Official news
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev paid a visit to Shaki-Zakatala region on 12-13 April 2006.
The negotiations on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are in new format up to Azerbaijans national interests and provide a base for restoration of the territorial integrity of the country, Trend reports quoting Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, stating during his visit to Zagatala military unit N on Wednesday.
According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan does not will resumption of military operations, but at the same time increases its military potential.
The head of the country stressed the Azerbaijani borders must be open for friends and closed for enemies. Therefore, the government attaches great attention to strengthening of the border. More funds will be allocated from the public budget for these purposes in the future.
The President said Armenian lobby and terrorist organizations continue anti-propaganda and subversive activity in regard to Azerbaijan. Thus, in early 1990s over 2,000 innocent people died as a result of 30 terror acts committed by Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan must guard its borders and its independence in that way.
All cultural and historic monuments existing in Azerbaijan are under state security, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated on 13 April in a public meeting in Shaki, north Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
Voicing his attitude towards the statements by Armenia on the destruction of historic monuments in Nakhchivan Aliyev underlined that such accusations were barefaced lie and does not correspond to reality. There is tolerance in Azerbaijan and representatives of different nations live in peace.
President noted the functioning of the Orthodox Church, Jewish Synagogue in the country and the plans of opening of a Catholic Church in the country shortly. However, the Moslem churches, cemeteries and monuments located in the Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani lands have been fully destroyed, which was also confirmed by the OSCE mission, Aliyev underlined.
On 11 April Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received at the Presidential Palace the head of the Turkish National Security Organization, Emre Tener Trend reports
The head of state noted that the relationships between Azerbaijan and Turkey are on high level.
President Aliyev said that the Azerbaijani-Turkish relationships assume special importance for the entire region. He noted that the global energy projects under implementation, as well as the existing transport corridors, boost the significance of the two countries.
President Aliyev stressed the necessity of establishment of close relationships between all bodies of the two countries and voiced his confidence that the current would contribute to further upgrade of the cooperation between the security bodies.
Tener noted the significance of the Turkish-Azerbaijani relationships for the region and said that mutual visits promote the development of cooperation. The mutual understanding between the security bodies of the two countries is on high level, the eminent guest marked with proud.
The same day Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, received Bernard Facie, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair from France, Trend reports.
The meeting discussed some issues related to the negotiations on the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict.
Mehriban Aliyeva, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, received on 11 April a delegation of the US Jewish Community Federation headed by Lev Levayev, the President of this organization, Trend reports.
Aliyeva acquainted the guests with the history and activities of the Foundation, programs implemented in the country in the different spheres, including health, education and culture.
The Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev, received the special representative of the NATO general secretary on South Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simmons, on April 10, Trend reports.
The meeting included the opinion exchange and perspectives of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO.
The Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev accepted the Austrian Supreme court chairman, Johan Jeshut on April 10, Trend reports.
The president stated that Azerbaijani- Austrian cooperation in different areas is developing actively. Unification of the Azerbaijani court system by the European standards is an important step and several positive changes have been achieved after the country entered the Council of Europe. He has expressed his hope that the current visit will make a positive contribution in cooperation between the judicial bodies of the two countries.
Jeshut has emphasized the importance of judicial reforms in Azerbaijan after the entering of the Council of Europe. He expressed confidence that the cooperation of the two judicial systems on bilateral basis will further expand and develop.
On Monday Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, has received Jean Lemierre, the President of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The sides mentioned the speeded up development of the countrys economy, the great successes in the implementation of global projects in different fields of economy, including, energy, Trend reports.
They also expressed satisfaction with the expansion of the joint cooperation of Azerbaijan and EBRD. Aliyev stressed Azerbaijan was interested in the further development of the cooperation.
Foreign Policy
The Russian head of state has accepted the credentials of a new Azerbaijani ambassador in Moscow, Polad Bul-Bul oglu on April 13.
Cooperation between Moscow and Baku can help to sustain stability in the Caucasus and in the Caspian Sea region, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin told. We highly appreciate our close and truly friendly ties with Azerbaijan, he said.
He emphasized that it is important that our bilateral business and humanitarian cooperation is becoming more and successful, which is a valuable factor of stability in the region. The will of our nations to foster a closer cooperation is seen in the implementation of the Azerbaijani year in Russia, he added, ensuring that this trait will be continued by the Russian Year in Azerbaijan.
Bilateral relationships between the United States and Azerbaijan will be discussed in Washington Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs official visit on 28 April, Trend reports quoting Ali Hasanov, the head of the public-political department of the Azerbaijani Presidents Apparat, as saying to journalists.
Official representative of the Presidents Apparat assured that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will be on focus in the country which is co-chairing at the OSCE Minsk Group.
The Azerbaijani Presidents to the United had been scheduled earlier. The head of state is to meet with US President George W.Bush.
We should unite the efforts in the global issues and energy. Joint work is being carried out with the United States in the direction of establishment of peace in many hot points in the world. There is a joint cooperation in the energy and transport projects implemented in the Caspian Sea basin, he underscored.
Hasanov said that the United States supports work on the integration in the world community. В"There is close cooperation between some NGOs and democratic bodies of the United State and Azerbaijan in the sphere of protection of democracy and human rights, he underlined.
The repeal of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act can be discussed in the course of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs official visit to the United States, Congressman James Kolbi, the chairman of the sub-committee on foreign assignments, stated to a news conference in Baku on 13 April.
During the visit the Azerbaijani President will have an opportunity for meetings the Congressmen, while final resolution on the repeal of the section will depend on the Committee on foreign assignments. Section 907 can also be fully repealed until the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Moreover, the key point is not repeal of Section 907, but is that it has been waived for 5 years in succession.
Concerning the reasons for non-inclusion of Azerbaijan in the program Millennium Challenges Kolbi said that while selecting the claimants the key attention was paid to quality of government in the country and level of corruption (on the base of data by international organizations). The Congressman noted the steps taken in Azerbaijan in this direction and his impatience for the time when Azerbaijan will meet the necessary requirements. Until it occurs, the United States intends to assist Azerbaijan in the military sector, in the development of democracy and health.
US President George W. Bush announced his intention to nominate Anne E. Derse, of Maryland, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Azerbaijan as Trend reports.
