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WEEKLY POLITICAL REVIEW

Politics Materials 11 October 2006 12:03 (UTC +04:00)

Official Visit

On October 7, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of the road ranging from Khinalig village of Guba district to the district center. The 5km-long road with the width of 8-10 meters took 3 months to complete, Trend reports quoting LIDER TV. The mountainous road passes through 8 villages. AZN 14 million has been spent and 45,000 tons of asphalt has been used for the construction of the road. Nine new bridges have been built within the framework of the project.

Thereafter, the President participated in the opening ceremony of a frontier post in Khinalig village. In addition, the President intends, together with his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, to visit the secondary school built in Gachresh village with financial support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

On October 6, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted the Chiefs of Security Bodies and Special Services of CIA Member-States. During the meeting, it was highliighted that the close ties between the Security Bodies and Speciial Services of CIS Member-States is of a great importance, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev marked the importance of strenthening of ties and operative information exhange between the countries-partners in the struggle against the international terrorism, illegal drug traffic and trade, and the organized criminality recently spread all over the World. Having stressed Azerbaijan`s active position in this issue within CIS, the Azerbaijani President told that our country is suffering a significant damage from the Armenian terrorism.

Nikolay Patrushev, Director of the federal Security Service of Russia, Chairman of the Council of the Chiefs of the Security Bodies and Special Services of CIS Member-States pointd out that owing to the efficient cooperation of the Security Offices and Secret Services of CIA Member-States, it has become possible to implement joint operations by the bodies of 5-7 countries-partners. He also conveyed greetings of Russian President and the other Heads of the CIS Member-States to President Ilham Aliyev.

On October 6, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Russian Minister of Economic Development & Trade, German Gref. Aliyev stressed that co-operation between Azerbaijan and Russia is developing in various spheres including political interaction, Trend reports. Speaking about the development of the economic relations, the President said that the trade turnover had doubled which is a very good indicator.

The State Head emphasized that there is a favorable economical environment in Azerbaijan and it needs to strengthen relations in this sphere. He voiced his confidence that the visit of Gref will serve in the development of the economical co-operation between Azerbaijan and Russia.

Delivering the greetings of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin to the Head of Azerbaijan, Gref stressed that the political relations between the two countries are on a high level. He added out that the friendly relations between the heads of the two countries are a base for the development of co-operation in all aspects.

On October 6, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted the delegation headed by Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Andreyev. During the meeting, the Head of the Azerbaijani State highly appreciated the successful cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Russian Academy of Sciences, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev brought to the attention of the Russian guests that it is necessary to expand and strengthen these ties. Here he emphasized the initiative of the representatives of the Russian Academy of Sciences to visit Azerbaijan.

Mr. Andreyev pointed out that scientific ties of the two countries successfully develop experience exchanges are carried out regularly. The Russian Scientist particularly marked that the Russian language has not been consigned to oblivion in Azerbaijan and that Azerbaijan`s youth can speak it fluently

The President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev held a one-to-one meeting in Riga on October 4, Trend reports with reference to AzTV.

The beginning of the negotiations was dedicated to the official welcoming ceremony for President Ilham Aliyev at the Rijsk Palac, official photo and recording in the Book of honored guests, as well as talk of both presidents and their wives.

The Azerbaijani President also held negotiations with the governmental delegations, signing ceremony of documents and joint press-conference of the state heads. The President laid a wreath in front of the Freedom Monument, meetings with the Prime Minister Aygar Kalvitski and Speaker of Parliament of Latvia Ingrid Udre, and visited and made a speech at the Latvian State University and official reception in honor of the Azerbaijan President

Within the official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Latvia, six inter-governmental agreements were signed on October 4. In addition, the Presidents of the two countries signed a Joint Declaration, Trend reports with reference to ANS TV.

The agreements cover the subject of communication and information telecommunication technology, finance, education and health of the two Countries.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Republic of Latvia Ms. Vaira VРѕРЅe-Freiberga signed Joint Declaration on October 4 in Riga. Trend presents the text of the Declaration:

The Parties, fully supporting and guided by the principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE basic documents, emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the universally recognized principles and norms of the international law, with particular regard to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders.

Referring to the continuing efforts within the OSCE towards peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as the Minsk Group activity, the Parties reiterated the importance of taking more substantial and decisive steps in this regard.

