said to press that Armenia would expand its military budget. "We must try to expand our military budget to that of Azerbaijan," Ohanyan said.
In 2007, Armenia's public budget allotted 95.8bln drams (some $312mln) to military field, which is by 22.4% more than in 2006.
The public budget of Azerbaijan for 2008 comprised AZN 10.484bln ($12.943bln), with AZN 1.344bln ($1.659bln) allocated to the military field.
Sabiroglu said that Armenia's economic situation cannot enable it to increase its military budget to that of Azerbaijan.
On 16 and 17 May, the Armenian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire agreement from the positions located in the Berd region of Armenia, as well as Chinari and Mosesgah villages and fired at the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Tovuz region, Kokha Nabi village of Agdam and Alibayli regions and near Tapgaragoyunlu village, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported
The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan lost the Nagorno-Karabakh, except of Shusha and Khojali, in December 1991. In 1992-93, Armenian Armed Forces occupied Shusha, Khojali and Nagorno-Karabakh's seven surrounding regions. In 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful, but fruitless negotiations.