Derse, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, most recently served as a Director for Bio Defense Policy at the Homeland Security Council at the White House. Prior to this, she served as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Earlier in her career, she served as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.
Derse received her bachelor's degree from Macalester College and her master's degree from the Johns Hopkins University.
The official visit of the South Korean president, Roh Moo-hyun to Azerbaijan is scheduled for the first part of May, the head of the foreign affairs department of presidential apparatus, Novruz Mammedov told Trend.
Perspectives of expanding political and economic ties between the 2 countries will be discussed at the meeting.
Economic relations between our countries are developing steadily, and I hope that visit of the South Korean president will help to boost our relations, Mammedov said.
The current visit will also show the importance of developing relations between South Korea and Azerbaijan. This follows Azerbaijani national relations, he concluded.
5 representatives from 5 different committees of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will visit Baku on April 25-26, regarding the re-run parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. This information was first released by the representative of the PACE bureau on Progress and Assembly permanent commission, Igor Ivanovski during his speech at the spring session of PACE, the Trend reporter reports from Strasbourg.
He has also suggested an idea of organizing a meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian MPs and discussions to revise the number of PACE committee members on Nagorno-Karabakh.
MP Rafael Huseynov, an Azerbaijani parliamentary representative to the PACE, has prepared an official inquiry to the CE Ministerial Committee, which will be finally discussed on the level of permanent representatives. Huseynov told about it a correspondent of Trend, who was dispatched to Strasbourg to cover the PACE spring session.
The document titled New occupation plans by Arena, an aggressor country, which seriously damages stability and progress in South Caucasus has been submitted to the CE Secretariat.
A special CE resolution 1416, dated 2005, notes that Armenia pursued an ethnic cleansing policy in respect to Azerbaijan. Recently the country has anew intensified the military actions in the conflict zone, which indicates to the development of new aggression plans. Armenian calls 7 districts occupied around Nagorno-Karabakh as a buffer zone. Armenia fires the Azerbaijani territory which is 100km far from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and by this way extends the perimeter of the conflict. The population of border regions is imposed to great danger. On the other hand, Armenia ahs started openly stating on the plans of occupation of Nakhchivan. Specific military and intelligence bodies have been established in Armenia in this respect and they try spread disinformation on the destruction of Armenian tombs in Nakhchivan and by this way try to lay grounds for territorial claims, the document reads.
A written letter was officially submitted to the consideration of the CE Ministerial Committee on 11 April 2006.
A draft project Refugees and internally displaced people in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia by Boris Chilevich meets Azerbaijans interests in general, the correspondent of Trend in Strasburg reports quoting Samad Seyidov, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE.
It is difficult to seek development of the document reflecting the positions of the country unambiguously, Seyidov said. He noted the representatives of Azerbaijan would come out with proposals on some changes to the document, but it may be called normal in general.
As to Latvian rapporteur Boris Chilevich, Seyidov highly appreciated his activities and noted the rapporteur repeatedly arrive in the region to study the situation in the local level.
The attempt made by the head of Armenian delegation in PACE Tigran Torosyan to put forward a member of Russian parliament Vera Oskina to speak on behalf of the European Democrats Group during the discussion on the draft of Boris Chilevichs report entitled В"Refugees and Forced Migrants in Armenia, Azerbaijan and GeorgiaВ", has been prevented, said Ganira Pashayeva, member of Azerbaijans parliamentary delegation to PACE during the conversation with Trends correspondent in Strasburg.
В"Speeches of representatives of four fractions within PACE are very important and influence the direct result of discussionsВ", Ms Pashayeva said, adding that by the decision group members made April 12 in Strasburg British parliamentary member Robert Walter will be speaking on this issue.
Ms Pashayeva said Azerbaijans representatives have protested Mr Torosyans incentive, demanding the representative of more neutral state speak on behalf of European democrats.
В"Mr Walter is famous for his unbiased position on South CaucasusВ", - Ms Pashayeva said.
We have to note that Mr Chilevichs report is the last on the agenda of the final day (April 13) of spring session of PACE in Strasburg.
Azerbaijan has achieved great successes in the interaction with NATO under the Partnership for Program. In 2006, 600 Azerbaijani military participated in 178 training under the aegis of NATO. The statement was made Ganira Pashayeva, an Azerbaijani parliamentary representative to the PACE, during the discussions over the draft resolution on Human Rights in the armies of CE member-states, a correspondent of Trend, dispatched to Strasbourg to cover PACE spring session reports.
MP noted that since 1997 the training of specialists at the Azerbaijani military universities have been conducted at NATO standards.
He stressed the necessity of considering the fact that 70% of the composition of the Azerbaijani National Army are in trenches. Azerbaijan is in condition of undeclared war with Armenia, which occupied 20% of the Azerbaijani territory.
We have definite problems, but the budget of the Azerbaijani armed forces grows constantly. If in 2005 the public budget assignments for military need comprised $300m, in 2006 it was doubled.
It all releases definite problems and enables to normalize terms of military service, first of all the soldiers and sergeants, she underlined.
The official visit of the Lithuanian president, Valdas Adamkus to Azerbaijan, scheduled for 18-19 April has been postponed indefinitely, the depute of the Lithuanian president press-service head, Lina Gorbacioviene told Trend.
The visit has been postponed due to the political situation in Lithuania itself, she said. It is not known yet for how long the visit has been postponed and the new dates will most likely be agreed via diplomatic channels.
Noting that the political crisis in Lithuania broke out after the Seim expressed distrust to the speaker of parliament and the New Union- a union of social-liberals headed by the speaker left the ruling coalition.
None of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) rapporteurs has been included in the observation mission on re-run elections parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Andreas Herkel, a PACE co-rapporteur, said in an interview with a correspondent of Trend on Strasbourg on 12 April.
It seems to me, I was not included in the list as well, the rapporteur noted. He explained the decision with the cut in the number of PACE observers from 40 to 20. However, it will not affect our visit to Baku as rapporteurs, as I guess to be paid on 22-29 April, Herkel assured.
Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of bilateral political and economic relationships with Austria, Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, stated in a meeting with the chairman of the Austrian Supreme Court, Johan Reshut, Trend reports.
