Official News
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev paid an official visit to Shaki on 14 October to attend the opening ceremony of a power grid in Shaki. The head of state held a public meeting in this region.
On October 13, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the delegation headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee of All Chinese People's Assembly Syu Szyalu. The meeting focused on the development of the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations, Trend reports.
Aliyev stressed that he positively assesses the position of China in Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Touching up on the inter-parliamentary relations, Aliyev emphasized that this visit will further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Syu Szyalu delivered the greetings of the Head of People's Republic of China Khyu Szintaon and Chairman of the Permanent Committee of All Chinese People's Assembly to Aliyev. He underlined that he highly assesses the development of the Azerbaijani-Chinese relations, and hopes that the relations will develop.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the U.S. Department of State Spokesman Jim Jeffery, the Head of the Press-Service of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan Jonathan Henik told, Trend reports.
Jeffery is the U.S. Department of State Expert for Near East, and therefore, during the meeting the sides discussed exactly this topic, particularly the situation in Palestine, Iraq, Iran, etc, the Diplomat stressed.
In addition, Henik emphasized that the program of the one-day visit include the consultations at the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.
Jeffery will leave Baku in the evening of 13 October.
The bilateral relations between Romania and Azerbaijan are developing and will further strengthen after the visit of the President of Romania Trayan Basesku to Baku, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev told on October 11 in Baku while opening the negotiations with the Romanian President, Trend reports.
According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan has always felt the support of Romania. I consider that our countries are partners. Our relations are developing the economic, political, cultural and humanitarian spheres, Aliyev added.
Basesku mentioned the proper interest of his country in strengthening the relations with Azerbaijan. We attach a great importance to the development of the political-economical relations, including in the sphere of security, Romanian President emphasized.
According to Basesku, Azerbaijan may play an important role from the point of view of ensuring the security and competition in the energy sphere in the European market.
The Romanian Leader stressed that his country is the member of NATO and from 1 jnauary will become the permanent member of the European Union, and intends to develop the bilateral relations with Azerbaijan taking into consideration the participation in the security, including energy security.
Totally five documents have been signed between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Romanian President Traian Basesku within the official visit of the Romanian leader to Azerbaijan in Baku today (October 11). The two Presidents signed a joint declaration, Trend reports.
Moreover, an agreement on cooperation in the field of culture, agreement on cooperation between the two countries` Economic Development Ministries, as well as a protocol to the agreement on cooperation in trade and economic, scientific and technical spheres were signed. In addition, the two Presidents signed a protocol to the agreement on investments encouragement.
This official visit is a significant step in our bilateral relations. Our countries have successfully cooperated, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev told during the today`s joint press-conference devoted to the official visit of Romanian President Traian Basesku to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
Romania is the second country which acknowledged Azerbaijan`s independence, and after our independence was restored, our country has felt Romania`s support. Our relations are multisided. There is an intense political dialogue between us. I should pointed out that over the last year and a half, we have held a lot of meetings, and the today`s meeting with Mr. Basesku is the third one. That speaks about the fact that there are close ties between our countries. We are constantly holding consultations, and widely exchanging opinions with each other. Today, we have very open and frank negotiations, pointed out the Azerbaijani President.
According to Mr. Aliyev, during the meeting, bilateral relations, economic, and political ties between the two countries, large-scale energy projects, and principles of the further cooperation, as well as Azerbaijan`s integration to EuroAtlantic organizations and Romania`s backing the country in this issue were discussed. There is no differences in our positions on this issues, and that will make us glad, he pointed out.
At the same time, the two Presidents discussed regional processes and strengthening of security measures in the region. Our region has a huge potential and prospects both in reconstructing the transport infrastructure and constructing new transport corridors, as well as carrying energy carriers to European markets. Azerbaijan`s role and increasing capabilities in Europe`s energy security ensuring certainly makes the region very important, pointed out the Azerbaijani President
Therefore, reinforcing the stability in the region, strengthening measures aimed at security are a great interest and concern to us, told the Head of the Azerbaijani State.
We are interested in restoration of peace and security in the region. The Azerbaijani-Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the most sensible and dangerous point. This conflict can be a significant barrier for regional cooperation, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev stated during the today`s joint press-briefing devoted to the visit of Romania`s President Traian Basesku to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
According to him, Azerbaijan can take all necessary measures to guarantee security of the Armenians living there. We are speaking that Nagorno-Karabakh can be granted with a status of a higher autonomy but only in within Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. But, a separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan, as well as foundation of another Armenian state on the territory of Azerbaijan, or Nagorno-Karabakh`s joining Armenia cannot be a topic of negotiations told the Azerbaijani leader.
