Official news
On 1 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received a U.S. delegation led by the Deputy Secretary of Commerce David Sampson.
Ilham Aliyev said relations between Azerbaijan and the United States are rapidly developing in all areas.
The President said he believes the US delegation's visit will help boost Azerbaijan-USA relations, particularly in the economic sphere. The Azerbaijani leader stated that his country is now focused on developing the non-oil sector, especially information technology, agriculture and transport. President Aliyev welcomed the US companies involved in developing the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan.
The US Deputy Secretary of Commerce conveyed the greetings and best wishes of US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to the Azerbaijan President. Regarding the US-Azerbaijan partnership, Mr. Sampson said his country highly appreciated Azerbaijan's efforts to assist the US-led anti-terror war, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. David Sampson said American companies are interested in doing business in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev, stated at the opening of 14th Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference incorporating oil refinery and petro-chemistry which began in Baku on 5 June, that Azerbaijan had solved its oil and gas industry problems.
He noted that foreign investors had invested considerable capital into the oil and gas sector of Azerbaijan, which demonstrates favorable business climate in the country. The President noted that over the past period no problems or serious trials have been experienced between the foreign companies and the Azerbaijan Government.
The head of state noted two considerable important events held over the past two years in the oil and gas industry of the country. They were the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan export pipeline, which will be working at its full capacity from next year, as well as the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline and the commencement of gas production from the Shah Deniz field.
President Aliyev noted that next year gas production in Azerbaijan will have increased two-fold and will comprise over 8 bln cu m. In this way Azerbaijan will cover its domestic demand in 'blue fuel' as well as the export to world markets.
The President said that the reserves of all gas fields are estimated at 1.500 trln cu m. He voiced his hopes for new gas fields to be opened in the country in the future.
The head of state announced Azerbaijan's currency reserves comprised US 5 bln and according to the World Bank's calculations, next year the figure is expected to be $150-200 bln. Aliyev noted that interest had been shown in the Absheron field, although previously international companies refused to conduct work in that field.
Welcoming letters from the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as well as government officials from the United States, Georgia, Turkey, Israel, Germany and Norway were read out at the opening ceremony of the exhibition and conference.
On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) Badr Al Khashti and President of US GFI Oil P.Amirjanov / On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) Badr Al Khashti and President of US GFI Oil
Ilham Aliyev stressed Azerbaijan's huge progress in the oil and gas sectors, and said his country's economy is now rapidly developing. 's huge progress in the oil and gas sectors, and said his country's economy is now rapidly developing.
Badr Al Khashti informed President Ilham Aliyev about his company. He said KUFPEC and GFI Oil Azerbaijan's energy sector.
On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Georgia's Minister of Energy Nika Gilauri. Both Ilham Aliyev and Nika Gilauri stressed Azerbaijan and Georgia successfully cooperate in the energy sector, and said they believe this cooperation will be enhanced further. Nika Gilauri said his country highly appreciates Azerbaijan's help with gas supply
On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received a delegation headed by the US Secretary of State's Advisor for Europe and Eurasia and American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Matthew Bryza.
The meeting focused on US-Azerbaijani bilateral relations, energy cooperation, the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and other issues of mutual interest.
On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received a Norwegian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Anita Utseth. On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received a Norwegian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Anita Utseth.
Both Ilham Aliyev and Anita Utseth stressed the successful energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Norway, and expressed their hope that it will further deepen.
On 5 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received CIS Executive Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo to discuss the state of cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States
On 6 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received at the President Palace the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia), Bernard Fassier (France) and Matthew Bryza (U.S.) and Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-In-Office Andzey Kasprzyk. The meeting focused on the issues connected with the talks on settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On 6 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the U.S. company Citigroup's Chairman for Europe, Sir Winfried Bischoff. Sir Win Bischoff noted that he is pleased to be in Azerbaijan which he said he is visiting for the first time. He said Azerbaijan's successful policy was initiated by nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and is continued today by President Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan has achieved huge progress in all sectors over the last few years. The Azerbaijani leader stressed his country's economy is now rapidly growing.
Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev received a delegation headed by the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Chamber of Commons of the British Parliament, Mike Gapes, on 7 June.
Gapes said that the current processes in Azerbaijan are of great interest to his country. The guest noted the high level of importance of the relations between Great Britain and Azerbaijan, as well as the close cooperation in economics, politics, and security fields. He voiced his satisfaction with the fact that due to Azerbaijan's initiative, BP company takes part in implementation of global regional energy projects.
President Ilham Aliyev pointed to the intensive dialogues between Azerbaijan and Great Britain on different levels and stated that these are important to the contribution of development of bilateral relations. The Azerbaijani President stressed the active part of BP in the process since the beginning of the implementation of an oil strategy in Azerbaijan. The President voiced his confidence that the visit would promote expansion of both inter-parliamentary and bilateral relations in different sectors.
President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, met June 7 with the delegation of Afghanistan led by Interior Minister of this country, Zarar Ahmad Mugbil, at the Palace of President.