The Minister underlined the necessity of the upgrade of the relationships in the legal system. Mammadyarov informed the guest on the process of peaceable resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and stressed the negative impact of the conflict on the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
The chairman of the Austrian Supreme Court stated on the intention of his countrys leadership for development of cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Official Baku hopes that tensions between US and Iran in nuclear matters will be solved peacefully, the Azerbaijani vice-Foreign Minister, Araz Azimov told Trend.
Azerbaijan is closely watching over the situation, he said. This threat is only hypothetical yet. Much larger threat for the region posses the Mezamorsk Atomic power station in Armenia, which can have negative effects on South Caucasus and neighboring countries.
The NATO special representative in the region, Robert Simmons has earlier said speaking to journalists that the Alliance doesnt have any sort of military plan towards Iran and it hopes for peaceful resolution.
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
The Armenian armed forces again breached the armistice on April 15.
Azerbaijani army positions near Mazamli village of Kazakh district came under fire from the opposing side from 00:00 A.M. to 00:45 A.M. and another Azerbaijani army position near Gizil Gadjili village of Kazakh came under small arms fire from Armenian positions in Terter district from 05:30 A.M to 05:35 A.M.
On 13 April the units of the Armenian armed forces dislocated in northeast of Berkaven village of Ijevan District fired with guns and gun-machines from 00:00am to 00:10am the positions of the Azerbaijan National Army placed in the territory of Mazamli and Gizil Hajili of Gazakh district, and from 00:55am the enemy fired the Azerbaijan positions near Mazamli village of Gazakh District, Defense Ministry told Trend.
On 12 April the units of the Armenian armed forces dislocated in Vozgevan village of Noyemberian District fired with guns and gun-machines from 20:26am the positions of the Azerbaijan National Army placed in the territory of Gushchu Ayrim of Gazakh district, and from 00:55am the enemy fired the Azerbaijan positions near Mazamli village of Gazakh District. From 23:35pm to 23:45pm the enemy fired the Azerbaijan positions in Gedabay District from the position placed in Krasnoselsk District, Defense Ministry told Trend.
On 11 April the units of the Armenian armed forces dislocated in northeast of Berdavan village of Noyamberian District fired with guns and gun-machines at 16:20pm the positions of the Azerbaijan National Army placed in the territory of Kazakh district, Defense Ministry told Trend.
The same day the units of the Armenian armed forces dislocated in Shavarsavan village of Noyamberian District fired from 22:05pm to 22:15pm the positions of the Azerbaijan National Army placed in Ashagi Askipara and Boganis Ayrim villages of Kazakh district, Defense Ministry told Trend.
The dates of the following meetings between presidents and minister of Armenia and Azerbaijan have not been coordinated to date, Trend reports with reference to Novruz Mamedov, head of foreign relations with Executive Administration of Azerbaijans President.
He said individual suggestions on conversation process by cochairmen of OSCEs Minsk Group (MG) are not fully agreed and for this reason dates of consultations are not identified yet. Concerning the messages stating that MGs American and French cochairmen are putting forward some specific suggestions on peaceful resolution of the conflict, Mr Mamedov said a time is required to compile the suggestions of both cochairmen into something that would make more sense. He added that Azeri side would speak on these suggestions after Armenians.
Mr Mamedov said boosting the conversation process gives much hope to official Baku. В"We suggest that in case Armenian side takes some steps based on good sense, some certain advancements will take place during this year. This is really desirableВ", - he concluded.
The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs intend to make a tour of the region of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in May, Trend reports citing Bernard Facie, the Minsk Group co-chair from France, as stating ATV.
According to Facie, the separate visits by the Minsk Group co-chairs to the region are aimed at rapprochement of the conflict sides. He expressed hope that the visit would promote the new stage of the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Facie noted that mediators made much, but no progress was achieved at the meeting of presidents in Rambue. The same time he voiced hope for establishment of new opportunities in the negotiations that would open a way for new meetings of the Azerbaijani and Armenian President.
The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are going to hold a next round of consultations in Moscow, Russian Ambassador Yuriy Merzlyakov, the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk, told Trend.
The meeting will focus on results of April visits of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs French Ambassador Bernard Fassie and US Ambassador Steven Mann. Moreover, it is planned to discuss the agenda of the co-chairs forthcoming visit to the region in May.
Merzlyakov noted that the exact date and program of the visit were still to be defined, but the tour will more probably start from Baku and then continue in Yerevan and Khankandi. They will also discuss opportunities for OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs with the Foreign Ministers, which is expected to take place in one of the foreign countries.
Azerbaijan expects the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to make an impact on Armenia. If the United States, France and Russia close eyes on the occupation of areas, we should search justice not at the OSCE Minsk Group, but somewhere else, Trend quotes Ali Hasanov, the head of the Public-Political Department of the Azerbaijani Presidents Apparat, as stating on 11 April.
Hasanov said that Minsk Group should affect on Armenian for rehabilitation of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In the opposite, the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group will be senseless. Meetings of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Armed Forces in Ramboillet, as well as talks held earlier with the participation of Minsk Group co-chairs on the intensification of the hint at the intensification of peaceable resolution this year. These talks add positive chances for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We want the major principles of the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be outlined this year and putting of pressures on the sides to achieve solution to the problem. The occupation of the Azerbaijani lands and demand for the observation of the international rule of law are on focus on the international community. However, Azerbaijan will never step back from its positions and principles in the resolution of the conflict. We will return our lands if we could resolve the conflict in a peaceable way. In the opposite Azerbaijan will retain a right for rehabilitation of territorial integrity, he underlined.
I hope following a few meetings between ministers of exterior of Azerbaijan and Armenia within the framework of Prague process and negotiations held in Warsaw and Kazan in 2005, as well as in Rambouait, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be resolved, - Trend reports quoting the written answer of Mihai-Razvan Ungurjanu, Romanian minister of exterior and chairman of Ministers Committee of EC, delivered to members of Azerbaijan delegation on April 12 at Parliamentary Assembly of EC
The letter was the response to questions raised by members of Azeri parliament Ganira Pashayeva and Rafael Huseynov.