Azerbaijan`s position remains unchanged. Nagorno-Karabakh is an Azerbaijani land both from historic and legal viewpoints. We insist that all the four UN resolutions will be fulfilled by the Armenian party, pointed Mr. Aliyev.
On October 10, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted the delegation of Great Britain`s Parliament in the Interparliamentary Union, Trend reports. During the meeting, the Head of the Azerbaijani State told his British guests about the situation over Azerbaijan`s economic development, democratization of society, and large-scale works being carries out in other spheres.
British MP Brian Jenkins told that many members of the delegation are for the first time in Azerbaijan. He also pointed out successes achieved by the country, particularly over the recent times. It made a great impression on the whole British delegation. The guest also added that the information about activities in Azerbaijan the Azerbaijani President provided them with will help them to know the country better.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev confirmed the creation of a new organization of the Government Commission in co-operation with Moscow, Trend reports.
In accordance with the Decree, Yagub Eyyubov, the First Prime Minister, was appointed as Chairman of the Commission. Members of the Commission are the Minister for Industry & Energy, Natik Aiyev, the Minister for Youth & Sport, Azad Rahimov, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Khalaf Khalafov, the Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mikayil Jabbarov, the Deputy Agriculture Minister, Bahram Aliyev, The Deputy Culture & Tourism Minister, Adalat Veliyev, the Deputy Education Minister, Irada Huseynova, the Deputy Health Minister, Sanan Karimov, the Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, the Deputy Head of the Baku Executive Power, Rauf Panahov, the Head of the International Economic Relations of the Apparat of Cabinet of Ministers, Kamal Ismayilzade.
Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to the participants of the 13th Co-ordination Council for Plants Quarantine of CIS Member States. The Head of the Azerbaijani state pointed out that the international organization, including FAO and the Plants Quarantine & Protection Organization of the Mediterranean and European Countries rendered their assistance to Azerbaijan in the phyto-sanitation development in the Country, Trend reports.
Mr. Aliyev added that Azerbaijan joined the International Convention for Plants Protection which was adopted in Rome in 1951, as well as the agreement On Co-operation in the Sphere of Plants Quarantine which was adopted by Prime Ministers of CIS Member States Council in Moscow in 1992.
He noted that Azerbaijan has signed agreements relating to co-operation of plants quarantine and protection with such countries as Iran, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Romania, and Ukraine., A number of projects relating to phyto-sanitation have been implemented in the country, as well as the legal base has been founded, and up-to-date equipment has been bought with the technical and financial support of international organizations.
On October 9, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted President of the company Noble Group Ltd. Richard Elman. Mr. Elman pointed out that he is for the first time in Azerbaijan, and the construction boom in the country made a great impression on him, Trend reports
The Azerbaijani President pointed out that Azerbaijan has taken the path of dynamic economic development. Our ultimate aim is to achieve the development of the non-oil sector of the economy. Measures taken give grounds to achieve a success in this direction, he told.
On October 9, Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has accepted the participants of 21th meeting of the Council for Culture Cooperation of CIS Member-States. The Azerbaijani President linked the successful holding of this meeting with the fact that Baku frequently hosts such arrangements, Trend reports
The President pointed out that arrangements of different bodies of CIS have always held in Azerbaijan at the highest level. The Head of the Azerbaijani State pointed out that in accordance with the plan of arrangements within Russia`s Year in Azerbaijan, these arrangements have obtained an intense character. Recently, the scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences, member of the Russian Government, Russian creative collectives have visited Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan is actively cooperating n all humanitarian arrangements within CIS, and he is sure that this arrangement will be useful both from the points of view of decisions to be adopted during the meeting of CIS Culture Cooperation Council, and from the points of view of familiarization with our country
The participants of the meeting expressed their satisfaction with the Council`s high-level organization.
On 9 October, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, gave an interview to the leading program Vesti of the Russia TV channel presented by Sergey Brilev, Trend reports.
The President replied to questions linked with relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, the economic development in Azerbaijan, local co-operation and other issues, Trend reports.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the OSCE Representative for Freedom of Speech, Miklosh Harashti, on 9 October in Baku, Trend reports.
During the meeting the parties exchanged views on the subject of the development of freedom and democracy in Azerbaijan.
The development of the co-operation was discussed on October 9 in Baku during the meeting between the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Special Envoy of NATO Secretary General for South Caucasus & Central Asia, Robert Simmons.
The diplomat delivered the greetings of the NATO Secretary General Yap de Hoop Schaffer and expressed satisfaction with the expansion of the bilateral co-operation within the framework of the Action plan of individual partnership.
Aliyev shared the opinion of Simmons regarding the successful co-operation between Azerbaijan and NATO within the framework of Action plan of individual partnership, and expressed confidence for the future development of the relations.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev confirmed the decision made by Azerbaijani Parliament regarding the opening of Embassies in Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Tajikistan, Mexico and Lithuania. The Embassies will be opened in Bishkek, Bangkok, Dushanbe, Mexico and Vilnius, Trend reports.