The Parties committed themselves to continue their efforts to increase the effectiveness of mutual cooperation within the UN, OSCE and others international organizations. Regarding the UN reform, the Parties believe that attention should be focused on strengthening the central role of the organisation in international matters, increasing its effectiveness and use of potential in the face of new threats and challenges to the existing order of the world. Reforms of the UN administration must be based on the principle of unanimity and fully reflect the common interests of the organisation's member states.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated to the opening of the International Exhibition BakuTel 2006 on 3 October that he attaches great importance to the development of information and communications technology. Azerbaijan should strive at taking the lead in IT technology in the next 5-10 years.

Work done over the past 3 years hint at prosperous priority of this direction. The IT sector has many perspectives both in Azerbaijan and outside its borders and Azerbaijan should apply advanced technology. the President underlined.

The priority direction of the economic development is the diversification and development of the non-oil sector.

In 5-10 years we will have to invest capital received from the economic growth of the Country. There are many areas where investments will be required but the IT sector is the most important. Azerbaijan's success in the IT sphere will have a positive impact, Aliyev stated.

The President stressed there are favorable opportunities for the development of IT in the Country. There is a reasonable investment climate in the Country. Azerbaijan is a leader in the region for per capita investments and international projects, he stated.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated to the opening of the autumn session of the Azerbaijani Parliament on 2 October 2006 that some Forces ask why the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has not been resolved yet. I want to state that we will never approve any agreement not suited to us. Despite pressures, as the President, I will never sign an agreement contradicting the Nation's interests, he stressed.

We are keen to continue talks under the format of the OSCE Minsk Group. However, the participation of other international organization could promote the resolution of the problem. Our position remains unchanged. The territorial integrity of the Country must be restored. I do not see an agreement further than this. The occupied territory of Azerbaijan must be liberated and the refugees must be repatriated. The Armenian population of Karabakh can be issued with a high status of autonomy. The political situation is in our favor, he said.

All political and economic problems, including those existing in the social sector, will be resolved by 2008, he stated.

Together we should resolve the existing problems, the President stated in his address to the Parliament. The role of Parliament in the Society is an inspiration and so it should be. The political and economic development of the Country is growing simultaneously. Azerbaijan has continuously consolidated its position. The processes are developing in a positive direction both in the domestic and foreign policy, the President stated.

On October 20, The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group in the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on the present situation and prospects of negotiations were held regarding the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

On October 2, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted Branko Dokich, Telecommunication and Transport Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Azerbaijani president expressed his satisfaction with the first visit of the official delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The President bring to the attention of the guest that Azerbaijan has established close relations with other countries, and at the same time, it intends to cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina in different fields.

Mr. Dokich pointed out that he is glad to visit Azerbaijan as the head of the first delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the country. He marked the necessity of the preparation for the program on cooperation between the two countries in the fields of telecommunication and information technologies. He also pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to expend its relation with Azerbaijan in different spheres.

On October 2, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted Sarbuland Khan, Executive Secretary of Coordination Department and Assistance of UN Economic and Social Works Department. Mr Khan brought the speech of welcome from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the attention of the Azerbaijani President.

He pointed out that the UN Secretary General highly appreciate Azerbaijan`s development in the sphere of information and telecommunications.

Azerbaijan is ready to fulfill its financial obligations regarding the project for construction of Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku rail link, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev told on October 2 in Baku while receiving the Turkish Minister of Communications and Transport Binali Ildirim, Trend reports.

The state head mentioned the importance of constructing this rail link for the expansion of the bilateral and regional co-operation. Speaking about the successful development of the co-operation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all spheres including communications and information technologies, Aliyev emphasized the significance of the international telecommunication exhibition that will open on October 3 in Baku.

The Turkish Minister spoke about the developing relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. He said that the construction of Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku rail link will play an important role in useful relations between the countries of the region. According to him, Turkey highly assesses the proper attention of Azerbaijan towards the realization of the project.

Relations between Azerbaijan and EU are at the high level, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev told during the today`s reception of the delegation of the EU trio at the Presidential palace,Trend reports.

The Head of the Azerbaijani State called the visit of the European mission very important and told that this is the beginning of a new stage in the development of cooperation. We are about to expand our cooperation in different spheres, added Mr. Aliyev. At the same time, he pointed out that the implementation of the EU Neighbourhood Imitative will bring to peace and development in the whole region and will be useful in relations EU-South Caucasus.

Findland`s Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, head of the mission told about the discussion being held concerning the implementation of the EU Neighbourhood Policy in Azerbaijan. He told that the negotiations were held very successfully and expressed his hpope that the EU Neigbouthood policy will make its contribution to the issue on settling conflicts in the region. We hope that we could deepen our relations not only from the economic point of view, but also from the viewpoint of consequent political dialogue and cooperation, added Mr. Tuomioja.

