Official news
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in a summit of the Council for Interaction and Confidence-building in Asia on 17 June.
Addressing the gathering Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted that the importance for expansion of economic cooperation, including the transport sector, with the participation of Azerbaijan.
"There are high level political contacts between our countries. We are related with the plans of regional cooperation, Aliyev continued, noting the important significance of the transport projects planed by Azerbaijan for the development of the region.
"Their implementation can offer new terms for deepening the integration processes and Azerbaijan is ready to play an important role in this direction," he stressed. Now we are working over big projects on the construction of a railway bridge between Europe and Asia, attach great importance to the North-South transport corridor, the capacities of which can be offered to other partners, he added.
Besides, Aliyev noted the danger exiting in the region by the part of international terror, which could break our plans. All countries should unite the efforts and demonstrate unified approach to contradict these threats. The terrorism has neither nationality, nor religion," the President emphasized. He reminded that the international terror greatly damaged Azerbaijan.
The same time he drew attention to Nagorno-Karabakh problem. "Over 1 million Azerbaijani citizens are the internally displaced people," Aliyev underlined. In this connection he called on the fulfillment of all UN Resolution on this problem.
The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on 16 June, Trend reports citing the announcement by the Kazakh Presidents Administration. The meeting focused on the development of bilateral cooperation in the oil sector.
As a result of talk the two leaders signed an agreement between Kazakh and Azerbaijan on support and assistance to the oil transportation from Kazakhstan to the international markets via the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijani territory through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
The agreement signed testifies for high level relationships between the countries and peoples, which in fact are a model of alliance. The agreement predefines the development of the region for many years to come. The significance of the pipeline, which Kazakhstan joined to, can be heavily valued. Now it becomes a biggest oil pumping artery of the region, Aliyev underlined.
The significance of the recently signed agreement on assurance to the transportation of Kazakh oil via the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline to world market can be hardly valued. We have gained an alternative third way for the realization of our hydrocarbons. Till 2030 all necessary terminals will be built and the capacity of the pipeline for oil pumping will be expanded. The agreement will become an important branch in the history of friendly relationships of the two countries, the nations which have much common in the history, culture and roots, Nazarbayev stated to the briefing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers successful development of Azeri-Russian relations tied to Azeri government policy. "I am pleased to say not only our meetings are regular but also bilateral relations are developing well", - said Putin.
Alongside, he said the progress is observed in all spheres, like economy, humanitarian relations ad so. "This is thanks to the policy Azeri government adheres to", - Russian president said.
Putin outlined that the countries scope of cooperation is quite broad. "We have think to talk of ", - he said addressing Ilham Aliyev.
In turn, president of Azerbaijan said Russia is a priority partner to his country. "Relations with Russia are of a priority nature as they are based on equality, friendship and partnership", -he said. "We are satisfied with the dynamics of their development",- added Aliyev.
The Azeri president Ilham Aliyev on June 16 in Alma-Ata received the deputy prime ministers of Israel Shimon Peres, Trend reports with reference to Lider TV.
During the meeting, Peres remembered the meeting with ex-president of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, noting that the relations between the two countries are at the high level. The deputy prime minister of Israel pointed out the necessity to make steps towards expansion of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel.
On the same day, the head of Azerbaijan received the member of Executive Committee of Liberation Organization of Palestine Mahammad Saad Ahmad Audu (Taysir Khaled).
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva visited on 15 June Zira and Bina villages of Baku to attend the opening of some facilities.
Addressing to the local people Present Aliyev reminded of the state program on the development of the Baku villages, which ahs been out for implementation. I hope the in 2-3 years the villages will be fully reformed, living condition of the people will get improved, problem with gas and energy supply will be removed, the President underlined.
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev on June 12 received John Sununu, ex-Chief of US President Administration and former governor of New-Hampshire, Trend reports.