The Head of State said Azerbaijan-Afghanistan relations were developing very well. President Ilham Aliyev recalled Afghan Leader's visit to Azerbaijan, adding that they also had fruitful meetings at the international events.
According Ilham Aliyev, Mugbil's visit provides a forum for discussing bilateral relations, in particular, in the field of security. He expressed his confidence that the visit will promote bilateral relations.
Interior Minister offered Afghanistan President's best regards to Mr. Ilham Aliyev. He also expressed gratitude to the official Baku for its contribution to the peace and stability in Afghanistan by sending its peacekeeping forces to Afghanistan.
The Head of State asked Zarar Mugbil to convey his greetings to the Afghan counterpart.
On 8 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Kuwaiti State Minister for Foreign Affairs Muhammad Al-Salim Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation.
The Head of State said Azerbaijan-Kuwait relationships are developing successfully. According to the Azerbaijani Leader, the fact that embassies function in both countries is an important element of bilateral relations. President Aliyev expressed his confidence that cooperation with Kuwait will expand in all spheres, in particular, that within international organizations.
Sheikh Muhammad As-Salim As-Sabah offered best wishes from Emir, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait, and invited President Ilham Aliyev to his country. According to the State Minister, the opening of the Kuwaiti embassy in Azerbaijan is an indicator of the importance Kuwait attaches to its cooperation with Azerbaijan. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister further expressed hope that active political dialogue and effective cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop.
The Head of State asked As-Salim As-Sabah to convey his greetings to the Kuwaiti Emir, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
On 8 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the delegation of Bahrain led by the Kingdom's Foreign Affairs Minister Khalid Bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa.
The President characterized Azerbaijan-Bahrain relations as successfully developing. He stressed the necessity to expand relations in political, economic, cultural and other areas pointing to good prospects for cooperation between the two countries.
President Aliyev expressed confidence this visit by the Bahraini delegation to Azerbaijan will promote further development of bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa conveyed greetings from the King, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Bahrain to President Ilham Aliyev. He said that he witnessed big positive changes occurring in Azerbaijan since his first visit to the country a year ago. The Minister also expressed hope for expansion of bilateral cooperation in all fields.
President Aliyev asked the Bahraini Foreign Minister to convey his greetings to his Kingdom's leadership.
The meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents scheduled to 9 June, at the Palace of Constantine in Saint-Petersburg were held beyond closed doors. Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, stated in St. Petersburg, Russia, that no breakthrough was achieved in the peace talks on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian. The two Presidents discussed issues concerning the major principles of the conflict settlement, no comments were made for media. Despite disagreement on principle issue, the peace talks will be continued.
Parliament
The Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament, Oktay Asadov, said on 5 June that cabinets will be constructed in the territories of all election districts for the Assistant Deputies.
The member of Musavat group of deputies, Nasib Nasibly, said that his assistant can not receive a cabinet in the territory of Khatai election district No. 34, from which he has been elected. He said that it prevents him from establishing relations with the voters.
Asadov said that the Parliament is ready to resolve this problem. "Work is carried out in this regard and talks are being held with the executive powers. Cabinets for Assistant Deputies will be constructed in each election districts," the Speaker said.
This year the Parliament established the position of Assistant Deputy. The cabinets for them will be allocated in the elections districts from which the deputy has been elected.
During the session of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan Parliament), held on the 5th of June, has approved the financing co-operation between Azerbaijan and Germany.
Ziyad Samadzadeh , the chairman of the Parliamentary commission on Economic Policy, noted that the document would serve as the strengthening of the economic ties and the developing of finance co-operation and mutual benefits between the countries.
The main aim of the agreement is to obtain a long term credit for small-scale and mean enterprises.
Through the Guarantee fund, Azerbaijan plan to attract local banks into the means of the international market capital.
The Parliament approved the agreement after discussions.
Commenting on the statement of the Chairman of opposition Great Establishment Party, Fazil Gazanfaroglu, the Speaker of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), Oktay Asadov, said on 5 June at the Parliament's meeting that the salaries for parliamentarians will be increased from 1 July.
Fazil Gazanfaroglu had stated that the salaries of the employees of the Parliamentary Administration and department chiefs are higher than the salaries for parliamentarians. "Previously, when the issue regarding the salaries for parliamentarians was presented for the agenda, the meeting was cancelled due to repair work taking place and the discussions were postponed," Gazanfaroglu added.
The salaries for the parliamentarians were increased by 25%.
MP Ganira Pashayeva , suggested during the Parliamentary session held on the 5th of June, inducing changes in introducing medical care into the Family Code during marriage.
Pashayeva noted that married young couples have no medical care and in some cases it leads to the birth of handicapped children. The numbers of children suffering from thalassemia are expected to increase. The main reason for this is relative marriages.
The other proposal from Pashayeva is for couples to sign marriage contracts before matrimony. The majority of divorced women are not able to obtain their share of personal property.
Oktay Asadov, the Speaker of the Parliament, suggested developing proposals in this direction and submitting them to the Parliamentary commission.