On October 3, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order confirming the Azerbaijani side of the Azerbaijani-Latvian Intergovernmental Commission for Economical, Scientific-Technical and Cultural Co-operation.

The Azerbaijani Minister of Economic Development Haydar Babayev was appointed the Co-chairman of the commission. The membership of the commission will be represented by the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Industry and Energy, Transport, Culture and Tourism, Education, Communications and Information Technologies, as well as the Chairman of the State Customs Committee and National Bank.

The Commission was tasked to take appropriate measures to further expand the economical, scientific-technical and cultural relations.

On October 3, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev singed an order conferring the education employees honorable names, Trend reports.

36 education employees received name honored teacher, 1 honored art worker, 3 honored worker of physical training and sport.

In addition, the Education Minister of Azerbaijan Misir Mardanov was conferred order Shohret (Glory) and 46 employees medal Taraggi (Progress).

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and other senior officials of the Republic offered their condolences in relation with the death of the Director of Musical Comedy Theatre, popular artist Hajibaba Bagirov. The role of Bagirov in the history of the Azerbaijani comedy is mentioned in the condolence.

The document stated that the talent of Bagirov and the role he played will be unforgettable and that he created his image in good humor which reflected the national mentality.

The President of Azerbaijan confirmed the Agreement On co-operation between the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and the State Youth and Sport Agency of Bulgaria in the sphere of youth policy and sport signed in Baku on 19 September 2006, Trend reports.

The State Head tasked the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan to take necessary measures to implement the Agreement, and the Foreign Ministry was charged to notify Bulgarian side about the implementation of the interstate procedure that is necessary for Agreement's taking effect.

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev phoned the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on October 7. The State Head congratulated his Russian colleague on birthday, wished strong health and new successes in the presidential activities, Trend reports quoting the Press-Service of the Azerbaijani President.

V.Putin expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani President for congratulation.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the development of the bilateral relations in various spheres and voiced the confidence for the future development of the relations. Discussions were held on the current issues of mutual interest.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Ministry appreciates the consolations between the Heads of the Foreign Offices of Azerbaijan and Armenia being held in Moscow today with a careful optimism, Tahir Taghizadeh, Chief of the Press and Information Policy Department of Azerbaijan`s Foreign Office said.

The discussions in Moscow started with the separate meetings between Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his Armenian counterpart Vardan Oskanyan with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ivanov, and then continued by the meetings with the Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group. Then, the mediators and the Foreign Ministers held common long and wide discussions. During the meetings, all the issues that are at the table of negotiations now were in the limelight of the discussion. New approaches were considered as well, told Mr. Taghizadeh.

As results of the discussions, it was decided to hold the next meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Paris on October 24, 2006.

Alan Wadams, a special representative of the European Commission in Azerbaijan, declared at a conference dedicated to the co-operation between Azerbaijan and the EU, to do everything possible to resolve the [Armenian-Azerbaijani] Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Trend reports.

He noted that the signing of an Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy will be held in Brussels in November. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will also attend the signing ceremony relating to a memorandum on the energy sector.

Wadams stated the EU offers Azerbaijan its co-operation in the economic, social and political fields. The signing of an Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy will be an agreement between Azerbaijan and the CE. The settlement of suspended conflicts was also included in the Agreement. The EU is signing a similar document with Armenia and Georgia.

If Armenia wants to present itself as a worthy partner of the international community, then it should change its attitude, the Head of the Press & Information Department of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Tahir Tagizade told Trend, commenting on Armenia's efforts to put up obstacles in the monitoring of Azerbaijan's fire-affected territories by the OSCE Expert Group.

He stressed that the statement of the Armenian side that these territories are under their jurisdiction is senseless. These territories belong to Azerbaijan. Armenia is attempting to legalize Azerbaijan's territories which have been captured by force, Tagizade added.

The Azerbaijani Government has its regional approach to the fires. Armenia should refrain from this attitude otherwise it will be proof of what Armenia holds in the region, Tagizade stressed.

The Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is expected to discuss lingering conflicts on the territory of FSU during aw meeting to be held in Armenia. The decision on this issue was made during the meeting of the PACE Monitoring Committee held in Strasburg today (October 5), Trend reports referring to the MP.

According to Ganira Pashayeva, the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh which is a part of Azerbaijan is also referred to lingering conflicts, therefore, they will focused their attention on this issue as well.