The decision regarding the establishment of the Embassies had been made on 2 October at the first meeting of the Autumn session of the Azerbaijani Parliament.
On October 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on decorating the employees of the State Railway Company for their services in developing the transport system of the country, Trend reports.
Railwayman Mekhti Mekhtiyev was decorated with the order Shohrat (Fame). Twenty one railwaymen more were decorated with the medal Taraggi (Progress).
On October 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on giving an individual grants to the employees of the State Railway Company for their services in developing the transport system of the country, Trend reports.
The document points out that in accordance with Decree #715 of the President of Azerbaijan On Establishing Individual Grants of the President of Azerbaijan Republic of June 11, 2002, railwaymen Tofig Ahmadov and Nadir Mammadov were given individual presidential grants.
By the other order of the Azerbaijani President, three employees of the State Railway Company has been conferred the honorary rank Honorary Engineer for their services in the country`s transport system development.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on 13 October to award Rauf Avsharov an HonoraryArtistofAzerbaijan'title,Trendreport.
Avsharov was awarded for his services in propagandizing Azerbaijani culture among his compatriots abroad.
Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict
The talks held with the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers on October 6 in Moscow were very useful and concise, the Russian Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Yuri Merzlyakov exclusively told Trend.
According to him, both Ministers positively assessed the consultations. I think that the co-chairs share their opinion, Merzlyakov stated. The diplomat pointed out that after getting a response from both parties as to the presentation of the proposals regarding base principles of the settlement, the mediators continued talks. During the Moscow meeting, the Minsk Group co-chairs were united in their opinion with regards to the elements of several principles having differences, Merzlyakov said, adding that we hope to achieve mutual understanding in the talks that will continue on 24 October in Paris.
The diplomat emphasized that during the Moscow meeting, debates were not conducted on the organization of the next meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents. This question will be discussed in Paris. In addition, Merzlakov refuted the previous statement that the meeting of the leaders of the conflict parties may take place at the Summit of CIS on 17 October in Minsk. According to the diplomat, generally it is not planned hold a summit of CIS, this is planed for November.
Merzlyakov also underlined that the meeting of the Council of the CIS Foreign Ministers has been scheduled for 16 October in Minsk. Due to the possible absence of the Armenian Minister at the event, it was decided to organize their meeting on 24 October in Paris.
Moscow`s negotiations between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers in were constructive, Araz Azimov, Deputy Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister, Special Representative of Azerbaijan`s President for Nagorno-Karabakh told journalists today, Trend reports.
He pointed out that Taking into consideration the fact that the Armenian party has impede solving certain issues, Azerbaijan is ready to discuss these issues again, but only sound arguments. And the Azerbaijani party does not admit positions emanating from any political ideas.
Mr. Azimov also added that at present, a preparation for the meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Offices` Heads to be held in Paris on October 24 is underway. Till that moment, the Ministries will discuss details of the situation. In their turn, the Co-Chairs will do their best in order that the both parties can reach any agreement, underlined the Deputy Foreign Minister.
The Azerbaijani diplomat considers that Armenian men of sense realize that the issue resolving will simultaneously serve the democratic principles establishing in their country. Particularly, on the threshold of the parliamentary elections in Armenia to be held in 2008. Armenia needs to form a will to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, as well as restore relations with Azerbaijan. On the contrary, the people who want to settle the conflict peacefully will become evils of the society in Armenia, stressed Mr. Azimov.
NATO attentively follows the peaceful talks regarding Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and hopes for its peaceful settlement, the Special Envoy of the NATO Secretary General for South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons briefed media on October 9 in Baku, Trend reports.
He stressed that he arrived in Baku to discuss a series of issues, including the relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, situation in the region.
Historically Azerbaijan has been a tolerant country where Armenians have peacefully lived for centuries, by not facing any racial or religious discriminations, the world-famous Austrian scientist-historian Erik Faygl told on October 11 in Baku in the meeting with Azerbaijani scientists in the Human Rights Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Trend reports. Faygl arrived in Azerbaijan to collect materials for the next book regarding the facts of Armenian genocide committed against Azerbaijanis and Jews.