During the meeting of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan Parliament) on 5 June the Law on Permission of adoption, ratification and implementation of agreements among Azerbaijan and Londex Resourses SA, Will and Mayris SA, Fargate Mining Corporation, Qlobex International LLP and Mitsui Mineral Development Engineering Co Ltd on the study, examination, search, development and output of ore in Karabakh, Chovdar, Geydag, Dagkasaman mines and in the Kurekchay River basin were approved.
MP Valeh Alaskarov, the chairman of the permanent Parliamentary commission on Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology, stated that the agreement would be in force for 30 years. The work, envisaged in the programme of deposits, should be carried out within 48 months.
In case of the need to hold subsidiary work in each deposit some 16 months might be allocated. The investment liabilities of the contractors in compliance with this agreement are - Londex 45%, Will and Mayris 29%, Fargate 15
In the implementation of the project there will be a minimum of 45% of Azerbaijani specialists and 80% non-specialists. The number of specialists will be increased in future.
The Azerbaijani MPs consider that the implementation of the project will have a positive impact on economic development of Azerbaijan. The Parliament approved the agreement after discussions. The Azerbaijani MPs raised the question to call the Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan to the Parliament.
Igabal Agazadeh , the chairman of the Azerbaijani Umud Party, stated that the Iranian Government violates the rights of the Azerbaijanis residing in Iran and puts pressure on them.
"While speaking about the violation of rights of Iranian Azerbaijanis, Azerbaijan states the impracticality of Baku to interfere in the domestic affairs of Iran. The protection of democracy and human rights cannot be the internal affairs of the country. The Azerbaijani Government carries the moral liability for the protection of rights of compatriots in the world. The State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis Residing Abroad functions in solving the problem," Agazadeh noted.
Azerbaijan must interfere into the issues, in order to provide rights of Azerbaijanis residing in Iran. The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan is obliged to give the Iranian ambassador the corresponding commission.
"The Azerbaijani Parliament cannot remain isolated from the problem. The Iranian Ambassador must be called to the Parliament," Agazadeh added. The proposal of Agazadeh supported Nasib Nasibli , the member of the Deputy group of the opposition party Musavat.
Sabir Rustamkhanli , Fazil Gazanfaroglu , Arzu Samadbayli and Panah Huseyin joined in on the discussion relating to the problem. They believe that the Iranian Government violates the rights of Azerbaijanis residing in Iran.
Foreign policy
David A Sampson, the Deputy Secretary of the US Commerce Department, stated at a charitable event in Baku on 4 June that Azerbaijan is one of the US's major partners.
The United States can greatly contribute to the Azerbaijani economy. The key objective of the visit is the consolidation of trade relations between the two countries. The major topic of talks will be issues of cooperation in the non-oil sector. Simpson plans to hold meetings in different ministries and departments of the Azerbaijani Government.
During the visit to Baku the Deputy Secretary presented on behalf of McDonalds a Mercedes bus with special equipment to the Centre on Work with disabled children. The existence of such transport will open up broad opportunities for children with physical disabilities, enabling them to visit rehabilitation institutions for their development and enjoyment.
Determination of the legal status of the Caspian Sea will be the focus of the regular meeting of foreign ministers of Caspian countries to be held on 20 June in Tehran, the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister, Khalaf Khalafov reported on 4 June.
After the collapse of the USSR, five Caspian countries ( Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Iran) have been holding negotiations to determine the status of the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan do not have disagreements in connection to this. They have signed both bilateral and trilateral agreements in regards to this. The countries have also agreed upon the determination of the lane lines. However, an agreement has not been reached with Turkmenistan and Iran.
The Tehran meeting will be attended by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov. Deputy foreign ministers who preside the working group on demarcation of the Caspian sea will also be in attendance.
The Chairman of Georgia's Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Relations, Constantine Gabashvily, believes that the GUAM ( Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova) has not been established against anyone and that GUAM activities should not be of any concern to anyone.
GUAM is an important part of Georgia's foreign policy and is an opportunity for the relations of the Caspian region, Caucasus and Central Europe to develop, Gabashvily informed Trend. The participating countries involved in the second summit of the "Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM" will take place on 19 June in Baku. Before the summit, however, meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers and Committee of National Coordinators will take place to prepare and approve the agenda of the summit of GUAM State Heads. Conducting three GUAM meetings in Baku is linked with the presentation of the GUAM chairmanship authorities to Azerbaijan.
" GUAM brings together countries with common values and positions," Gabashvily said. According to him, it would be positive to attract new countries to GUAM if these countries would meet GUAM requirements.
In addition, Gabashvily feels that primarily it needs to develop economic, especially energy issues within GUAM. "There are good opportunities in the energy sphere," he said. According to Gabashvily, the GUAM countries should also actively co-operate with regards to the humanitarian issues, free movement of the capital and democratic ideas, development of the public level, science and education
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Nasir Hamidy Zare, said on 4 June at the press conference that Iran stands ready to do all it can to further develop Azerbaijani-Iranian relations with regards to policy, economy and culture. The diplomat expressed its satisfaction at the development of bilateral co-operation and expansion of relations.