In addition, the forthcoming visit of Russell Johnston, Head of the PACE Subcommittee for Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed. Mr. Johnston is expected to pay his visit to Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenia very soon. During the meeting, the visit of PACE Co-Rapporteurs on Azerbaijan Andreas Herkel and Tony Lloyd to the region which was scheduled for the end of October was discussed as well. During the discussions, the particular attention was paid to the laws On Freedom of Gatherings and On Election Code, pointed out the MP.

According to Ganira Pashayeva, during the meeting held, one of the issues put forward to discussion was devoted to the sitting of the Media Subcommission scheduled for November, as well as the sitting of the Political Committee to be held in Baku on December 11.

MP Ganira Pashayeva, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has prepared two written appeals concerning Armenia's aggression policy for further submission to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

She pointed out that one of the two appeals is connected with the frequent violations of the cease fire regime by Armenian Force. The appeal speaks about the fact that Armenia does not observe the cease fire regime signed in 1994, as well as the resolutions of PACE and UN Security Council. The appeal also points out that Armenians also subject even the population of its non-occupied territories of Azerbaijan, pointed out Mrs. Pashayeva.

She told that the appeal includes the statistics where it is pointed out that 36 local residents killed, 65 wounded and 41 captured, and only 31 out of them have freed. Even after the cease fire regime was announced, Armenians has continued to explode houses and communications on the territories of the contact line, the MP told. According to Mrs. Pashayeva, the violation of the cease fire regime has been linked with the announcements of Armenian President Robert Kocharyan with the participation of Armenia`s Defense Minister Serg Sarkisyan at the military training of Armenian separatists in 2006.

The second appeal is connected with the Armenian aggression policy as well.

The inquiry regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be raised at the meeting of the Permanent Committee of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe)

Parliamentary Assembly which will be held in November in Malta, the Vice-speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova exclusively told Trend.

She stressed that this will be raised by the delegation of Azerbaijan. As the OSCE undertook the responsibility to assist in settling the conflict, Azerbaijan considers it necessary to raise this matter to this organization.

Furthermore, Muradova expressed her regret that the problem cannot be resolved but instead new obstacles appear. Despite the United Nation's adopted resolutions, their implementation was once again trusted to the OSCE.

Clearly the international organizations are awaiting the Autumn rainfall when the territories damaged by the fires will be restored naturally and they will report on the absence of any problems, Muradova added.

Russian Ambassador Yuriy Merzlyakov, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, informed journalists that very interesting and useful talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution took place at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs today [on 2 October]. He was commenting on the results of consultations held in Baku with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, the Deputy Foreign Minister as well as Araz Azimov, the Special Envoy to the Azerbaijani President.

The talks dealt with the resumption of direct contacts between both parties in the near future. Merzlyakov stated.

In turn the U.S. Ambassador Matthew Bryza, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, said that during the talks he viewed the meeting to be very constructive.

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will also hold consultations with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The New Neighborhood Policy of European Union (EU) will assist in peacefully regulating the conflicts in South Caucasus, EU Special Envoy for South Caucasus Peter Semneby briefed journalists, Trend reports.

We await more stable and prosperous neighborhood in the region. It doesn't happen immediately, but the countries will approach each other within the framework of European New Neighborhood Policy and it will last for long, the diplomat emphasized.

Foreign Policy

The Azerbaijani delegation to the Council of Europe (CE) has achieved the ends set at the autumn`s session of PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe), Agshin Mekhtiyev, Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to CE exclusively told Trend commenting the autimn`s session of PACE completed today.

Mr. Mekhtiyev thinks that on the whole, the results of the session are can be called positive. The Azerbaijani delegation prepared documents on a number of issues touching different aspects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as other issues of a great interest to Azerbaijan and d then distributed them in PACE. Among these issues, a document on possible dangerous consequences of the operating Metsamor Atomic Power Station in Armenia, and continued pollution of waters of the Kura River by Armenians, etc.

In addition, the Ambassador pointed out that some issues that were introduced to the agenda were of a certain interest to Azerbaijan as well. For example, the debate on discussing the issue on foundation of the memorial Centre for Victims of Forced Deportations and Ethnic Clean-Ups. Armenians did all their best to use this debate to blacken our country again, and once more appear as a long-suffering nation. But, the Azerbaijani MPs perfectly rejected all their views he added.

The information about the black business of Armenian Dashnak bands against Azerbaijanis in the course of the history, including the Stalin`s approved deportations of Azerbaijani population from the territory of the modern Armenia, the nowadays` genocide acts and the ethnic clean-up in Khodjali and the other territories which are under the Armenian occupation now, told Mr. Mekhtiyev.