В"Representatives of public pf the both countries, including members of parliament, have their responsibilities in this respect. Use of language of threats is not a path to a positive solutionВ",- Romanian minister writes.
Neither EC nor Ministers Committee is authorized to interfere the negotiations on the conflict resolution, as this is responsibility of OSCEs Minsk Group. However, EC may provide some assistance in development of cooperation between the two countries, in particular, resolution 1690 approved by Ministers Committee in September 2005, which states a number of such initiatives.
A draft project Refugees and internally displaced people in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia by Boris Chilevich meets Azerbaijans interests in general, the correspondent of Trend in Strasburg reports quoting Samad Seyidov, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE.
It is difficult to seek development of the document reflecting the positions of the country unambiguously, Seyidov said. He noted the representatives of Azerbaijan would come out with proposals on some changes to the document, but it may be called normal in general.
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia are members of the Council of Europe (РЎР•) and we are interested in advancement of the negotiations on settlement of the Nagonorno-Katrabakh conflict between the countries, Rene Van der Linden, the President of PACE, stated at a news conference on opening of the PACE spring session on Monday, the correspondent of Trend in Strasbourg reports.
Linden noted there was no progress during the last meeting of the Azerbaijani-Armenian presidents (Rambue, France -Trend ).
The first stage of the Individual partnership plan between Azerbaijan and NATO can be considered as success, the NATO general secretary` s special representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simons told at the press-conference in Baku on April 11, Trend reports.
The partnership plan is already one year old. At this stage we positively regard this partnership and expect to develop it further, he said. Thus, some changes are needed to be introduced to the given plan. NATO also has some proposals on that matter.
Azerbaijan has an important role in cooperation with the Alliance among all the partner states, Simons said. Speaking about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict he assured that all conflicts in the region are closely observed by NATO. And it hopes that this conflict in particular will soon be resolved. As such conflicts not only prevent countries from joining NATO but also from cooperating with each other.
NATO position towards the conflict is identical to that of OSCE. Dislocation of NATO peacekeepers can only be done with the both sides agreeing.
The Azerbaijani vice foreign minister, Araz Azimov expressed his satisfaction in the talks with Simmons. He said that Azerbaijan is ready for developing cooperation with NATO.
Absence of a peace agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict damages both Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, Terry Davis, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, said in an interview with a correspondent of Trend in Strasbourg.
Unless the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia come to a definite agreement, it will damage both nations, including people residing in Nagorno-Karabakh, Davis stressed.
Thought the OSCE is authorized in mediation mission in the peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, it does not mean the CE has no intention to back the peace dialogue.
Touching the peaceable resolution of the conflict, the CE Secretary General said that while entering the CE both Azerbaijan and Armenia undertook a responsibility on the resolution of Karabakh conflict, which envisages peaceable resolution of the conflict. The armed resolution of the conflict is the worst of all, he stressed.
The OSCE Minsk group American co-chairman, Steven Mann will arrive to the region with the new proposals, the US Congressman Jim Kolbe (R-AR), told during his press-conference in Baku on April 13.
The long-term peace and cooperation in South Caucasus will depend on resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, he said.
"As a OSCE Minsk group co-chairman I support the peaceful resolution of the conflict," Mr Kolbe said, adding that the conflict resolution depends on both sides. "We can assist the resolution, but we can't resolve the conflict."
Congressman urged that US was ready to become one of the primal players in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict rehabilitation. "I expect the US sub-committee on external assignations to discuss the problem of funding the rehabilitation process," Mr Kolbe assured.
The OSCE Minsk group American co-chairman, Steven Mann will arrive to the region with the new proposals, the US Congress representative, James Colby, told during his press-conference in Baku on April 13, Trend reports.
The long-term peace and cooperation in South Caucasus will depend on resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he said. As a OSCE Minsk group co-chairman I support the peaceful resolution of the conflict, Colby said, adding that the conflict resolution depends on both sides. We can assist the resolution, but we cant resolve the conflict.
The Congressman urged that US is ready to become one of the primal players in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict rehabilitation. I expect the US sub-committee on external assignations to discuss the problem of funding the rehabilitation process, Colby assured. Visit of the PACE reporter, Edward OHara to the South Caucasus is scheduled for May-beginning of June 2006, the Azerbaijani PACE group member, Rafael Huseynov told Trend.
Preservation of the South Caucasus cultural monuments is one of CE priorities. This particular organization has many times rejected the Armenian initiatives to destroy the so-called hichkars, Huseynov said ,adding that due to the work of the Azerbaijani delegates CE has received several documents about the condition of the Azerbaijani cultural monuments on the Armenian territories.
The above mentioned monitoring will start in the Armenian territories, then it will move to Georgia, and to the occupied Azerbaijani lands and other parts of Azerbaijan.
The exact date of the visit is now being discussed with the PACE reporter. According to the decision of PACE commission on science, education and culture the monitoring will first take place in the occupied lands, Huseynov concluded
Series of true facts about Karabakh books have been distributed by the MP, Ganira Pashayeva on April 11 at Strasbourg spring session of PACE at the initiative of the Azerbaijani delegation.
The books published by the Heydar Aliyev foundation, have been distributed both among the CE members and representatives of the mass media.
Those way members of the Azerbaijani delegation of PACE keep the world community aware about the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, the MP said.
The book is based upon the true story and it retells about the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict and in particular about the conditions thousands of refuges are living in, she concluded.
The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been included in the Istanbul Declaration at a conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Conference, MP Khanhuseyn Kazimly, the chairman of the Social Welfare Party of Azerbaijan, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
He noted that the Azerbaijani delegates made remarks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It was our great achievement. Moreover, the Azerbaijani representatives were included in the composition of three commissions of the OIC Executive Committee, he said. The conference mulled the problems of Islamic countries and the ways for their resolution.
The event was organized in Istanbul from 8 to 13 April with the participation of 437 delegates from 47 countries.
Political life
At the meetings held in Peoples Republic of China (PRC) by delegation of New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), officials of this state have expressed their support to territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Trend reports with reference to Kerim Kerimov, former deputy and member of NAP Council, who visited PRC within the delegation.
