details added (first version posted on 10:30)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 7
By Seba Aghayeva - Trend:
Azerbaijan has chosen the development of democracy as the main principle of presidency in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at an international conference Nov. 7 as part of the country's presidency in this organization.
"An interreligious and intercultural dialogue is a priority of the foreign policy of Azerbaijan," Mammadyarov said.
"Today the country has the fastest growing economy," he said. "Large oil reserves enable Azerbaijan to ensure energy independence of Europe."
He said that Azerbaijan became a donor state, assisting the African countries.
Mammadyarov is scheduled to report on the work conducted as part of the chairmanship.
Speaking about Azerbaijan's chairmanship, the minister said that the country has done much for the development of the main values of democracy.
"The development of democracy is the main line of Azerbaijan's presidency," Mammadyarov said. "The country contributed to the fight against corruption, the development of such areas as education and health."
Further on, the minister touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still unresolved," he said. "Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts are still under occupation. "But for this conflict, Azerbaijan would make great contribution to the general development of the region."
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.
After the country's presidency in the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers completes, Azerbaijan will pass it to Belgium in Strasbourg November 13.
Azerbaijan chooses development of democracy as principle of presidency in CoE Committee
Azerbaijan has chosen the development of democracy as the main principle of presidency in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at an international conference Nov. 7 as part of the country’s presidency in this organization.