Within the PACE session, Pact on Stability in South Caucasus was discussed in the PACE Political Committee and recommended to further discussion during the January`s session of PACE. The initial discussion of the issues concerning the preparation of the report of Rapporteur of the PACE Committee for Migration, Refugees, and Population in South Caucasus Leo Platvoet was took place as well. The Ambassador thinks that both the issues will be included to the agenda of the PACE January`s session.

He also considers the meeting among Head of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Delegation to CE Samad Seyidov and Head of the PACE Subcommittee for Nagorno-Karabakh Lord Russell Johnston with the Head of the Armenian delegation to CE important. The corresponding offices of PACE discussed the preparation for the visit of the PACE mission on the situation over the Azerbaijan cultural heritage on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and in Armenia itself. Negotiations with the Co-Rapporteurs on Azerbaijan Tony Lloyd and Andreas Herkel were held.

A member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe) MP Ganira Pashayeva has sent a written appeal to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CE) with a request to dismatle the Metsamor Atomic Power Plant (APP) in Armenia, the MP told Trend today herself.

She pointed out that the European Union (EU) has repeatedly advocated the closing of the APP. This station constructed in 1974 is located in a seismic zone. After the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, in 2003 Armenia handed over the APP to Russia by signing a five-year contract with it, she told.

The Azerbaijani MP pointed out that the Metsamor APP is a threat to the whole region. According to her, the station is located in the distance of 16 km from the Turkish border, 60 km from Iran, and 120 km from Azerbaijan and Georgia. God forbid, if anything happens, the station located in a seismic zone can be a menace to the whole region. If Azerbaijan and Georgia face the menace, the countries cannot have enough time to evacuate their population from the damage zone. That is why, I appealed to the Committee of Ministers of CE with this request. Within its authorities, they should take measures in this respect. In my appeal I even demanded to dismantle this station, she told and pointed out that the Cabinet of Ministers of the Country will consider her appeal in the immediate future.

The next meeting of the Political Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will be held on 11 December in Baku, the Head of the Azerbaijani delegation in PACE Samad Seyidov, who participates in the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of PACE in Strasburg exclusively told Trend.

The decision on this issue was made at the meeting of the Committee. In addition, during the meeting the Deputy Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Political Issues was elected and the Head of the Azerbaijani parliamentary mission was elected for this position.

According to Seyidov, it was also decided to hold the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee for Media at the end of November in Baku.

Azerbaijani companies are actively working in the Russian market and carrying out direct trade ties with 79 Russian regions, Polad Bulbul Oghli, Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Russia said at an interview with RIA Novosti, Trend reports.

According to him, after completing the mutual official visits of the Azerbaijani and Russian Presidents, holding the Year of Azerbaijan in Russia, and the Year of Russia in Azerbaijan which under its completion, politicians of the two countries uttered such words as strategic partnership in increasing frequency, and the rapid developing economic relations between the two countries give grounds to it. The commodity turnover between the two countries has exceeded $1 bln. and is still set to increase. More than 3,000 Russian companies are working in Azerbaijan now, the Ambassador stated.

Three congressmen of the United States of America acted with statement regarding 15th anniversary of the Independence of Azerbaijan, Trend reports with reference to the Press-Center of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The statements of the congressmen Eddy Bernis Johnson, Robert Wechsler and Solomon Ortiz were included in the official documents of the Congress.

The statements reflect the support of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the U.S. Government in the global fight with terrorism, close co-operation of Azerbaijan with the United States within the international and regional institutions such as UNO, OSCE, NATO and the structural reforms held by Azerbaijan in integration to the global economy.

The congressmen also supported the Government of Azerbaijan of which key priorities are to diversify the economy and ensure the development of non-oil sector.

The Vice President of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe)

Parliamentary Assembly and Head of the Ukrainian Delegation in OSCE, Belarus will arrive in Azerbaijan in October, Bahar Muradova, Head of the Azerbaijani delegation in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Vice Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament told Trend.

The Vice Speaker stressed that she sent letters to the representatives of the delegations of the OSCE PA member countries to invite them to Azerbaijan to familiarize themselves with the crimes committed by Armenians. We have already received responses from several countries. They are expected to visit Azerbaijan in Autumn. To this effect, the Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Head of the Ukrainian Delegation in OSCE, Belarus will arrive in Azerbaijan in October, Muradova stated.