According to him, these goals will also be encouraged by the planned official visit of the President of Iran, Mahmud Ahmadnejat, to Azerbaijan. The Ambassador did not release the date of the visit, saying that this would be confirmed through the protocol services of both parties. The Ambassador said that such visits have taken place in the past and will continue in the future.
Touching upon the documents prepared to be signed within the visit, the Ambassador said that up to now, many bilateral agreements have been signed between Azerbaijan and Iran, but the developing relations between the two countries require that the documents need to be reconsider.
The Ambassador denied information of a mass flow of Iranian citizens to Azerbaijan due to threats of U.S. attack against Iran. Zare said the information from the several independent Azerbaijani media sources that the Iranian special services intended to blow up a number of State buildings in Baku was untue. He stated that such information is disseminated by certain forces who wish to present Muslim countries as terrorists.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Nasir Hamidy Zare, said on 4 June at the press conference that Iran is prepared to establish a non-visa regime for other border territories with Azerbaijan, similar to the non-visa system applied on the border with Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. He said that recently he visited Nakhchivan, became familiarized and was satisfied with the activities of the border checkpoints and the development of border co-operation.
According to Zare, a document had been signed between Azerbaijan and Iran to simplify the visa regime. The diplomat said that Iran stands ready to experience the non-visa system for the citizens of the border districts. Zare expressed his satisfaction with the situation in other border regions with Azerbaijan.
Miguel Angel Moratinos, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Spanish Foreign Minister, stated in talks with journalists in Baku on 5 June that OSCE is prepared to assist Azerbaijan in improving the media situation and is willing to contribute towards normalizing the situation in the country.
The statement was made at the end of his meeting with representatives of the active political parties in Azerbaijan, which focused on the state of the media. "A democratic country should be based on the freedom of word and pluralism. OSCE is eager to assist in improving the situation and contribute to normalizing the situation in the country," he said.
Moratinos said that in this respect the OSCE representative in Azerbaijan will present several projects for the formation of a new generation of journalists in the country. "The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan soon and we will make every effort to guarantee democracy and transparency during the polls. OSCE has the experience of arranging democratic elections and is prepared to utilize it in favor of Azerbaijan," he stated.
Countries of the Democratic and Economic Development (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova) intend to cooperate in nuclear safety. intend to cooperate in nuclear safety.
The Memorandum of cooperation on nuclear safety among country members of the Organization is already developed and will be signed during the summit of the Organization scheduled for 18 - 19 June in Baku.
The topic of the Memorandum was agreed during the meeting of the National Coordinators Council of the Organization held in Kiev on 15-16 March.
The document was also ratified by the Government committee of Ukraine on the issue of development of economy, which supports the Cabinet Ministers' project on the Signing of Memorandum on cooperation and mutual assistance on nuclear and radiation safety issues among the country members of the Organization.
The Memorandum will contribute to mutual beneficial and equitable cooperation, rational usage and resumption of natural resources.
Specialists consider that the signing of the document will contribute to establishing ties on peaceful usage of nuclear energy and will increase nuclear and radiation safety in the Black and Caspian Seas regions
"The period of my authority in the position of CIS Executive Secretary will come to an end on 14 June and the decision on my replacement should be made by the Council of CIS State Heads. Let us trust this issue to the presidents," said the CIS Executive Secretary, Vladimir Rushaylo, on 5 June in Baku, commenting on information in the Russian media.
Rushaylo refused to comment on a report in the Russian media regarding the possibility of appointing the former Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Russia, Vladimir Veshnyakon, the position of CIS Executive Secretary.
He said that his current visit to Baku is linked to the preparation of the informal summit of CIS State Heads which is planned to be held during the St Petersburg economic forum scheduled for 10 June.
"The agendas of informal summits are not prepared beforehand, the State Heads may present any questions for consideration," he said.
Some 10,000 books by 298 Russian and world writers were presented to Azerbaijani libraries in Baku by the CIS Executive Committee on 5 June within the framework of the CIS Humanitarian Area project. Official transfer was held during a visit of the CIS Executive Secretary, Vladimir Rushaylo, to Azerbaijan. He will present the books to the Akhundov National Library.
The books will be delivered to the Presidential Library, Akhundov National Library, Korolenko Central Library, as well as to the Hikmat Library, Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister, Abulfaz Garayev, said at the ceremony.
The purpose of the gift is to inform the nations residing in CIS countries of the works by Russian and world classics, as well as enrichment of library funds, Rushaylo said. All the books were published in Russian in 2007.
The American Co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, Matthew Bryza, stated on the 6th of June in Baku, that he has optimistic outcomes from the meeting held in Azerbaijan.
According to him, Azerbaijan and Armenia take constructive steps to regulate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "The sides held very serious talks over the recent period. If they wish to resolve the remaining issues, this year it will be possible to sign an agreement on the base principles," he said.