The delegation headed by Ali Akhmedov, executive secretary of NAP, was visiting China on April 3 by invitation of Communist Party of China. The delegation included deputy Siyavush Novruzov, deputy executive secretary, Hadi Radjabli, chairman of permanent commission for social policy with the parliament, deputy Arastun Djavadov and Kerim Kerimov, head of the executive council of the party.
Mr Kerimov said the delegation was received at the highest level in China. В"We held meetings with high officials in Beijing, Shanghai and Sian. In their speeches these officials have expressed their support to territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and showed their interest in development of multilateral relationships. The main goal of the visit was familiarization with Chinas economic progressВ".
Mr Kerimov said a number of issued had been discussed with officials of Chinas communist Party at the meetings held. В"There was no agreement just in the sphere of ideological cooperationВ". Further he noted that the delegation had brought to China some books and brochures on Armenias occupation policy. These materials had been delivered to Chinas officials and executives of Communist party.
New MPs will be presented to the parliamentary commissions after the re-run elections, the Yeni Azerbaijan party (YAP) executive secretary depute, MP, Mubariz Gurbanli.
In spite of the time of their election all MP enter the Milli Mejlis commission, he said. MPs newly elected after the re-run parliamentary elections will also be represented in Milli Mejlis commissions and will be split among the relevant parliamentary commissions, Gurbanli said.
The Azerbaijan Intelligentsia Movement (IAM) plans to hold an all-republican forum, Trend reports quoting Eldaniz Guliyev, the leader of the movement.
He noted the all-republican forum Dialogue of civilization: myths and realitieswould bring together representatives of the opposition and the authorities, the employees of the embassies accredited in the country and the representatives of inetarnational organziations, as well as foreign guests. We propose to make 10 or 15 reports and hold discussion on this topic, Guliyev underliend.
Guliyev also stressed the event would be of accounting character on the activities of AIM in 2005. According to Guliyev, organization of the forum requires big financial funds and serious preparation. If we solve these problems, the forum will take place in nearest months, he underlined.
Second session of Council (Medjlis) of Azadlyg political block was held in the International press center on April 14, Trend reports. At the session its participants, including leaders of the block Lala Shovket, Ali Kerimli, Ali Aliyev and Sardar Djalalogly, were broadly discussing the blocks concept regarding resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict. The information on the concept has been presented and members of Medjlis have shared their opinions and suggestions on this document.
The concept drawn up by the blocks Karabakh commission takes the base of international legislation regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty of states; following these principles, the necessity in disarmament of Armenian terrorist groups and showing Armenian to the world as a terrorist state, as well as stating of rights of Azeri people expelled from Armenia and occupied grounds of Azerbaijan the issue of peace conversations, etc.
The head of the Musavat party, Isa Gambar met with the programming director of the US Republican Institute, Dallas Frohrib, the party` s press-service told Trend.
Exchange of opinions, social- political situation in the country, re-run elections, conditions of democracy and human rights n the country have been included into the meetings agenda.
Structural changes and organizational issues will be discussed at the meeting of the Great Contemplation meeting in June, the party` s chairman, MP, Fazil Gazanfaroglu told Trend.
He is mentioned that he will be in charge of the Organizational Committee of the preparation for the meeting. 3 secretaries will also be appointed. We have completed the preparations for the meeting. It will be held in accordance with the Statute in June. Some structural changes and organizational issues will be raised at the meeting, he said.
A new vice-chairman will be chosen and Supreme council will be founded at the given meeting. We have invited for the meeting both governmental officials and representatives of opposition, the party head said.
The current relations between Musavat party and Azadliq bloc I call the principles crush, the ex-MP of the Azerbaijan Democratic party (ADP), Baki Heber editor in chief, Aydin Guliyev told Trend.
He assured that the Azadliq ` s position, which will not participate in the re-run parliamentary elections, is a logical continuation of the statement released before the elections. However, Musavat` s decision it has announced before the elections is different from what they say now. I think that right are those who decided not to participate in the elections, he said.
The Azadliq bloc did not yet show itself in conducting successful social political reforms in the country, he added. The bloc couldnt demonstrate its full potential. Considering the lack of the relevant conditions the bloc will not be able to carry out any political reforms any time soon, he concluded.
The meeting with head of Baku office of US International Republicans Institute was held in the headquarters of Azerbaijans Democratic party, ADP officials told Trend.
At the meeting, opinions were exchanged on social and political situation in the country and arrangement of exit-polls at reelections on May 13, 2006.
Dallas Froghribe, head of Baku office of US International Republicans Institute, underlines the importance of arrangement of exit-polls in 10 districts where reelections will be held. He also expressed the intention to cooperate on this matter with head of opposition parties in order to ensure transparency at elections.
The meeting resulted in signing the agreement between the Institute and ADP on arranging exit-polls at parliamentary reelections on May 13.
Every member of Yokh [No] movement with political belonging will be excluded from the organization, Trend reports quoting Razi Nurullayev, the constitutor, also consultant of the movement on international issues.
He noted there were young people in the organization, who were members of political parties. Therefore, some members make attempts aimed at interests of different parties and propaganda of their leaders.
Nurullayev stressed the key objective of the movement was not to serve to interests of any political parties, but develop democracy in the country, defense human rights, use all civilized and democratic values.
Therefore, representation of the people without political belonging in the organization is expedient. Around 7 months ago a group of Musavat members was expelled from the organization. Every member of the movement will be warned against membership to parties. In contrary, they will be expelled from the movement. The issue has been unified with the coordination council, Nurullayev stressed.
Split 'Our Azerbaijan' block can unify, Trend reports quoting Vugar Beyturan, the chair of the block which does not recognize Isa Gambars leadership, also the head of Turkic Nationalist Party.
He stressed the part of the block recognizing the leadership of Isa Gambar, the chair of Musavat party, received an address in this regard. Musavat will not enter any blocks hence under the decision by the party. This means Musavat left Our Azerbaijan block, Beyturan noted.
He also said if no reply was given to their address, they would hold negotiations with other side. Our goal is to carry out joint cooperation. If it is not possible, other side will be the loser, Beyturan stated.