She emphasized that relations needs to be strengthened with the countries having weak ties with Azerbaijan. In addition, Muradova touched upon the report from the President of OSCE PA, Reporter for Nagorno-Karabakh, Goran Lenmarker. She noted that in principle Lenmarker has no new reports. His first report contained several aspects dissatisfied with Azerbaijani side. Thereafter, he made a series of changes to the report. We hoped that these issues will be presented to the discussions and will be included in the report, but due to the fact that we and the Armenian delegation have different approaches to these changes, no compromise has been made, she stressed.

The Plan of Action on the Policy of New Neighbourhood EU-Azerbaijan is expected to be adopted in Brussels on November 14, Elmar Mammadyarov stated during a briefing as a result of the negotiations with the European Union`s three most leading countries today, Trend reports.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, intense and fruitful negotiations within the EU mission were held. The Minister: Owing to this actions plan, we are about to expand our co-operation with the EU even more intensively. Aspects of this co-operation is huge - democracy, policy, and economics.

Erkki Tuomioya , Head Finland`s Foreign Office appreciated the negotiations held in Baku, and stated that the action plan is ready to be signed. The diplomat assessed it as a step forward in the co-operation between EU and Azerbaijan. According to him, this co-operation will spread within such areas such as policy and security.

Benita Ferrero-Valdner, EU Commissar on External Relations ad European Security stressed that she approves this move by the Azerbaijani Government on its way to the integration with the EU. According to her, the EU is interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in the sphere of energy. Our key aim is the transparency of this market, she pointed out.

The agenda of the next meeting of the Council of CIS Government Heads scheduled for 16 October in Minsk include 27 issues, Trend reports with reference to the Executive Committee of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

The project of the agenda was approved by the Council of Permanent Authorized Representatives of CIS member-countries. Agreed with the Council of Foreign Ministers and Economic Council of CIS, the projects of documents regarding 17 issues will be offered to be signed by the government heads without discussion.

The meeting of the Council of CIS Government Heads is expected to focus on economical and social directions, finance-budget sphere, as well as changes and annexes to previously adopted documents such as the Strategy of Co-operation of CIS member-countries in the sphere of information and the Action Plan for the realization of the same Strategy for the period of up to 2010, and Rules of defining the countries origin of commodities. Undoubtedly, an important question for the CIS bodies financed through the budget finances of CIS member-countries will be the discussion and adoption of the parameters of a unified budget of the same organs for 2007.

The agenda of the forthcoming meeting also includes the report of the Head of the CIS Anti-Terror Center regarding the activities of the Center. The CIS Executive Committee has prepared written information for the consideration of the meeting of the Council regarding the implementation of the Plan for realization of the important measures directed towards the development and raise of the efficiency of the interaction of CIS member-countries in the economical sphere in 2003-2010 and implementation of the Action Program for the development of CIS over the period of up to 2005.

In an exclusive interview with Trend the EU commissar on Foreign Relationships and European Security, Benita FerreroValdner said that The EU has been consulting with the Azeri government on an Action Plan to build on the existing Partnership and Co operation Agreement. It is a plan that brings tangible benefits to both partners offering you a closer relationship with the EU, opening up new opportunities for you in the huge European market, including the Energy market, the chance for Azerbaijan to participate in EU programmes, and a closer partnership on many issues of common interest.

The Government of Egypt intends to hold the next meeting of Egyptian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Co-operation at the beginning of next year, the Ambassador of Egypt to Azerbaijan Yusif el Sharkavi told Trend.

The proposal of Egyptian side has already been submitted to the Government of Azerbaijan and a response is expected, the Ambassador stressed. The third meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is planned to be held in Baku because the last meeting had been held in Cairo.

The agenda of the meeting will be prepared on the eve of the meeting. The Co-chairman of the Commission from Azerbaijani side is the Economic Development Minister Heydar Babayev and from Egyptian side Foreign Minister Faiza Abul Naga.

Anne Derse, The U.S. Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan, told journalists that the United States attaches great importance to the development of the democratic processes in Azerbaijan. She was attending the opening of the autumn session of the Azerbaijani parliament.

She noted that it was an honor to participate in the opening of the autumn session Рѕf thee Milli Majis [parliament].

Azerbaijan should have a strong, independent and transparent parliament to carry out democratic reforms. Every MP has an authority to affect on the transparency of the legislation. I call on MPs to show serious approach towards their work and justify the electors' hope. Permanent contact with the electors is their main task, Derse emphasized.

A three-day training-conference of youths of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member-countries will be held in Baku at the end of the month, the Secretary General of the OIC Youth Forum Elshad Iskenderov exclusively told Trend.