Bryza once again stated that the conflicting sides are very near to the conflict settlement. Commenting on the meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia scheduled for the 10th of June in Saint-Petersburg, the American politician said that the conference needs to discuss several complicated issues and carry out certain works.
The Consular General of Azerbaijan to Turkey, Sayyad Aran , informed by telephone that the Federation of Azerbaijani Organizations which brings together Azerbaijan's diaspora organizations in Turkey prepared plan of measures to present to the attention of the international community the facts of genocide committed by the Armenians against the Azerbaijanis.
According to him, the plan of measures organizing a number of international conferences, meetings, photo exhibitions which disclose the occupation policy of Armenia and carrying out work so that the international community recognizes the crimes committed by the Armenians as genocide.
Aran said that at the end of this month, an event will take place in the Police Academy of Istanbul with regards to the facts of the Armenian genocide against Azerbaijanis. The event will be attended by the scientists of Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The Federation of Azerbaijani Organizations brings together nearly 20 Azerbaijani diaspora organizations functioning in Turkey
Vladimir Putin, bitterly opposed to a U.S. missile shield in Europe, presented President Bush with a surprise counterproposal Thursday built around a Soviet-era radar system in Azerbaijan rather than new defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic. Bush said it was an interesting suggestion and promised to consider it.
Putin's formula would force a major rethinking of U.S. plans for defending Europe against attack from hostile regimes such as Iran or North Korea. While outright acceptance of Putin's idea appeared doubtful, the White House seemed eager to avoid further inflaming tensions by giving it short shrift.
The Russian president said he would abandon his threat to retarget missiles on Europe - if Bush accepted the Kremlin's missile-defense proposal.
"This is a serious issue and we want to make sure that we all understand each other's positions very clearly," Bush said after an hour-long meeting with Putin. Speaking through a translator, Putin said he was "satisfied with the spirit of openness" from Bush.
The reaction from the United States on the proposal on the settlement of the anti-missile defence (AMD) problem, put forward by Russian President will display the real aims of Washington in placing AMD in Eastern Europe, according to the head of the International Committee of State Duma (Russian parliament), Konstantin Kosachev .
According to RIA Novosty (news agency), the United States have plans to locate elements of their AMD in Poland and the Czech Republic and Russia flatly resists this.
Earlier, within the frameworks of the summit of the Grate Eight Russian and US Presidents, Vladimir Putin and George Bush, agreed to maintain a dialogue on the level of military experts. Putin proposed US President to use the Gabala Radar Station in Azerbaijan.
The reaction of our American partners to our proposal will display whether they are really concerned with the threats proceeding from several regions in the world... In this case our co-operation on the Gabala RS is natural and necessary," Kosachev said on the 8th of June, in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Kosachev, in case the United States accepts Russia's proposal and refuse to locate AMD elements in Poland and the Czech Republic, partnerships between Moscow and Washington will be maintained via allied principle. "In case the country declines Russia's proposal under different pretexts, it will become evident that the real target of its project is not only hypothetic Iran and Korea threats, but restraining the nuclear potential of Russia itself," Kosachev said. "Locating AMD elements in this way cannot be explained otherwise," he added.
The proposal of the Russian President to the United States is of a powerful, far-reaching initiative, a proposal of a break-through character," MP said. The proposal is the event, not only of the year, but of the decade," he said. "I believe the country will accept the initiative without finding any faults with technological matters and will appreciate the proposal," Kosachev urged.
Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, stated in Baku on the 8th of June that Azerbaijan is prepared to commence consultations on the joint use of the Gabala radar station in bilateral and trilateral formats. He commented on the proposal made by the Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 7th of June on the joint use of the Gabala radar station with the United States.
"This topic was discussed a long time ago", he said. During the recent visit the Russian foreign minister came out with this initiative... Azerbaijan holds a position based on national interests.
The Azerbaijani foreign minister also voiced their confidence that this issue would not raise tensions among Azerbaijan's relations with other countries.
Mammadyarov stressed it is too premature to speak about reconsideration for the terms of rent of the Gabala radar station. "In general, it might lead to stability in the region," the foreign minister emphasized.
Proposal from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to his US counterpart, George Bush, on the joint uses of the Gabala Radar Station (Azerbaijan) put forward within the framework of the G-Eight summit in Germany, will not satisfy the United States, Azerbaijani politician, Vafa Guluzadeh, said on the 8th of June.
"The United Sates intend to locate its Anti-Missile Defence (AMD) system in Europe in order to control Russia. The United States is interested in neither Iran, nor North Korea, which have been studied thoroughly by the country. However, Russia, a country which intends to restore its military power, this poses as a threat for the United States," he stressed. According to the politician, this smart move by Putin will resolve in no result at all.
Guluzadeh disagrees with placid moods within the political circles in Azerbaijan supposing that Azerbaijan will receive dividends on the matter.
"In case the United Sates agrees to co-operate with Russia in Gabala it will be under the control of the Russian Defence Ministry, which they do not want," politician said.
Another Azerbaijani politician, Rasim Musabeyov, believes that the joint exploitation of Azerbaijani Gabala Radar Station by Russia and the United States would be very important and acceptable for Azerbaijan. He believes the proposal is of an intelligent character.