MP Asim Mollazade, the chairman of the Democratic Reforms Party, has participated in the 4th Assembly of the World Democratic Movement held in Istanbul on 2-5 April. Attending the Assembly were heads of democratic movements, political parties, non-governmental organizations, MPs from different countries, Trend reports.
Turkish Prime Minister Rejep Tayyub Erdogan was also in attendance at the opening ceremony of the 4th Assembly. He appealed the participants in the gathering and spoke about the democratic developments ongoing in Turkey.
There was also held a meeting of the World Democratic Parliaments existing at the Assembly. Representatives of the parliaments of some countries agreed upon joint cooperation, strengthening of the activities of the organization to make it a mass organization. It is also planned to establish a relevant network at the organization and coordinate activities in the parliaments of the countries and international organizations.
The 4th assembly ended with awarding for definite activities. One of the awards was conferred to a member of the Mejlis of Crimea Tatars, the National Movement of Crimea Tatars and the Ukrainian parliament, Mustafa Jamilov.
Mollazade met with Musatafa Jamil and congratulated him. Mollazade noted merits of Jamilov and Milli Majlis of Crimea Tatars in the repatriation of Tatars to their native lands and development of Ukraine.
Asim Mollazadeh, deputy and representative of Democratic reforms party (DRP), has taken part at the conference entitled Future status of Kosovo held April 8 in Strasburg, DRP officials told Trend.
We should note that the conference was organized by the Alliance of Liberals and Democratic reforms of the EC, EU parliamentary group of the same name, democratic reform and liberal party of Europe and Liberintern.
In the course of the conference Mr Mollazadeh has met some heads of Europes liberal parties and members of parliaments.
In his speech head of DRP has touched the concepts of resolution of Europes conflicts of today, reminding of the reference developed by Venice Commission of the CE that sets out the right of each country for securing its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well the nations right for self-identification. He noted that international legislation the nations self-identifications implies provision of autonomy. Mr Mollazadeh has outlined the importance of identification of the future status of Kosovo within the framework of international legislation and modification of borders based on mutual agreements.
Mr Mollazadeh also touched the issue of Azerbaijans lands occupation by Armenia, heightening attention at Azerbaijani refugees that escaped Armenian genocide. Alongside bringing individuals committing military crime in Yugoslavia to justice by Haag tribunal, he has outlined the necessity in prosecuting the military criminals who killed people in Nagorno Karabakh.
At the conference, the issue on joining the EU was set for Kosovo alongside Serbia in the event of its turning into an independent state. European liberals have prepared the relevant documents for the conference. These documents contain recommendations on the future status of Kosovo and converting this area into an independent state that joined the EU alongside Serbia and is recognized by United Nations.
The next meeting of the Democratic reforms party (DRP) political Council took place.
The party chairman, Asim Mollahzadeh has informed MPs about his trips to Turkey and France, the party press-service told Trend.
Social-political situation in the country and organizational matters were as well discussed by the Council.
Ana Vatan party (AVP) is not splitting up, Trend reports with reference to Fazail Agamali, chairman of AVP and deputy of the parliament.
We should note that Akbar Goshali, Azer Mansimli and Etibar Guliyev, three deputies chairman of this party, have claimed their resignation as a protest against Mr Agamalis policy.
Chairman of the party said only Mr Goshali has resigned in accordance with his resignation notice. Others, he added, keep working normally.
The manner of liberation of occupied grounds is Azerbaijans internal affair, Fazail Agamali, Anan Vatan Party, told Trend.
The deputy said no international organization might blame Azerbaijan for doing that.
Rene van der Linder, PACE, said at the spring session that the country choosing war methods to resolve Nagorno-Karabah conflict may be expelled from this association.
Mr Agamali said the conversations on peaceful resolution of the conflict have not ended yet as unless these conversations are a success Azerbaijan would have to choose the war path to liberate its grounds and no international organization might blame it as our republic is struggling for its right within international legislation.
The deputy added that unless international organizations want war to begin they should convince Armenia to free the grounds it had occupied.
The Azerbaijan National Independence party (NIP) meeting will be held on April 30 and in case if some technical matters remain on May 7, the NIP press-service head, Ali Orujev told Trend.
The given decision has been made at the Political council meeting on April 14. We have decided to postpone the meeting on April 30, and in case if some matters will still be left the meeting will take place on May 7, he said.
The work agenda and conference preparation plan will be adopted at the meeting. Party` s regional organizations reported on their work and the decision was made to finish all regional conferences by April 20.
It was also decided at the meeting to join the rally organized by the Center for political coordination of opposition bloc, as NIP is a member of the bloc. We decided to celebrate the 3rd of May as a Turkism day. Preparations for this date will be done by the party` s secretariat, Orujev said.
National Renascence Movement (NRM) has addressed European organizations in a way of protest the unjust verdict issued on Azeri military officer Ramil Safarov charged with murder of Armenian officer in Hungary, NRM head Faradj Guloyev told Trend.
Mr Guliyev said an official address had been sent through NRM representatives in Switzerland, Russia and Turkey to the governments of these countries and international organizations. В"We have also dispatched a protest note to the other European countries and all diplomatic representations in Azerbaijan. In the event of any protest rallies or campaigns run by some organization we will join them immediatelyВ".
NRM leader said also some actions would be taken tom protect Mr Safarovs rights. Mr Guliyev stressed that the verdict issued by Hungarian court on R. Safarovs case is an unjust and unfriendly one.
A rally was held near the Huseyn Javid monument in Baku to protest the court sentence to the Azerbaijani officer, Ramil Safarov sentenced to life by the Budapest court. Activists of Karabakh liberation organization and students organized the rally, Trend reports. However, it was soon dispersed by the police.
The rally` s mastermind, Akif Nagy have been detained and other demonstrators dispersed.
The rally participants have been protesting against the harsh sentence demanding to review the case.
Union of liberation movements addressed local offices of UNO, OSCE, EC, Hungarian government and legal instances, Trend reports with reference to the Union officials.
The address states the negative reaction the sentence issued by Budapest municipal court on Azeri military officer Ramil Safarov received in our country; this sentence causes doubt in justice in Hungary that is a member of European family. It also gives the notion of R.Safarovs psychological state in the moment of the crime, and says Armenians had occupied his homeland and murdered all relatives. It stresses that Hungarian courts sentence issued on R.Safarov may result in distrust between Azeri and Hungarian nations and calls to fix this injustice.