With his work, the Austrian historian intends to present to the attention of the world public the true historical facts regarding the tragic incidents in 1918-1919 when in result of Armenian genocide, thousands of Azerbaijanis, including Jews, Germans and the representatives of other national minorities living in Azerbaijan at that time, became the victims of this vandalism. The Austrian scientist intends to closely co-operate with the Human Rights Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, as well as a series of public organizations researching these historical facts in order to jointly reveal these facts and deliver the reality to the attention of the world public
The researches of the Austrian scientists regarding the facts of Armenian genocide committed in 1918-1919 against the peaceful Jews living in Azerbaijan have created a great resonance in the world, the Director of the Human Rights Institute Rovshan Mustafayev stressed. He regretfully emphasized that these facts haven't been fully studied by present in Azerbaijan (according to conservative data, nearly 3.000 Jews have been killed at that time). According to the Director of the Institute, the recent researches of the Georgian scientists show that the facts of the Armenian genocide committed against Georgians are more than the facts of Armenian genocides against Azerbaijan. The facts of Armenian genocide against Germans densely populated in Khanlar district of Azerbaijan are studied by the scientists of the Center for Initiatives headed by the scientist and member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Rovshan Rzayev. A series of evidences regarding the facts of Armenian genocide have been revealed and they will be presented to the Austrian scientist to include in his book.
Armenia feels concerns that whenever it will face the fury of Azerbaijan, a country that possesses a strong army, the Deputy Chairman, Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Ali Ahmadov exclusively told Trend, expressing attitude towards the recent statements of the Armenian President and Foreign Minister against Azerbaijan.
Senior officials of Armenia stated that if Azerbaijan chooses the way of war in the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, official Baku will not remain without response, Armenia will defend the security of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition, they stressed that Turkey and Azerbaijan intend to keep Armenia in blockade and touched up on other issues.
In addition, Ahmadov underlined that the rapid growth of the capacities of Azerbaijan worries not only Armenia, but also its supporters. If such concerns weren't felt, the same statements weren't made. The increasing of the economical capacities of Azerbaijan is not only an economical fact. It also means the increasing of the political capacities, strengthening of Azerbaijan's position in the world and expansion of the opportunities for Azerbaijan to inform the world public about the realities of Azerbaijan. Naturally the economical capacities of Azerbaijan are transferred to military capacities, Ahmadov underlined. He emphasized that in parallel with the strengthening of the Azerbaijan's economy, its military potential and the budget finances for the military expenditures are increased.
Ahmadov pointed out that all these indicators worry occupant Armenia. They feel concerns that whenever Armenia will face the fury of Azerbaijan, a country that possesses a strong army. As regard to the accusations of Armenia, if they wouldn't dread any steps of Azerbaijan, the concerns wouldn't be felt. These features are their character. They try to hide the reality regarding the potential of Azerbaijan, Ahmadov ruled out.
Moreover, Ahmadov pointed out that recently one of the French agencies stated that the military budget of Azerbaijan is less than stated by the Azerbaijani Government. I say directly that it serves double goals in itself firstly to decrease the panic feelings emerged in Armenia, and secondly to soothe various forces protecting Armenia, Ahmadov concluded.
An OSCE-led team of international and local experts called for more co-operation to prevent and manage fires in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, such statement was made following the end of a 10-day mission to assess the environmental impact of fires in the region, Trend reports with reference to the OSCE Baku Office.
"The fires have covered extensive areas and inflicted significant damage," said Bernard Snoy, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, who headed the Environmental Assessment Mission.
"The authorities have used all available means to counteract the fires; in the future, capacities will need to be strengthened to prevent and handle fires, through co-operation in a regional and international framework," he added. The mission examined and assessed fire-affected areas and met with officials on both sides of the Line of Contact.
The mission is preparing a report that will include recommendations towards an environmental operation and other confidence-building measures as envisaged in a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 7 September 2006.
The mission's report will be submitted to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in November. The UN General Assembly Resolution requested the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to provide a report to the member states of the UN General Assembly by 30 April 2007.
Foreign Policy
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is expected to pay an official visit to Belarus on October 17-18, Trend reports referring to a message spread by the Byelorussian Foreign Office.
During his visit, Mr. Aliyev is expected to visit the Minsk Tractor Plant, Minsk Auto Works, BelAZ, and the National Library of Belarus.
The official visit of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Kuwait is prepared, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kuwait Shahin Abdullayev exclusively told Trend.
According to him, the visit is planed to be realized next year. Everything depends of the schedule of the heads of the two countries. The Embassy carries out works in this respect, and the pack of documents for the expansion of the agreement-legal base between the two countries is worked out, the Ambassador stressed.
The pack of documents includes approximately 10 agreement projects covering political, economical and humanitarian spheres. A part of them has already been agreed, which includes agreement project on avoidance of double taxation, co-operation in protection and support of mutual investments, education and culture, as well as agreement on economical-technical co-operation, the Ambassador underlined. In addition, we plan to create legal base for the co-operation of the two countries with regard to security, particularly fight with international terrorism, Abdullayev said.
At the end of January 2007, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will leave for France on an official visit, the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Bernar du Shafo told, Trend reports.