"Thus, Russia wants to define whether the plans on AMD of the United States are intended against the country or not. In case Russia and Gabala agree on Gabala RS, vast changes will be made in the policy. Azerbaijan's strategic importance in this connection will increase," politician noted.
"It will also mean the co-operation of Russia with Europe. If the Unites Sates manages to direct Russia's position towards the West, then the US is likely to postpone its plans on the location of AMD in Poland and the Czech Republic," he noted.
The US Secretary of State is not sure that Azerbaijan will make any sense in Russian President's proposal made at the summit of G8 on 8 June joint use the Russian-leased Azerbaijan Gabala Radar Station with the US. "I can't do the geometry and the geography to know if Azerbaijan makes sense," said the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, said in her interview with Associated Press and NBC News.
Answering the question on possibility of Azerbaijan's accepting the proposal, Rice said "Well, you know, we'd have to take a look at what our relationship is with Azerbaijan in terms of the stationing of essentially military equipment there".
On 7 June, as a result of the meeting with US President George Bush, within the G-8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, Putin highlighted his proposal to jointly use the Russian-leased Azerbaijan Gabala Radar Station with the US. The station is part of the Russian system which tracks the movement of ballistic missiles. In response to the plans of the US to establish missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, the Russian President highlighted the key advantage of such an approach: the system will be in maximum proximity to the object being tracked and observed. Putin said that any new situation around Iranian missiles will be possible to observe through scouting.
Touching upon U.S.-Russia relationship, Rice said "I would say the U.S.-Russia relationship is complex. It's -- on the one hand, you've got a lot of areas of cooperation, particularly on nuclear nonproliferation, issues like North Korea and even Iran, where I think we've come a long way in our ability to cooperate with the Russians".
"There are also some areas of conflict, areas of tension. They relate, I think most evidently and broadly to issues arising out of the territories around the former Soviet Union. So when you look at Georgia or to a lesser extent even relations with Central Asia, there are sometimes suspicions by the Russians that we are trying to supplant them in an area in which they've had extensive influence. And we say, no, this isn't a zero-sum game, we just are pursuing good relations with Ukraine or Georgia or the countries of Central Asia," Rice said.
According to her, the USA is going to continue the discussions with the Poles and the Czechs and within NATO. "So I think on balance that the Russians want to engage," she said.
Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, stated in Baku on the 8th of June that Azerbaijan is prepared to commence consultations on the joint use of the Gabala radar station in bilateral and trilateral formats.
The joint use of Gabala Radio Radar Station by the USA and Russia will increase the image of Azerbaijan in the world, said the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov.
Answering the question about Azerbaijan's participation in the management of the Station, Mammadyarov said that this is would be good, if Azerbaijan would have specialists who are capable of working in this sphere.
Mammadyarov briefed the media on the 8th of June, stating that it is too early to speak of any influences of the joint use of Gabala Radio Radar Station upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. According to him, it will depend on the forthcoming talks regarding the joint use of the Station.
"The table of negotiations should be attended by the military, political and ecological experts of Azerbaijan, Russia and the USA, who will study the details of this issue," the Minister said.
Russia leases the Gabala Radio Radar Station in Azerbaijan. The station is part of the Russian system tracking movement of the ballistic missiles. The station was constructed during the rule of the former Soviet Union as one of the significant elements of the anti-missile system of the USSR. After Azerbaijan regained its independence and owned the station, Russia offered to use it. A ten-year agreement to rent the station was signed in 2002.
Yashar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United States and observer at the Organization of American Countries, stated to the 37th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization in Panama, that Azerbaijan was prepared to co-operate with the member-countries on the Organization in the energy field for exchange of experience. The main topic of the session was 'Energy for Permanent Development'.
Aliyev spoke about the history of the Azerbaijani oil industry, development of the oil sector in the country and the role of Azerbaijan in providing energy security.
Thirty-five countries hold a permanent member status at the organization and sixty countries are permanent observers.
Azerbaijan is interested in the development of energy co-operation with Kuwait, which has experience in this field, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, stated at a briefing on the 8th of June after the talks with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Mohammad as- Sabah
Bilateral relations were discussed during the visit. Political bonds between the two countries are of a high level, Mammadyarov stated. Kuwait has always supported Azerbaijan in the international scene, as well as in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
An agreement on the opening of air flights between Azerbaijan and Kuwait along with the co-operation in the transport field was achieved at the talks.
According to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, the two countries can actively co-operate within the framework of the Baku-Tbilisi- Kars railway project. Trains can go from Baku to Iraqi Basra city and onwards to Kuwait.
Mohammad as- Sabah stated that the opening of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Baku this year was a good example of their will for the Kuwaiti Government to develop co-operation with Azerbaijan. "We are interested in all-round development of co-operation," he said. According to the Kuwaiti Minister, the co-operation can cover such fields for the organization of a dialogue between civilization and the fight against Islamphobia.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, said to Мediamax agency in an exclusive interview that Armenia and Azerbaijan have to use the present opportunity for settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"I know that both countries seek to overcome current difficulties. So, I am in an optimistic mood. Both sides have to use this opportunity. It is time to make the move," the Chairman, who begins his visit to Baku and Yerevan on 4 June, said.