Vurgun Eyyub, first deputy chairman, Mussavat, says it had been very unfortunate to present him a national hero as such position had a bad influence on the judge. Mr Eyyub opines that official Baku should persuade Hungarian Appeal Court to change the penalty.
Vahdat, Islamic, Social-Democratic, Great Creation, Civil unity and Ana Vatan parties also protested R.Safarovs unfair sentence.
Ater receiving the court decision by Hungarian lawyers they will appeal to the higher legal instances. Safarovs law-defender said.
The court four times arranged an expert review of Mr Safarovs psychological state. The review results showed some discrepancy. First results blaming Mr Safarov were not accepted by the judge. Hungarian legislation allows only three reviews to arrange by the judge. But the judge violated the law and arranged the fourth expert review. The last review concluded that at the moment of crime and afterwards Mr Safarov was in a sound mind. The lawyers said the judge had been biased and the last review was conducted incorrectly.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry will continue keeping in focus the situation with Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani officer who was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Budapest Court, Tahir Tagizade, the head of the Press and Information Department of the Foreign Ministry told Trend.
The Ministry does not plan to make an official statement on the sentence issued by the court. This is a legal process which is implemented through legal means, to be more exact appeal. The Foreign Ministrys role is that the Azerbaijani embassy in Hungary will be permanently in focus, as it as so far, the head of the Department said.
Ramil Safarov` s sentence is too harsh and has nothing to do with the European humanity, the head of foreign affairs department of presidential apparatus, Novruz Mammedov told Trend.
There is an impression that the process has some political undertone, though it is not so as a matter of fact, he said, expressing his regret that the court has chosen the extreme type of punishment life sentence.
It should not have happened. If the case would have been studied better, they could clearly see the reasons of the murder, Mammedov said.
State building
The national parliament speaker, Oktay Asadov met the Chinese ambassador, Jan Hai-Jou, the parliament press-service told Trend.
The speaker reminded that China was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan. The fact that the official Beijing supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is highly appreciated.
Asadov mentioned about the current friendly ties between the 2 countries, and strengthening of the bilateral relations during the visit of the Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev to China in 2005, business-forum and other joint activities. Today as Azerbaijan is rapidly developing our trade turnout has reached $259 million. And there are large opportunities for increasing this figure, he said.
The ambassador in his turn conveyed the best wishes of the permanent Chinese people` s representatives commission chairman to the speaker. The fact that Baku supports Beijing on a number of issues is highly appreciated in China. China is interested in developing ties with Azerbaijan and will do everything possibly for that, the ambassador concluded.
The first vice-speaker of Milli Mejlis, head of the Azerbaijani parliamentary assembly in NATO, Ziyafet Askerov met with the representative of the NATO general secretary on South Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simons, the parliament press-release told Trend.
Askerov told that after signing the Partnership for peace program in 1994 relations between Azerbaijan and NATO are developing dynamically. Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation with the alliance. It actively participates in the anti-terrorism struggle and its soldiers participate in the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He also mentioned the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict. Stressing that the aggressive policy of Armenia is dangerous not only for Azerbaijan but for the region in general.
Simons in his turn expressed his interest in developing relations with Azerbaijan and noted that NATO is watching over the democratic progress in the country.
The representatives of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces take participate in the events organized by NATO.
Under the individual program signed between Azerbaijan and NATO in the framework of the Partnership for Peace program, a conference on transformation of defense is held in Harmish-Partenkirkhen, Germany, from 9 to 11 April, international humanitarian aid courses - in Baku from 10 to 14 April, military English courses - Budapest, Hungary, from 10 April - 30 June, the press service of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend.
Under the bilateral military cooperation plan signed by Azerbaijan and the UK, English courses are planned in York from 10 April to 1 June.
In accordance with the bilateral military cooperation plan undersigned by Azerbaijan and Turkey, courses on impact of separative movements on terrorism is organized in Ankara, Turkey, from 17 April.
The Interior troops commander in chief, general- lieutenant, Zakir Hasanov came back from his 3 day visit to Turkey, the foreign affairs department of the Interior troops told Trend.
Hasanov has been invited to Turkey by his Turkish counterpart, general, Fevzi Turkeri. He has visited a Gendarme school in Beytepe and a number of other military educational institutions.
Hasanov and Turkeri exchanged their opinion in the military education area and some other relevant matters.
Turkish Minister of Interior Abdulkadir Aksu is arriving April 19 in Baku with a three-day official visit. the visit starts April 19 from Honorary Burial alley and Martyrs Alley, Trend reports with reference to press service of Turkish Embassy to Azerbaijan.
Afterwards the meeting with Azeri minister of interior Ramil Usubov is scheduled. Turkish minister is also planned to visit a base of Azeri internal forces.
On April 20 Turkish minister is not having any conversations planned. Friday, April 21, Mr Aksu is taking off home.
On Monday Kamaladdin Heydarov, the Azerbaijani Emergency Minister, has received the delegation led by Robert Simons, the special representative of the NATO Secretary General on the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The sides discussed significance of the expansion of the Azerbaijan-NATO relations.
Heydarov presented information on forming of the Ministry in the level up to modern requirements. He stressed solution of the issues related to protection of the population had great importance, while disasters, man-caused accidents and their consequences increased. The Minister noted that the work of newly-established body would yield results soon and the Ministry would fully set to the activities after approval of the regulations.
Simons said NATO set wide cooperation with Azerbaijan in some fields and expressed hope for the further development of the process. Touching upon the significance of the newly-established Emergency Ministry, he stated the step would have impact on the expansion of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO in some spheres. The giuest mentioned that NATO had work experience in planning and implementation of civil programs. According to Simons, opinions and proposals by Azerbaijan in this sphere can enrich purposes of NATO.
The Emergency Minister, Kemaladdin Heydarov has accepted the delegation with the Korean ambassador, Mun Hayong in head. Azerbaijani Korean relations in political, economic and other areas have been discussed during the meeting, Trend reports.
