Azerbaijan, Baku, March 18 / Trend, E. Mehdiyev /
The First Vice-Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament considers the international counter terrorism situation in the world unfavorable.
"Azerbaijan is characterized by its tolerance," the first vice-speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament Ziyafat Asgarov told the media on the sidelines of the international conference "Strengthening cooperation in preventing terrorism" in Baku today. "Azerbaijan shows a very good attitude to all religions. This country is a brilliant example of tolerance in the world and we are proud of it. We are also proud that Azerbaijan has always been in the forefront in the counter international terrorism activity."
Unfortunately, today, more attention is paid to talk and statements in the field instead of counter international terrorism actions, he said.
Azerbaijan is a country which has seen terror at the hands of Armenia, he said.
"Azerbaijan has always stated in the international press that counter terrorism activity is inevitable," he said. "The efforts of all countries are important. Unfortunately, we have not received the international community's desired support on the issue."
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group are Russia, France and the U.S. which is currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.