In the course of conversation, the parties discussed a broad circle of issues regarding development of Azeri-American relations, extension of regional collaboration, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
The Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on June 12 received the secretary general of the Black Sea Organization for Economic Cooperation (BSECO) Leonidas Khrizantopuls, Trend reports.
During the visit, the general secretary of BSECO spoke about the productive meetings that he held in Baku, as well as his visit to Heydar Aliyev Fund. The guest highly assessed the level of economic development in the country.
President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan diligently developed its relations with various international and regional organizations, as well as BSECO. The state head spoke about the activity directed to the economic development of Azerbaijan.
An exchange of view was held on wide cooperation between Azerbaijan and BSECO.
The Azeri president Ilham Aliyev received the president of BP Azerbaijan David Woodward and the general executive director of BTC Co. Michael Taunshend whose mission in Azerbaijan is completed, Trend reports.
The president Aliyev highly assessed the activities of Taunshend in realization of BTC project. Aliyev awarded Taunshend a medal Glory.
Thanking the president for assessing his activities, Taunshend noted that it was a great honour for him.
On June 13, 2006 Azeri President Ilham Aliyev received David Lesar, president of Halliburton, Trend reports.
Mr Lesar congratulated Azeri President on occasion of shipping first tanker with Azeri oil from port Ceyhan. Alongside, he stated his satisfaction with his companys participation in BTC project. BTC commissioning, he said, displays Azerbaijans regional leadership and bears significance for the global energy market. Me Lesar added that BTC project is one of the most significant projects Halliburton ever participated in.
Ilham Aliyev called BTC commissioning the significant historical event. It was preceded with long thorough work and the result is brilliant, he said. Now Azerbaijan can transport its oil via Baku-Supsa and Baku-Novorossiysk and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline as well.
The Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on June 13 received the delegation of the AGO group of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe headed by Roland Vegener. The guest noted that the Council of Europe paid attention to the processes in Azerbaijan. Touching on the repeat parliamentary elections, he ruled out that the elections were held at a very high level. Vegener said that he welcomed the consultations of Azerbaijan with Venetian commission regarding upgrade of electoral legislation.
The president Ilham Aliyev stressed that this visit created a very good opportunity for discussing the current situation and the prospects of cooperation. During the visit, the sides exchanged the views on issues of bilateral interest.
The Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev signed an order on occasion of 70th anniversary of the creation of the gas economy of the country, Trend reports. According to the order, 20 June will be celebrated as a date of professional holiday of employees of the gas economy of Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on appointment of representatives of the Interior Ministry to the foreign countries and international organizations and provision of their activities, Trend reports.
In accordance with the decree, the Interior Minister is authorized to appoint in important countries representatives for implementation of the functions of the Interior Ministry upon coordinating with the President. They will be dispatched with term of inclusion in the structure and schedule of the embassies. The financial provision of their activities will be carried out at the expense of budgetary funds of the Interior Ministry.
The Cabinet of Ministers is committed resolve the financial and logistics provision of their activities.
Sabir Mammad oglu Agabayov was appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Morocco, the Azeri president Ilham Aliyev signed an order on this issue on June 14, Trend reports.
According to the order of the president, Agabayov was presented the diplomatic rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
Agabayov was holding the position of deputy chef of consular department of the Azeri Foreign Ministry.
According to the order of the Azeri president Ilham Aliyev dated June 16, 15 persons were awarded with medal Taraggi (Progress) for their service in the development of the health sphere of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
According to other order, the president awarded 14 health employees with a rank of honourable doctro. Sahib Kazim oglu Musayev received the rank of honourable scientist of Azerbaijan, and Kubra Abbas gizi Jafarova, Leyla Rahim gizi Karimova and Zemfira Musa gizi Topchubashova a rank of honourable pedagogue.
Foreign policy
On 24 June the major delegation of Azerbaijan will leave for France to participate in the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on 26 June, Sabir Hajiyev, an Azerbaijani parliamentary representative to the PACE, told Trend.