Heydarov said that these ties are constantly growing. He informed the guests about the actions carried out by his ministry. The major objective of the ministry is to prevent natural disasters, technical accidents, fires, to work with their consequences and to create the single for all restoration and rescue works structure.
The Azerbaijani and Austrian supreme courts signed a mutual understanding memorandum on April 10. The document was signed by the Azerbaijani Supreme Court chairman, Ramiz Rzayev, and the Austrian Supreme Court chairman, Johann Reshut.
A number of documents in different areas, including those in the law enforcement area, have been signed with Austria since 2000, Rzayev said.
He also emphasized the current judicial reforms in Azerbaijan and creation of new economic courts and courts of appeal, increase in the numbers of judges, attorneys, lawyers.
Rzayev indicated the importance of the signed document for Azerbaijan as it includes such matters as exchange of opinion and cooperation in the judicial area.
Reshut in his turn expressed the interest to work with his Azerbaijani counterparts and further develop relations between the two states.
The Austrian Supreme Court chairman, Johan Reshut, who is currently on visit in Azerbaijan, met the Azerbaijani Justice Minister, Fikret Mammedov, the Justice Ministry press-service told Trend.
Mammedov reminded his Austrian guest about the Azerbaijani- Austrian cooperation and the visit of the late-leader Heydar Aliyev to Austria, which has opened the new phase in the bilateral relations. He informed Reshut about democratic reforms taking place in the country, including those in the legal-judicial area.
The minister mentioned the judicial system modernization reforms implemented in accordance with the January 19, 2006 presidential decree, noting that the candidates chosen by transparent procedures are continuing the educational process. Mammedov has also reminded about the positive effects of the recently signed memorandum of mutual understanding and cooperation between the 2 states.
Reshut, in his turn highly appreciated the legal-judicial reforms and other arrangements taking place in the country. Putting the special emphasis on the newly created Judicial-legislative council, that increases the effectiveness of the judicial system in Azerbaijan, he expressed his wish to develop the cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Chairman of the Supreme Court of Austria Johann Reschut met with the head of Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan Farhad Abdullayev on April 12, officials of press service of Constitutional Court told Trend.
During the meeting Mr Abdullayev has highly appraised the cooperation between highest legal instances of the two countries. He has brought to the guests attention that this cooperation plays a big role in the legel practice.
In his turn, Mr Reschut reminded that it was already the second time he met with Mr Abdullayev, saying this visit would much contribute to relations with the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan. Integration processes in Europe, in particular those in legal sphere, create the necessity in exchange of experience among law-enforcement agencies.
Mr Abdullayev has expressed his eagerness to support the cooperation of legal bodies of the two countries.
Durign teh meeting, the sides have also shared their opinions on various issues.
General-lieutenant Eldar Mahmudov, minister of national security, has highly appraised cooperation between security services of Azerbaijan and Turkey at the meeting with head of National security agency Emri Taner, Trend reports.
Officials of the Ministry of National Security told Trend that General-lieutenant Mahmudov has informed the guest of the further development of security services of the two countries resulted from his first visit to Azerbaijan.
At the meeting the sides have exchanged opinions on work made in respect of struggling the transnational organized crime and terrorism, as well as work with migration processes. The officials have discussed the prospects of target-based cooperation between the national security agencies of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The Azeri Minister has informed his guest of current situation in the country and factors influencing it, as well as of the actions taken by Azerbaijan in response to the common security problems and struggling international terrorism.
Mr Taner has highly appraised these discussions on the issue of the both countries security. He stressed that relationships between Turkey and Azerbaijan, in particular among the appropriate agencies, are permanently progressing.
Reduction of police staff is voluntary, the interior ministers depute, Orudj Zalov told Trend.
He said that some police units are replaced by the civilian guards. Retired or voluntary left police officers are replaced by the civilian staff. There was no reduction as a matter of fact. Only those who are left voluntary are replaced by the civilian staff, Zalov said.
Police is expected to work in the medium security during the future re-run parliamentary elections, he said. However, the medium security regime will be implemented only in 10 electoral districts. As during the previous elections police will control security of the meeting points, polling stations and candidates, he said.
The depute minister did not accept the accusations to police in the international organizations reports. The Azerbaijan police are working within the limits of law, he argues. It is possible that some individual police employee could be violent but he was punished by the disciplinary committee, he concluded.
The Azerbaijani Justice Ministry will submit a petition to the Hungarian Justice Ministry on extradition of Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani officer, sentenced to life-imprisonment by the Budapest Court, Zaver Gafarov, the head of the International Legal Cooperation Department of the Justice Ministry, told Trend.
He informed that irrespective of the sentence, the Hungarian government at all cases must ensure his extradition to the Motherland, as Azerbaijan is member of the international convention. The CE Convention adopted in 1983 includes an article on the extradition of the convicted to the country he holds a nationality for service of imprisonment term. In compliance with the Article, irrespective of the sentence a citizen has a right to serve his imprisonment term in the country he holds a nationality. Azerbaijan and Hungary are members of the international convention. Taking this opportunity, we will submit a petition to the Hungarian Justice Ministry, Zalov noted
Safarovs law-defenders are going to submit an appeal on the verdict. Therefore, it is impossible to appeal to the Hungarian government on his extradition to Azerbaijan.
He reminded that the second hearings on Safarov are still to complete.
The law-enforcement bodies of Budapest fled one suit on Safarov. He is accused of resisting the employees of the prison he was kept in. Legal proceedings in this respect will continue on 7 May.
Next session of the Legal Council was held April 14 under the chairmanship of Minister of Justice Fikret Mamedov, Trend reports with reference to Javid Huseynov, head of Legal Council Administration.
The session discussed the issues arising from the order President Ilham Aliyev signed January 19, 2006 on legal system modernization. Personnel issues and candidates to the position of chairman of the Supreme Court board have been discussed.
The decision was made to apply disciplinary punishments on 9 judges that had admitted some mistakes in their work.
The main attention at the session was paid to reception of documents for selection of new candidates to vacant positions of judge. It was decided that citizens over 30 eager to become judges might partake in the relevant examinations upon submitting necessary documents. In this respect some technical issues have been discussed