He noted that this visit will differ from others with its solemnity. A very close co-operation will be established between Azerbaijan and France in the first half of the next year.
The first visit of the French President Jacque Chirac to Azerbaijan will also take place within the reported period.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will make a visit to Brussels on November 8, the Special Envoy of the NATO Secretary General for South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons told a Press-Conference on October 9 in Baku, Trend reports. During the tour, the State Head will visit NATO headquarter, held meeting with the NATO Secretary General and visit various bodies of the organization.
Simons stressed that during his stay in Baku, he held talks with the Azerbaijani President, of Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Minister of National Security, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov. The aim of the visit is to hold the review of the implementation of the Action Plan for Individual Partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO (APIP), which will be discussed in spring of 2007.
The Special Envoy underlined that the co-operation between Azerbaijan and NATO is reflected in APIP and is related with the reforms, particularly in the military sphere. I was informed about the first steps taken by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry for the full military reforms, he added. In addition, Simmons emphasized that still there are many works to fulfill, especially for the governmental co-ordination in fight with terrorism and counteraction with threats in the energy sphere.
In his exclusive interview with Trend on the threshold of his official visit to Azerbaijan to be held on October 11-12 Romanian President Traian BГЈsescu stated that Romanian encourages the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Azerbaijan, stressing that its place is in the Euro-Atlantic community of values. Our assistance to Azerbaijan can consist in supporting the Azeri authorities in the implementation through sharing the EU's and NATO's preaccession lessons learned. The concrete content of this assistance should be asked for by the Azeri authorities. It is up to them to let us know in what fields we can be of any assistance.
During the negotiations being held in Baku, a wide spectrum of different issues were discussed. We are interested in carrying energy carriers from the Caspian region, Romania`s President Traian Basesku told during the joint press-briefing held in Baku today, trend reports.
A great attention is paid to carrying crude oil. Romania may render its assistance to Azerbaijan in its carrying energy carriers to Europe. At present, Europe depends on import on 50 percent. Thus figure is expected to go up in the future, he told.
According to the Romanian President, Romania will continue supplying Azerbaijan with new technologies, and will do all possible to further Azerbaijan`s integration to Euro Atlantic organization, for its part.
According to Mr. Basesku, Azerbaijan plays an important role in political security and energy issues in the region. Romania has always very seriously treated to the integrity issues. We have good relations with Albania, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and other countries. But good relations cannot serve against fundamental principles, pointed out the Romanian President.
Romania is ready to render it assistance in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict settlement within international legal norms, Romania`s President Traian Besesku told today during the ceremony of presentation of the Honourary Doctor of the Baku State University to him.
Addressing the teachers and professors of the university, the Romanian President highly appreciated cooperation between the two countries. He informed the participants of the meeting about priorities of the Romanian policy. According to him, it is aimed at cooperation with the Caspian and Black Sea regions. He called Azerbaijan a state with the highest potential in the region. Romania ensures Europe`s energy security and is rich in energy resources, but, nevertheless, Azerbaijan`s energy reserves and their transit to Europe are of a great importance to us, told the Romanian President. He also marked Azerbaijan`s achievements the country reached in the sphere of energy security.
It is with great surprise and concern that we followed the development of the French Parliament's lower house and the ensuing vote regarding the legislation to make denial of the so-called Armenian genocide illegal in France, a statement issued by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reads.
Unfortunately, Armenia and its Diaspora continue to play a very destructive role in the ongoing developments in the region, instead of contributing to peace and stability With full understanding that this initiative needs to be yet ratified by the Senate, we urge the French Parliament to apply a more careful, impartial, and balanced approach, the document states.
Taking note of the French Government's position of disagreement with this legislative act, we are hopeful that the French Senate will obstruct this negative development in full compliance with international community's proclaimed interest in re-establishment of security, stability and mutual confidence climate in this strategically important region of Europe, the statement stressed.
Such a country like France, where democratic and human rights principles are highly developed, should be very careful in discussing such a sensitive issue, Novruz Mammadov, Chief of External Affairs Department of the Azerbaijan President`s Office exclusively told Trend today commenting the law envisaging a punishment for a denial of the Armenian Genocide, which was adopted by the French National Assembly yesterday.
Mr. Mammadov thinks that such actions may have a negative influence on international relations. He is sorry that a group of MPs of the French National Assembly have been caught by an effect of the inventory Armenian Genocide, had not counted its steps.
Mr. Mammadov is sure that adopting of such a law is contrary to principles of the freedom of person existing in France. Just imagine that in the country with the population of 60 m., all the citizens will suddenly be punished for expressing their opinions relating the events happened 100 years ago. How you can explain it? , he told.