Samed Seyidov, the chairman of the permanent parliamentary delegation on international relationships and interparlimantary bonds of the Milli Majlis [Azerbaijani parliament] will lead the Azerbaijani delegation at the session.
Hajiyev said that he was appointed to one of two vacancies in major composition of the delegation. Another vacancy was taken by MP Fazail Ibrahimli, elected during the 13 May re-run parliamentary elections from the Civil Solidarity Party, Hajiyev underscored
The Turkish FM Abdullah Gul said that as a result of the 33rd session of the heads of foreign minister of the Organization of Islamic Conference in Baku the chairmanship will shift from Yemen to Azerbaijan and Ankara is ready to render continuous support to Baku under the OIC.
В"The event assumes special importance for Azerbaijan and will enable the Islamic world to get closely familiar with Azerbaijan, he underlined.
On June 19, 2006 General-Lieutenant Sergey Topchiy, second-in-command of Russian internal forces, is arriving in Baku. Within the limits of his visit, Russian military official will get acquainted to military units of internal forces of Azerbaijan, Trend reports with reference to international relations department of Internal Forces of Azerbaijan.
The second-in-command is starting his visit from Honorary Funeral Alley and Martyrs Alley. Then Russian military official is meeting with Zakir Hasanov at Main Board of Internal Forces and leading a briefing dedicated to the goals of the visit.
Within his visit, General-Lieutenant Topchiy will get acquainted to military units located in Baku and Training center in Hizi.
The guest should also meet with General-Colonel Ramil Usubov, Azeri Minister of Interior.
At the meeting, the parties will discuss cooperation and exchange of experience between Azeri and Russian Internal Forces.
President Aliyev will pay a visit to Moscow early this June. Novruz Mammadov, the head of the Foreign Relationships Department of the Presents Apparat told Trend. A meeting on the top will discuss bilateral cooperation, Mammadov underlined.
Invitations to official shipment of Azeri oil from Ceyhan terminal are issued by BOTAS and Turkish Ministry of Energy, Trend reports quoting Zakir Hashimov, The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Turkey. Hashimov said heads of many countries are invited to the ceremony as well, but their participation is not yet confirmed.
The Ambassador said heads of states will possibly hold talks in Turkey. В"But is shall be accounted that these are not official visitsВ",- he stated.
Azeri official said BTC is not just a project that unites only three countries. В"In general, BTC is a significant project at the scale of the whole world. It is interested in the US, UK and all other leading countriesВ",- he added.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov I replaced with his assistant Andrey Denisov at 33rd session of FMs council of Organization of Islamic Conference in Baku, Trend reports quoting Andrey Krevtsov, official representative of Russian Foreign Ministry.
Krevtsov said Lavrovs participation had been scheduled originally, but then it was decided to replace him.
Russia, official said, highly appraises collaboration with all members of OIC and forthcoming Baku forum. He recalled that recently in Moscow Russian FM met with OIC Secretary General Mr Ihsanoglu and stated Russias participation in OIC as an observer promoting the more safe and democratic architecture of foreign relations. In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin, receiving Mr Ihsanoglu June 8, said development of cooperation with Islamic world is one of Russias significant priorities.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be represented at the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the level of state foreign minister Nizara O. Madani, Trend reports with reference to the embassy of Saudi Arabia in Azerbaijan.
The state foreign minister will be accompanied by the delegation of the Forign ministry of this country. Within the participation at the meeting, the state minister is going to hold several bilateral meetings with officials of Azerbaijan.
The meeting of Foreign Ministers of OIC is expected to be attended by all 57 OIC member-countries.
On June 16 the delegation headed by chairman of foreign policy committee with Bulgarian parliament Solomon Isaak Passini visited Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan will face no problem during the fall session of PACE, Trend reports quoting Akshin Mehtiyev, head of Azeri representation to CE.
Azerbaijan, he said, met all commitments to the CE and consequently shall face no problem at the session. Usual debates will take place and result in a resolution that will not harm Azerbaijan in any way, Mehtiyev added.