He noted that the young leaders from 45 OIC countries will come together in Baku. Each country will be represented by one representative. The event is held under title Training for trainers. The leading specialists from Malaysia will conduct trainings to raise the capacity of young leaders.

Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Austria Fuad Ismayilov has presented letters of credentials to Slovakian President Janez DrnovЕЎek.

The first Polish National Exhibition in Azerbaijan will be opened on 8 November in the ABU ARENA hall, Trend reports with reference to the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The exhibition will be held under patronage of Speaker of the Polish Senate Bogdan Borusevic and Polish Economic Minister Peter Jeogj Wazniak. The Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Oktay Asadov and Economic Development Minister Heydar Babayev are also expected to make patronage in the exhibition.

Political Life

Director of the Information Centre Sechkilar (Elections) of the Central Election Committee Igbal Babayev told during the next briefing that 261.623 voters (32.49 percent out of the total number of those who can vote in the municipal election (the territories where the election is being held) have taken part in the polling to 7 p. m., Trend reports.

Mr. Babayev pointed out that these figures are not final ones, since the final data have not been received from the seven polling stations.

Mr. Babayev told that up to the moment, totally 265.847 voters (33.01 percent) out of the total number of those who can vote in this municipal election (only the territories where the election has been held) have taken part in the polling.

On October 6, re-run, by-election, new, and first elections was held in a number of municipalities in Azerbaijan. In this connection, Mazahir Panakhov, Chairman of Azerbaijan`s Central Election Committee (CEC) has announced the preliminary results of the elections during the press-conference held after the midnight today (on October 7).

CEC Chairman pointed out that totally 805.000 voters voted at 940 polling stations in 603 municipalities of the country. It means that 33.90 percent of the voters took part in the elections. Totally about 10.000 local and international observers observed the elections, told Mr. Panakhov. He also pointed out that the Committee received totally only 2 complaints concerning violating the election process. These violation facts were solved on the spot.

The results of the municipal elections held on 6 October in Azerbaijan will be confirmed till November 5, Trend reports with reference to the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan (CEC).

According to the article 239 of the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan, the CEC should complete the verification of protocols within 20 days from the moment of voting.

The results of the elections should be announced at latest within 30 days from the moment of voting. Therefore, the final results of the repeat, additional, new and first municipal elections held over 603 municipalities should be announced till November 5.

Chairman of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission Mazahir Panahov met October 4 with Ambassador of the USA to Azerbaijan Mrs. Anne Derse.

Mr. Panahov said the USA is Azerbaijan's strategic partner, adding it supports democracy in his country.

The CEC Chairman informed the guest about the preparation work for the municipal elections to be held on October 6.

Mazahir Panahov and Anne Derse discussed other issues of mutual concern.

Employees of the Ombudswoman`s Apparatus have not revealed any principle violations during today`s municipal election poling in Azerbaijan, however there have been some shortcomings, Elmira Suleymanova, Azerbaijan`s Ombudswoman told Trend.

According to her, 20 employees of the Apparatus were sent to the regions to observe the election process. Ombudswoman`s Apparatus is receiving on-spot information every hour.

Among those isolated instances on tiny violations, Ms. Suleymanova pointed out the facts when single voters have not been put into the voters` lists. In addition, in one of the polling stations of the Gazakh District a fact when one of the two ballot-boxes was not sealed up has been detected. The Ombudswoman also pointed out a lesser number of both international and local obsercers in the elections.

Ms. Suleymanova herself is observing the polling stations in the Absheron District, including the Baku villages (settlements) of Pirallakhi and Buzovna. The municipal elections is of great importance to all us, though somebody undervalues its importance, told the Ombudswoman and added that if to speak about democratization, then every citizen can take an active part in the election process.

On October 6, Chairman of Ukraine`s Central Election Committee Yaroslav Davidovich has met his Azerbaijani counterpart Mazahir Panakhov.

Welcoming his Ukrainian guest, Mr. Panakhov expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the delegation headed by him is observing the process of re-run, by-election, new, and first municipality elections in Azerbaijan.

Having stressed that the CECs of the two countries had cooperated for a few years, Mr. Panakhov expressed his gratitude that his Ukrainian counterpart focused his attention on the process of the above-mentioned elections. He provided his quests with complete information on the municipal elections.

Having pointed out that he got acquainted with the pre-election situation and the polling process in a couple of polling stations, Mr. Davidovisch told that he became a witness of the fact that the voting was held in accordance with the Azerbaijani legislation and the observance of the significant number of observers. According to him, his observations give grounds to claim that the elections will be held democratically, transparently, and fairly.