Miguel Angel Moratinos said in the interview that his meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen in Madrid at the beginning of May was very fruitful. "I congratulate the Ambassadors Mr Facier and Merzlakov, and the US Assistant Deputy Secretary of State, Mathew Bryza, on perfect work and express my gratitude to Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities for their willingness to cooperate with the mediators for a settlement to the conflict," Moratinos said.
Speaking on whether he believed in the willingness of Azerbaijan to agree on holding a referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh, Moratinos said, "It is not easy to balance sovereignty and territorial integrity with the right to self-determination. Both of them are universal principles used in different circumstances. I am confident that Azerbaijan and Armenia can find a way out through principles more convenient for settlement of the situation which harms thousands of people who have the right to a worthy, peaceful and happy life."
Commenting on the fact that one of the OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairmen, Russia, states that possible independence of Kosovo can become a precedent for other lingering conflicts, while the other two co-chairmen, France and the United States, stick to the opposite, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office said, "The conflicts in the OSCE territory greatly diverse. France, Russia and the United States being co-chairmen do not consider it expedient to use providential formulas as the diverse situations will make the formulas unable to function."
The OSCE hopes for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict soon. The co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group will increase their activities in this connection, the personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk, reported on 5 June. He was commenting on the visit of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Miguel Angel Moratinos, to Azerbaijan.
According to Kasprzyk, both sides have attempted to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
Regarding arson that has been committed in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, Kasprzyk noted that monitoring had been held in the Gapanly village of the Azerbaijani Terter region. Further monitoring will be held soon in the southern contact line. Kasprzyk added that the fires in the occupied territories could have been caused naturally or from outside interference.
The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will meet with the heads of the opposition parties in the country to familiarize themselves with their positions regarding the regulations of the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno Karabakh in near future.
The issue was discussed at the meeting held with Miguel Angel Moratinos, the ruling chairman of the OSCE and the heads of opposition parties on 5 June. Lala Shovkat, the head of the Azerbaijani Liberal Party, stated to journalists that OSCE believed that a meeting will be held with the President and the heads of the opposition parties to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. "The opposition parties have a general conception on resolving the conflict and the issue should be determined within the framework of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. If a referendum is held in Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan will be defeated," Shovkat added.
The issue to inject changes and supplements in the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan, the formation of the Central Election Commission on the parity basis, as well as pressure on the freedom of media has been discussed during the meeting with the chairman of the OSCE.
Attending the meeting was Isa Gambar, the head of the Musavat Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Karimli, the Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Aliyev, the Chairman of the Citizen and Development Party of Azerbaijan, Eldar Namazov, the Political Scientist and Araz Alizadeh, the Co-chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.
The Armenian President Robert Kocharan stated that the foundation for optimism of the United States' co- chairman of the OSCE Minsk group was not known to him, during an interview with Mediamax agency.
Kocharan was commenting on the recent statement of Metyu Brayzer, the co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk group which said that Armenia and Azerbaijan has achieved essential progress in the regulation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and once the forthcoming meeting of the Presidents in St Petersburg scheduled on 9 June is successive the number of differences regarding the base principles may be decreased.
"I do not understand the source of the co-chairman's optimism. The current situation of negotiations, as well as the statements of Azerbaijan for the last two months do not leave place for hope," Kocharan stressed.
Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, stated on 5 June that a referendum on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be carried out throughout Azerbaijan.
Mammadyarov stated that only holding the referendum in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh contradicts the Constitution of Azerbaijan. In talks with journalists, he also stated that at the moment the issue on the returning of Lachin District has been co-ordinated, while the issue on the corridor is still questionable. The minister stated that exceptional changes should not be expected after the meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in St. Petersburg to be held on 9 June.
Should an agreement be reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the resolution of the conflict over the next 6 months, an international expert group will be dispatched to the region to oversee the rehabilitation of these areas.
On 5 June the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, called on the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to use existing opportunities to regulate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Miguel Angel Moratinos, who arrived in Yerevan from Baku on 5 June, made such a statement at a joint-press conference with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vardan Oskanyan, Mediamax reports.
Oskanyan said that it is Moratinos's first visit to Armenia.
Speaking of the prospects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement in light of forthcoming 9 June meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Moratinos called on the sides to consider the issue with optimism and hope for the future, but not for the past.
The Armenian Foreign Minister refused to comment on the forthcoming 9 June meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia. According to him, each meeting at the level of leaders reflects certain hopes.
"Presently there is certain basis to achieve progress. If significant progress is not achieved at the meeting of the presidents, the talks will continue at the level of Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia," Oskanyan said.
All Azerbaijanis who used to reside in Nagorno-Karabakh should return to their homes after liberation of the seven occupied Azerbaijani regions in order to reach a political solution to the problem, the head of the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh Community, Nizami Bahmanov, said on 5 June at a meeting with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos.