As to announcements in media regarding Azerbaijans inability to pay membership fee in PACE, Mehtiyev said he had heard this before and all such statements are nonsense.
A Polish-Azerbaijani friendly group will be created at the Polish parliament by the end of June, 2006, Karol Karski, the head of the delegation of the Polish Seym on issues of the European Union, informed at the press-conference on June 13, Trend reports.
According to Karski, the group will be established in result of the meeting of Polish Seym that will be held next week. The group will be created on base of initiatives of two parliamentarians, told Karski noting that the formation of the group will allow to draw together the parliaments of the two countries.
Besides, Karski stressed that he has invited the head of the Azeri delegation at PACE Samad Seyidov to Poland, but the exact date of the visit will be clear after the creation of the friendly group of Poland and Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, Karski stressed that Warsaw was ready to support Azerbaijan in integrating into the Europe. We welcome the efforts of official Baku in this direction and will support Azerbaijan in realizing projects with the Council of Europe, NATO and other international organizations, emphasized Karski.
Anne Derse, the newly appointed US Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan, will come to Azerbaijan early July 2006, Jonathan Henick, the head of the Public Relations Department of the US Embassy in Baku told Trend.
US President nominated Derse to this post on 13 April. The candidacy was considered at the US Congress on 12 May and confirmed.
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.
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
The newly appointed OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, the US Ambassador Matthew Bryza will be officially introduced in Vienna on 22 June, Jonathan Henick, the spokesman for the US embassy in Baku, told Trend.
According to Henick, for the time there is no information about Bryzas visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict region as a newly appointed OSCE Minsk Group co-chair.
Bryza paid a visit to Azerbaijan as the assistant Secretary of State of the United States on 5-6 June. In his exclusive interview for Trend Bryza said that The United States remains committed to helping secure a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, told Trend in exclusive interview.
The Presidents met in Bucharest last weekend for intensive, detailed negotiations. Obviously, no breakthrough was reached, but we continue to believe that 2006 represents a window of opportunity if the Presidents can make difficult, courageous decisions to move forward with a settlement, he underlined.
Bryza underlined that the United States are interested in the expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres. At present we have excellent cooperation in the military sector, in the sphere of security, energy issues, democratic and economic reforms. Aliyevs visit to Washington was successful for encouraging the cooperation and we hope to deepen our cooperation in coming weeks and months, he said.
The destruction of historic and culture monuments in the Azerbaijani territory under the Armenian occupation, brining and termination of the occupied villages is vandalism and crime against the mankind, Trend cited an appeal spread on 13 May by the Mejlis of Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The acts of vandalism demonstrate non-recognition of the international laws by the political authorities of Armenian. Terminating all historic and cultural values belonging to Azerbaijanis the Armenian politicians try to deteriorate the inter-regional relationships, offering facilities for national impatience, prove impossibility of co-resistance of Azerbaijanis and Armenians, the statement says. Well understanding that they will leave the occupied areas the Armenian officials burn the villages, forests and reserves of Azerbaijan and in this way demonstrate their hostility to the human values, the statement underlines.
Members of the Mejlis of Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh demand from the international institutes and mediating countries to achieve urgent cessation of criminal acts by the Armenian authorities. They demand the Azerbaijani authorities to interrupt the peace talks in case Armenia continues the actions directed at extermination of historic and culture monuments of Azerbaijan.
The next round of consultations between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia Elmar Mammadyarov and Vardan Oskanyan started on June 13 in Paris, Araz Azimov, the deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan and also special representative of Azeri president on regulation of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, exclusively informed Trend from Paris.
The meeting of two ministers, held at the Foreign Ministry of France, started after a business-lunch. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group participate at the consultations. After a lunch, the consultations will be held both with the participation of mediators and between the ministers themselves.
Azimov noted that yet it was early to make any commentary on the held rounds of talks.