Conducting 6 October municipal elections will make its contribution to the upgrade of the democratic electoral traditions in Azerbaijan, the Deputy Chairman of ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Ali Ahmadov told Trend.

He stressed that despite that the elections are held not for whole country, NAP has basically prepared for this process. More than 2000 NAP candidates will participate in the elections. The party has conducted an efficient election campaign. On the one hand, the candidates themselves are popular in their election districts. And on the other hand, the candidates were once again presented to the voters in result of the campaign held by NAP. I consider that all these are the factors ensuring the victory of candidates of NAP, Ahmadov emphasized.

On October 4, representatives of OSCE Local Representative Office Baku Kamen Ivanov and Berit Lindemann has held a meeting at the office of Azerbaijan`s Islamic Party, the Party told Trend.

During the meeting, Head of the Party Hajiagha Nuri and his deputies submitted the information of the Party`s activity as well as information about problems the party faces with the registration to the OSCE representatives. It was pointed out that the Party was registered in 1992, but later its registration was annulled. Mr. Nuri pointed out that his party is engaged in the political propaganda, but not the propaganda of the political movements and the religion. Therefore, the Party considers the cancellation of its registration illegal. He brought to the notice of the OSCE representatives the data that the Party stands on a constructive opposition position. In their turn, the representative of the Party also bring to the attention of the OSCE representatives the information about social and economic problems Azerbaijan`s population face, the uncertainty of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and their concern over indifferent attitude of many international organizations toward this issue.

On October 4, representatives of OSCE Local Representative Office Baku Kamen Ivanov and Berit Lindemann has held a meeting at the office of Azerbaijan`s Islamic Party.

During the meeting, Head of the Party Hajiagha Nuri and his deputies submitted the information of the Party`s activity as well as information about problems the party faces with the registration to the OSCE representatives. It was pointed out that the Party was registered in 1992, but later its registration was annulled. Mr. Nuri pointed out that his party is engaged in the political propaganda, but not the propaganda of the political movements and the religion. Therefore, the Party considers the cancellation of its registration illegal. He brought to the notice of the OSCE representatives the data that the Party stands on a constructive opposition position. In their turn, the representative of the Party also bring to the attention of the OSCE representatives the information about social and economic problems Azerbaijan`s population face, the uncertainty of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and their concern over indifferent attitude of many international organizations toward this issue.

In their turn, Mr. Ivanov and Mr. Lindemann pointed out that the problem with the state registration of political parties in the country headed for democracy causes only regrets. They also pointed out that the problem the Party face will be included to the annual report of OSCE.

On October 4, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party Asim Mollazade met with the Political Advisor of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan Jeff Bennet.

The meeting focused on the relations between Azerbaijan and United States of America, the complicated situation in South Caucasus and the prospects of Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM, Trend reports with reference to the Press-Service of the Party.

Mollazade informed Bennet about the Democratic Reforms Party.

State Building

The exam took place at the Baku sport palace on 1 October. All stages of the examination process including selection of questions, publishing of exam questionnaire, and immediate evaluation of answers were held in the presence of the candidates and representatives of nearly 30 international organizations and local NGOs, and mass media.

704 individuals have submitted their applications to the Judge Selection Commission. Results of The 4-hour exam were read by a special optical device.

Defense Minister, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev met October 2 with OSCE Minsk Group American Co-Chair Matthew Bryza.

Safar Abiyev said years-long negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh were not fruitful.

He noted the OSCE Minsk Group has not yet achieved positive results in this direction.

Matthew Bryza informed the Azerbaijani Minister about his activity as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair.

He said he is also responsible for settlement of other conflicts in the region as well as for energy security in Europe and development of friendly ties between Azerbaijan and the USA.

Mr. Bryza stressed Azerbaijan is of great importance to the United States, adding his country highly appreciates political and economic progress in Azerbaijan.

Chairman of the Parliament's standing commission on regional issues Arif Rahimzade met October 4 with delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe led by its Vice-President Mrs. Ludmila Sfirloaga.

Mr. Rahimzade informed the guests about the repeat and partial municipal elections due to be held October 6.

He said representatives of the Parliament's corresponding commissions and Central Election Commission provided trainings and gave seminars to those who will observe the elections.

Ludmila Sfirloaga was curious about the election code in Azerbaijan as well as the conditions created for and the authority given to municipalities.

Arif Rahimzade said municipalities in Azerbaijan are independent, adding the Government is now preparing a bill giving them more power.

Arif Rahimzade and Ludmila Sfirloaga also discussed a wide range of other topics of mutual concern

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