Azerbaijan, Baku, March 19 / Trend , A.Huseynbala/
The Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan said that the full exposure of the murderers of editor-in-chief of the Monitor magazine Elmar Huseynov is a matter of principle for them.
"I have said many times that the investigation of all details and information related to this crime, identifying a full range of murderers of Elmar Huseynov and the successful completion of the investigation, bringing them to justice is a matter of principle for us and we will achieve this," National Security Minister, Lieutenant-General Eldar Mahmudov said in an interview with the Azerbaijan newspaper.
According to Mahmudov, the most important is that the main participants of the crime are known. "Sooner or later they will be detained and handed over to the investigation and brought to justice. There is only a factor of time, but we are confident that this will happen soon," said the minister.
According to the minister, the information related to matters that are of great interest and resonance in the society is regularly communicated to the public within the framework defined by law. "Undoubtedly, to a certain stage we can not disclose to anyone the information that is component of the investigation secret. But when there is a legitimate opportunity and need to do so, the relevant information is periodically provided to media, and today we have normal and working relationships with the public and media outlets.
On the current situation of the criminal case regarding the murder of Elmar Huseynov in March 2005, I would say the following. "As a result of intensive operational-search measures and investigation, involvement of Georgian citizens - Tahir Khubanov and Teymuraz Aliyev, in the murder was proven and in May 2005 they were made criminally responsible as defendants, through Interpol, they were declared for international search. I also emphasize that the Interpol National Central Bureau in the Republic of Azerbaijan is in close touch with 188 countries. Relevant information about the above-mentioned persons was sent to all these countries and search activities are conducted continuously," said Mahmudov.
According to the Minister of National Security, the Azerbaijani side has sent to the Prosecutor General's Office of Georgia six requests for legal assistance in connection with this case, the detention and extradition of Tahir Khubanov and Teymuraz Aliyev. "In connection with the execution of these requests, the members of the operational-search group have been several times sent to Georgia. There are certain problems that are associated with relevant regulations and procedural rules in the legislation of each country. In any case, we have normal and working relations with all our partners, including with special services of neighboring countries. We are trying to address emerging issues together," he said.
According to Mahmudov, in order to establish the origin and the host of weapons used in committing the crime, the investigators were sent to Russia and Bulgaria. "The following statistics show how much importance is attached to the investigation of this matter: during the period of investigation, were interviewed over 600 witnesses, made about 160 inspections, searches and seizures, assigned 20 examinations, performed 51 identification. I would also note the assistance provided in this regard by other law-enforcement agencies," said the minister.
According to the minister, the "statements" spread in some media outlets in recent days are non-logical, irresponsible and slanderous. "I want to touch upon another point regarding the statements in the press. We urge all journalists to be objective, approach each question not from personal and group positions, but from a position of citizen, society and state and national interests. Cheap and false sensation are short-lived. But the most valid criterion measure is objectivity and truth," said Mahmudov.
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