We addressed co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group in a view of significant damage to ecology and culture on occupied Azeri grounds, - reportedly said Nizami Bahmanov, head of Azeri community of Nagono-Karabakh.
Bahmanov said Armenians burn houses and forests on frontier line to ash. В"This is a danger not only for occupied grounds but also for people residing behind the frontlineВ", - he stated. He stated the invitation dispatched to co-chairs that asks them to come to the frontline and see Armenians brutalities. В"Now we are waiting for the replyВ", - he added.
He said also the similar request was dispatched to OSCE chairmans PA Andzhey Kasprszik. В"This official never performed with comments on breaking the cease-fire. Each day such kirmishes take places but he never asks who breaks the armisticeВ", - he concluded
Political life
On 24 June 2006 the Central Elections Commission (CEC) will hold the first workshop in connection with the 6 October municipal elections, Trend reports citing Mazahir Panahov, the chairman of the CEC, told Trend.
The chairmen and members of constituency commissions where the elections will be held will be invited to participate in the seminar. The works hop will take papers in two topics. The First report will be dedicated to nomination of candidates, collection of signatures and presentation of signature lists, procedures on check-up of document produced by candidates and their authorized representatives. Another report will concern provision of transparency in the opening and use of financial accounts of political parties and blocs, which put forward their candidacies in the municipal elections. The CEC will continue conducting workshops for enlightenment of members of the upper-laying commissions. The similar events will also be organized in the regions.
On 14 June members of the Council of Europes AGO Group, who are on a visit to Baku held a meeting at the Central Elections Commission (CEC).
Head of the mission Roland Wegener, told Trend after the meeting with the CEC chairman Mazahir Panahov that hey focused on the re-run parliamentary elections held recently in Azerbaijan. At the same time the AGO Group informed the CEC membership its opinion on the formation of the Elections Code and elections commission in Azerbaijan,
We discussed the shortages observed in the elections. In particular, we informed them about critical opinions on the composition of the elections commissions. As you know the Azerbaijani government asked the CE Venice Commission to render assistance in the improvement of the Elections Code. An exchange of opinion was held on the issue. We hope that as a result of joint cooperation with the Venice Commission, the issue on the improvement of the Elections Code will find its resolution, the head of AGO group said.
Estimating the situation in the fulfillment of the CE commitment by Azerbaijan Wegener said that the government achieved progress in this direction. Indeed, the CE commitments were fulfilled, while there are still some milestones and the commitment should be realized. There is also necessity for the improvement of the Elections Code. The chairman of the CEC announced that the re-run parliamentary elections were beyond the expectations. However, Panahov shared our opinions that were some shortages in the election process, he underlined.
On June 16, the deputy chairman of New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Ali Ahmadov met in the headquarter of NAP with the French ambassador Bernar dyu Shafo, Trend report quoting the press-service of NAP.
During the meeting there was held exchange of view on the present situation and prospects of the development of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and France. According to Ahmadov, the realization of successful reforms in political and economical spheres, as well as in the sphere of protection oh human rights is the key factor of increase of Azerbaijans influence on the international arena.
Ahmadov spoke about the role of NAP in social-political life. According to Ahmadov, despite the serious successes in the democratization in our country, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict creates serious obstacles for the development.
The French ambassador noted that his country, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, didnt represent any confidential goals. He told that official Paris makes serious efforts to find a solution to the conflict within the international norms and its position in this direction was clear.
A conference on topic The way beginning from salvation: Celebration of Heydar Aliyevs oil strategy was held on June 13 in hotel Park Inn. The event was held with the initiative of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) on occasion of the National salvation Day 15 June.
Opening the forum, Ali Ahmedov, the executive secretary of NAP, spoke about ex-president Haydar Aliyevs role in salvation of Azeri people 13 years ago in result of his returning to Baku. A new history of Azerbaijan started, with his coming to Baku. Up to his coming to Baku, there was anarchy in the country and the country was managed by uneducated heads. Due to Aliyevs coming to Baku, the policy started to serve the interests of state system and Azerbaijan people. Heydar Aliyevs historical returning gave a ground to the tradition of the state system and on the other hand, prevented the social-political process jeopardizing the country, told Ahmedov.