The Head of the Presidential Administration's External Affairs Department told that first of all it is necessary to find out the exact opinion relating these events, study archives, and only then express their position. At present, the advantage of political factor is evident. And the Armenian influence on these processes is direct, he told.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, and the First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Rulofs, have met at the Heydar Aliyev Fund today.
According to the Georgian Embassy to Azerbaijan, during the meeting, issues on the humanitarian co-operation development between the two countries, as well as topics of great mutual interest were discussed.
Mrs. Rufols, who arrived on 9 October has already visited Atashgakh fire-worshippers temple and also laid flowers on the memorial sites of Ex-President Heydar Aliyev and his wife Zarifa Aliyeva. Today, Mrs. Rufols met with Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev.
She also visited the tuberculosis centre, Azerbaijan`s Medical University, a meeting with Culture & Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev.
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met October 9 with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Miklos Haraszti and his accompanying delegation to discuss the issues to top the agenda of the OSCE-supported international conference to be held in Baku October 10.
Mr. Haraszti expressed his satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the organization he represents.
He said the progress Azerbaijan had reached in the field of information technologies creates huge opportunities to further improve mass media in the country.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with
NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert
Simmons and his accompanying delegation, press service of the Ministry said.
Mr. Simmons spoke of the prospects of further enhancing the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, and said he believes the bilateral scientific relations will also deepen.
Elmar Mammadyarov welcomed the rapidly developing Azerbaijan-NATO ties.
The Azeri Minister recalled the joint statement recently issued by Azerbaijan and the European Union troika, saying integration into Euroatlantic structures and expansion of bilateral relations serve the interests of his country.
On the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Elmar Mammadyarov said the dispute poses a serious threat to the entire region.
He stressed the importance of the complete withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan's territories.
Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with members of the UK Parliament's delegation in the Interparliamentary Union.
Touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno Karabakh the Minister spoke about step-by-step resolution, first of all, withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, deployment of the peacemaking forces here, mine clearing and return refugees and IDPs to their native lands. On the other hand, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main oil pipeline (BTC MEP) was put on stream, and the South Caucasian gas pipeline will be put into operation soon, Minister said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with Pakistan's newly appointed Ambassador to the country Javed Qureshi, press service of the Ministry said.
Mr. Qureshi said he is pleased he had been appointed the Ambassador to Azerbaijan.
He stressed he will make all efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Elmar Mammadyarov, in his turn, said he welcomes the bilateral political, economic, cultural and other relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
On the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Mr. Mammadyarov stressed Armenia's non-constructive stance on the dispute.
The Azeri Minister noted the conflict should be solved in accordance with international norms.
In his exclusive interview with Trend the European Union's Special Representative for South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, stated that When the Action Plan is adopted, the EU and Azerbaijan will enter a new and much more active phase in their relationship. I am very happy that Azerbaijan has made the choice to deepen its relationship with the European Union. This is very much a mutually beneficial relationship. The EU made a strategic choice by extending the European Neighbourhood Policy to the countries of the South Caucasus, and I believe that the Azeri decision to accept the offer represents a strategic choice as well.
Azerbaijan and Jordan intend to expand their military co-operation. This agreement was reached during talks with the Chief of Headquarters of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Colonel-General Najmaddin Sadigov and the Head and senior officials of Jordan during his current visit, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Jordan Elman Arasli exclusively told Trend.
Within the visit, Sadigov was received by the King II Abdal, Prime Minister M.Bakhit and the Chairman of the Committee of Headquarters Chiefs of Armed Forces of Jordan Kh.Sarayr. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the development of bilateral military co-operation.
According to the Ambassador, talks were held successfully and productively. He voiced his confidence that negotiations will foster the development of military co-operation. Within the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation will visit the military units and enterprises of military industry of Jordan on 12 October
Elman Arasly, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Jordan, exclusively informed Trend that a delegation of Jordan led by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, will visit Azerbaijan early this November.
The 20-member delegation representing the business circle of Jordan will accompany the Prime Minister, the diplomat stated. The key objective of the visit is to consolidate bilateral relationships between Azerbaijan and Jordan, as well as to discuss the implementation of agreements undertaken during the official visit of King of Jordan Abdullah II to Azerbaijan on 22-23 August 2006, he stressed.
Arasly noted that the two countries are developing draft documents on bilateral co-operation covering different areas of relationships.
In his exclusive interview with Trend the head of Committee on Defense and Security of the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, Zachary Selden, which is member of a delegation to visit Azerbaijan shortly, stated that their key objective is to allow our members to educate themselves about the developments in Azerbaijan. To that end, we plan to meet with high level officials in the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions. Our visit is an opportunity for the delegation to meet with members of the Azeri delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and their colleagues on the relevant committees in the parliament.
Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is expected to participate at 14th Council of Foreign Ministers of OSCE Member-States, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister himself exclusively informed Trend.
The meeting of the Ministers is expected to be held in Brussels on December 4-5, 2006 by the invitation of OSCE Existing Chairman Karl de Gukht.
OSCE is the World`s largest security organization with 57 members-states from Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The Organization`s activity is aimed at preventing and rehabilitating consequences of international conflicts.
During the annual meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the fifty six members-states of the Organization, they discuss and give estimation to their activity over the past year, as well as put forward their national points of view concerning an issue of security.
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met October 13 with the delegation of Permanent Committee of the All-Chinese People's Representatives Assembly led by Deputy Chairman Syu Jyalun.
Mammadyarov said leadership of Azerbaijan attaches a great important to cooperation the People's Republic of China and told of the large-scale regional economic projects.
Minister stressed that Azerbaijan emphasizes the non-oil sector development in Azerbaijan and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between the two states. Then, Minister expressed his gratitude to China for supporting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within international organizations.
Political Life
Mazahir Panahov, the Chairman of the Central Elections Commission (CEC), in talks with journalists, stated that a statement issued by the Council of Europe Congress of Regional & Local Authorities in connection with the 6 October municipal elections, contained some obscure information, Trend reports. Even if we were to annul the results of polls in all the 10 polling stations where the monitoring was held, this would not affect the results of the voting, he stressed.
With respect to the Council of Europe Congress of Regional and Local Authorities, Panahov stressed that the international observers sometimes exaggerate the shortages. If they are aware that the said violations would not affect the general results, then why have they been so critical? The CE observers did not provide us with the official information and did not appeal in connection with regards to the shortages. They stated that the elections took place in a quiet and normal manner,' the Chairman of the CEC stated.
He also did not agree with the CE observers' opinions on the inexperience of members of the low-laying election commissions.
According to the preliminary results, the ruling party Yeni Azerbaijan (New Azerbaijan) won the re-run, by-election, first, and new municipal elections held on October 6, the press-service of Yeni Azerbaijan told Trend today.
According to the information obtained, during the elections, 59.74 percent out of the total 1.115 candidates run for the municipal elections from the ruling party were chosen to the members of the municipalities. The other places were distributed as follows: the supporter to the ruling party Ana Vatan (Motherland) party 5 persons (0.26 percent), the opposition parties = Azerbaijan`s National Independence Party - 8 persons (0.41 percent), Musavat party - 8 persons (0.41 percent), the Civil Solidarity party - 7 persons (0.36 percent), the United Party of People`s Front of Azerbaijan 6 persons (0.31 percent), the supporter to the ruling party The Social Welfare Party 10 percent (0.52 percent), independent candidates - 704 (36.48 percent).
The ruling party pointed out that these figures was announced by the Central Election Committee. Notably, over 2.000 candidates from Yeni Azerbaijan party participated in the municipal election campaign.
The first Constituent Congress of Yeni Azerbaijan was held in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan on November 21, 1992. Heydar Aliyev was chosen the Chairman of the Party then. As a result of gaining the majority of the MP`s mandates in Parliamentary Elections 2005, Yeni Azrbaija was turned to the ruling party. The Party won next parliamentary elections 2005 again. Seventy five seats out of the total 124 in the Milli Majlis (Parliament) were gained by the Party. The party also won Parliamentary Elections 2005. At present, the Chairman of the Party is Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. More than 500.000 people are members of Yeni Azerbaijan.
At the initiative of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) the Baku Entrainment Center hosted on 14 October a scientific-practical conference dedicated to the 3rd anniversary of the presidency of Ilham Aliyev. Attending the event were leadership of Milli Majlis and NAP, state and government officials, as well as heads of opposition parties, MPs.
The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) will not hold an extraordinary congress, the Deputy Executive Secretary of NAP, MP Siyavush Novruzov briefed the media, expressing its feelings towards the articles published in the opposition newspapers that NAP plans to hold an extraordinary congress, Trend reports.
The Deputy stressed that according to the Regulations of NAP, the conference of the regional and city organizations should be held each year. Therefore, the report electoral meetings and conferences of the regional and city organizations are held because the number of the members of the party has increased, and the organizational issues are considered in the regional organizations, Novruzov emphasized.
In addition, NAP representatives clarified the issue of forming an Executive Board. He said that this issue is in the hands of the NAP Chairman. The Executive Board is elected from the composition of the Political Council, but the Political Council selects the congress. If necessary, this issue will be considered, Novruzov concluded.
At present the law On political parties adopted in 1992 is being discussed in Azerbaijan. In the past, a series of important events, including the adoption of the Constitution and Azerbaijan's entrance into the Council of Europe, has taken place in Azerbaijan, and therefore the active law On political parties should be incorporated in with the new legal acts, the Head of the Public Relations Department of the Azerbaijani President's Apprat Ali Hasanov stated on 10 October in Baku at the conference organized by OSCE, Trend reports.