The deputy chairman of Azeri parliament Valeh Alaskarov noted that in result of Aliyevs returning, the Azeri people again came to knowledge. The salvation of people, state and nation is related to Heydar Aliyevs returning, told Alaskarov.
Other participants of the event stressed the importance of Heydar Aliyevs returning to Baku on June 15, 1993.
The conference brought together the representatives of Azeri parliament, party heads, non-governmental organizations and official figures.
The New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) will take an active part in the repeat municipal elections scheduled for October 6, 2006, Ali Ahmadov, the executive secretary of NAP, made such a statement in his interview to journalists, Trend reports.
He remembered that NAP took an active part in municipal elections in December, 2004. In the near future, the conception of the elections giving base to the success of NAP will be defined, told Ahmadov.
Touching on the statement of opposition block Azadlig (Freedom) and opportunities to participate at the repeat municipal elections after changes to the Electoral Code of the republic, Ahmadov noted there was no need for the activities of parties not taking part in the political life of the country, primarily elections. Ahmadov asked questions:
What activity will the party not participating in elections carry out? noting that it is unreasonable to put forward conditions for participating at elections.
The present Electoral Code highly recommended itself as being in November 2005 parliamentary elections and May 13, 2006 repeat parliamentary elections. Changing the Code simply for the sake of change is inaccurate, told Ahmadov.
Political block Azadlyg is not participating in municipal elections scheduled to October 6, Trend reports quoting the block cochairman Sardar Jalaloglu.
He also said the session of Block chairmen is held June 14 and the issue will be discussed and statement made on forthcoming municipal elections.
On June 13, Pole Seym delegation led a meeting at Democratic Reforms Party (DRP). Trend reports participation of Pole MP and chairman of commission Karol Karski, MP Malgozsata Sadurskaja, member of commission Joanna Kowalskaja, Pole Amb to Azerbaijan Kszistof Krajewski, as well as members of Board of the party.
Asim Mollazadeh, DRP chairman, informed the guests of relations between Azerbaijan and Poland and work Azerbaijan performs to integrate with Europe. DRP chairman also said Azerbaijan can use Polands experience in respect to integration with European structures. Then he informed of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying that this conflict prevents South Caucasus integration with Europe.
In turn, Mr Karski said he is aware of Azerbaijan, its history and todays progress, stating his positive estimation to Azerbaijans integration with European structures. He added that Poland, being a member of such respected international organizations as the EU and NATO, may help Azerbaijan in this sphere.
The involvement of the intellectual potential of Azerbaijan society allows to resolve the national problem of the country the issue of turning Baku into a city meeting the high standards of XXI century, Asim Mollazade, deputy of Azeri parliament and also the chairman of Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party (DRP), told on June 14 at the round table dedicated to the development problems of Azerbaijani capital.
According to Mollazadem, working out the new general plan of the city plays an important role in this issue. I wouldnt like to decrease the attention towards the existing problems of the country capital, but to demonstrate positive thought that allows to turn the capital of Azerbaijan into one the most beautiful cities of the world, told Mollazade.
Mollazade offered to establish a working group that will prepare special information for the Azeri government and create a base for the preparation of the new general plan of Baku city. The present tension allows to decrease the attention towards the city-building and democratic development of Azerbaijani capital, stressed Mollazade expressing his regret about the absence of the representatives of Baku Executive Power at the conference.
The event brought together the representatives of various ministries and institutions of Azerbaijan, as well as deputies of Azeri parliament, popular experts, public figures and the representatives of mass media.
On June 16, 2006 Asim Mollazadeh, chairman of Democratic Reforms Party, met with Solomon Passi, head of committee for international affairs with Bulgarian parliament, former foreign minister, and Petr Beron, vice-speaker of Bulgarian parliament.
Trend reports with reference to the partys press service, the meeting participants discussed occupation of Azeri grounds by Armenians and their brutalities on these lands. Asim Mollazadeh informed the guests of destruction of artificial forests, archeological and historical monuments on the occupied grounds.
The parties also discussed Azerbaijan integration with Euro-Atlantic space.
During the meeting of the Assembly, The party Musavat will make a decision on participation in municipal elections, Vurgun Eyub, the deputy chairman of the party, informed Trend.
According to Eyyub, several members of party support, but several member protest against participation in the municipal elections. For this reason, this question will be raised for voting at the meeting of the Assembly.
The meeting of the assembly will be held in the first 10-day period of July where the participation in municipal elections will be discussed.
State building
The chairman of Milli Majlis [Azerbaijani Parliament] Ogtay Agayev on June 12 received the chairman of the commission of Polish Seym on issues of European Union Karol Karski.
Welcoming the guest, Agayev spoke about the history of Azerbaijani-Polish relations, primarily the role of the state heads in development of bilateral relations.
According to Agayev, the signing of bilateral documents during the visit, created a favorable legal base for the development of relations. We want our relations to strengthen and hope that this visit will serve the promotion of inter-parliamentary relations, told Agayev.
At the same time, Karski delivered the greetings of the Polish parliament. He noted that Poland is interested in development of relations with Azerbaijan. Our visit aimed at conducting consultations related with the expansion of relations, stressed Karski.
В"The [Armenian-Azerbaijani] Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved with in the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Karol Karskiy, the chairman of the commission on the European Union affairs of the Polish Saim [parliament], stated in Baku on 12 June in a meeting with the members of the Azerbaijani-Polish interparliamentary friendship group, Trend reports.
Kasrkiy noted the dynamic development of Azerbaijani economy, as well as the upgrade of the interparliamentary relationships.
Members of the Azerbaijani-Polish interparliamentary friendship group, Sabir Hajiyev and Eldar Guliyev were also in attendance.
On June 16, the chairman of the committee of Bulgarian parliament on foreign policy Solomon Pasi who is on the visit in Azerbaijan met with the members of the permanent commission of Azeri parliament on international and inter-parliamentary relations, Trend reports quoting the press service of Milli Majlis [Azerbaijani Parliament].
During the meeting, the chairman of the permanent parliamentary commission on international and inter-parliamentary relations Samad Seyidov noted that the processes happening in Bulgaria were observed in Azerbaijan with an interest. Bulgaria is the member of NATO and European Union. Azerbaijan is also interested in the Euro-Atlantic structures. We think that from this point of view it is very important for Azerbaijan to study the Bulgarian experience, told Seyidov. Then he noted that there were friendly relations between our countries. Our deputies appear in a single position in relation with several questions in international organizations, pointed out Seyidov.
Passi stressed that the dynamic development of Azerbaijan caused the interest of Bulgarian delegation. We also observe the political processes happening in Azerbaijan and support the integration of Azerbaijan into Europe, told Pasi. He emphasized that Bulgaria was ready to provide Azerbaijan with all types of assistance in the membership to NATO and European Union.
General Norton Schwartz, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, arrived in Baku, the US Embassy in Baku told Trend. During the visit the General will hold meetings and discussions at the Ministry of Defense.
The discussions covered bilateral cooperation and U.S. support for the implementation of Azerbaijans NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan.
The United States Transportation Command is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the United States Department of Defense.
Chief of Criminal Investigation Department within Ministry of Interior Emin Shekinsky took part in the sixth international conference of CID chiefs of the CIS in Astana, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Interior.
At the event were participating the representatives of Interior Ministries of Azerbaijan, Russia, Byelorussia, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Kazakhstan.
At the conference, the parties discussed coordination of collaborate activity in fighting transnational crime, forensics, new forms and methods for fighting crime, exchange of experience and so.