According to him, after the adoption of the new law, the political parties will enter into registration again, but this will not be a difficult procedure.
We think that this is the requirement of not only the Azerbaijani society, but also the legal requirement adopted by Azerbaijan. The political parties are an institute fighting for power, and this institute cannot undertake any responsibilities from physical and juridical persons of the foreign countries, receiving financial support from them. All over the world, the financing of the political parties should be transparent and based on the internal financial sources, and in several cases they are financed by the State, Hasanov underlined.
Denis Bribosia, the Special Representative of the Council of Europe (CE) Secretary General, stated on 10 October that the CE is, jointly with the Azerbaijani Government, working on changes to the Elections Code.
In mid-September the Azerbaijani Government sent the law to the Venice Commission and it is now under consideration, Bribosia stressed.
Bribosia would predict the outcome on this issue.
The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party (DRP) Asim Mollazade met with Ali Babayev, Chairman of the Georgia My Native Land Society.
The meeting focused on the recent elections in Georgia as well as problems faced by the Georgian Azerbaijanis in the elections, Trend reports quoting the Press Service of the Party.
Debates were organized on the absence of Azerbaijani employees in the State and Government of Georgia, their problems with regards to education and agriculture, the integration into society of Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia, as well as the integration into society of Georgians living in Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, Mollazade and Babayev touched upon the solid ways of strengthening the strategic, scientific and cultural co-operation between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party (DRP) Asim Mollazade met with the representatives of the European Parliament Ines Vader and Justas Paleskis.
The meeting focused on the relations between Azerbaijan and Europe, ways of resolving Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and integration of Azerbaijan into Euro-Atlantic space.
State Building
The Chairman of the Milli Majlis [Azerbaijani Parliament] condemned the draft law envisaging punishment for the denial of the so-called Armenian Genocide adopted on 12 October 2006. The speaker made the statement at a plenary sitting of parliament on 13 October.
Asadov noted that the adoption of the draft law contradicts democracy and human rights. He underlined the role of Armenians residing in France in the approval of the Bill.
The Parliament made a resolution to establish a commission under the chairmanship of Vice Speaker Bahar Muradova to develop the second written appeal to the French parliament on behalf of Milli Majlis.
Chairman of Azerbaijan's Parliament Oqtay Asadov met October 9 with the delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Inter-Parliamentary Union - an international organization of the Parliaments of sovereign States.
The Speaker spoke of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, adding Azerbaijan highly appreciates Great Britain's stance on this dispute.
We believe that as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Great Britain will seek implementation of UN resolutions, Mr. Asadov noted.
Head of the delegation Jenkins Brian said this is his first visit to Azerbaijan, stressing he was impressed at what he saw in this country.
International organizations should put pressure on Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement issue, Safar Abiyev, Azerbaijan`s Defense Minister told during the meeting with Robert Simmons, NATO Secretary General`s Special Envoy to South Caucasian and Middle Asian Countries , Trend reports referring to the press-service of the Azerbaijani Defense Office
The Azerbaijani Defense Minister pointed out that uncertainty in the Azerbaijani-Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement impedes development of Azerbaijan`s ties with NATO. He also brought to the attention of his quest the fact that one of the main principles of the NATO Program Partnership for the Sake of Peace is a respect toward the territorial integrity of every country. Despite the fact that Armenia is a member of this Program, it still ignores this obligation, as well as the four resolutions adopted by UN Security Council.
In his turn, Mr. Simmons expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani Defense Minister for the reception, and pointed out that NATO highly appreciates Azerbaijan`s successes in its implementing Individual Partnership Actions Plan.
Within his official visit to Austria, Azerbaijan`s State Public Prosecutor Zakir Garalov has met Sumru Noyan, Deputy Executive Director of UN Department for Struggle against Drugs and Criminality, a source in the Azerbaijani Embassy to Austria told Trend today.
During the meeting it was pointed out that relations and cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN Department for Struggle against Drugs and Criminality are at a high level. The both parties discussed ways on strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN in the global struggle against the international criminality, as well as determined the ways on implementing issues discussed during the meeting. During the meeting it was pointed out that there is a necessity in development and preparation of an appropriate program-project for Azerbaijan by UN Department for Struggle against Drugs and Criminality as well.
The Directorate of UN Department for Struggle against Drugs and Criminality pointed out with satisfaction that the cooperation with Azerbaijan is in a high level, and soon UN Department for Struggle against Drugs and Criminality is expected to launch projects and programs in Azerbaijan, and the UN Department will open its project office in Baku.