Bahmanov said to journalists that during the closed meeting he informed the OSCE chairman that during repeated visits to the region the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen had concealed crimes they had seen.
"Whilst on their repeated visits to the region, the co-chairmen concealed arson of historical and cultural monuments, forests belonging to Azerbaijan, as well as illegal settlement of Armenians in Azerbaijani occupied territories from the Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly," Bahmanov said.
The Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Goran Len Marker, who was in attendance at the meeting proved that Azerbaijanis residing in the contact line of Azerbaijani-Armenian troops were under threat.
French Ambassador Bernard Fassier, an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair stated in Baku that the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict on Nagorno-Karabakh that the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict depends not only on France, Russia and USA, which the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries. He was commenting on distrust in their activities. Fassier noted that resolution of the conflict depends on the political will of leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. "We are prepared to spend energy and creativity, but it is dealt with the peace between these two countries," he emphasized.
US Ambassador Matthew Bryza stated that he would never be involved in this issue if considered it to be more hopeless. "The conflict can be resolved by the end of the year. These are not just words. A meeting in St. Petersburg will probably become a catalyst in the resolution of the conflict," he added.
If necessary, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, may meet with the opposition leaders. However it is not excluded whether such a meeting will take place to discuss the situations surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Deputy Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Siyavush Novruzov .
He stressed that the Government has always supported a dialogue with the opposition parties and stands ready for it.
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos , met with the opposition leaders in Baku on the 5th of June. He stressed that the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, will meet with the opposition leaders to discuss the situations surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Touching up on the discussions over the issues in the Parliament of Azerbaijan, Novruzov said that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been discussed by the Parliament several times. He stressed that some parliamentarians raise the question of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and make speeches on this issue in the international organizations.
Russian Ambassador Yuriy Merzlyakov, a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group which is involved in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, stated on 6 June in Baku possible agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia could satisfy the sides only by 50%.
Addressing the news conference held in Baku on 6 June n the results of the visit to Azerbaijan, Merzlyakov noted that they can see the possible variant of an agreement.
French Bernard Fassier stated that to come to an agreement it is necessary to prepare the peoples of the two countries to compromises and peace. "It is impossible to prepare the nations to peace while speaking about the possibility of war," he stressed.
US ambassador Matthew Bryza stated that at times Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian make loud and good statements, he particularly noted the last statement by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, which was a step forward in the achievement of an agreement. Bryza voiced his hope the Armenian President will take the same step.
The Chairman of Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party (DRP), MP Asim Mollazade , said that the Government of Armenia is not yet prepared to sign a peace agreement.
He stressed that Armenia is involved in the imitation of the negotiation process and the policy pursued by Yerevan prevents the development of the South Caucasus.
"The policy implemented by the President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan , is of the contrary to the interests of the Azeri and Armenian people. Pursuing the occupation policy, Kocharyan serves other forces and prevents the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus," Mollazade added.
He spelled out that the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia may discuss new proposals in Saint-Petersburg regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
"The international community wishes to see a prompt solution in regards to this conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It is a pity that the policy of Armenia does not provide this opportunity," DRF's Chairman stressed.
Touching upon the conduct of a referendum to determine the future status of the Nagorno-Karabakh, the MP stated, "By not conducting a referendum in covering the whole country, it would prove to be impossible to compromise any distance of Azerbaijani land. The referendum for determining the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be held on all territories of Azerbaijan".
Mollazade considers that it needs to achieve solidarity regarding nationwide issues within Azerbaijan. There should not be an understanding of government-opposition in those issues. For us, the issues regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan can not be the same without the party interests. The whole society should be mobilized in resolving these issues and all intellectual opportunities, social-political forces should act from a single position with regards to the conflict settlement. I do not consider myself in opposition with the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and I do not have the right to do so," Mollazade said.
The next meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Armenia, Robert Kocharyan , will take place on the 10th of June in Saint-Petersburg.
Azerbaijan can hold the Russian co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlakov, responsible due to his recent statement that Russia does not recognize Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister, Araz Azimov, stated to journalists in Baku on the 8th of June.
According to the data provided by Novosti-Armenia news agency on the 8th of June, the Russian co-chairman made the statement in Armenia. He said, "For the time being Nagorno-Karabakh has not been recognized on an international level as an independent state. Russia also has not recognized the independence of Karabakh and recognizes territorial sovereignty of Azerbaijan. However, it does not mean that Russia recognizes Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan."
"In case the Russian co-chairman actually made such a statement, Azerbaijan protests and considers Merzlakov to be exceeding his authority," Azimov said. Merzlakov does not have any ground on making such a statement contradicting international norms and principles.
"The statement also contradicts the official position of Russia, which is a co-chair of the Minsk Group," deputy minister noted.
Azimov regarded the statement made before the forthcoming meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents scheduled for Saint-Petersburg as an irresponsible and provocative move. In case the statement is proved, Azerbaijan will make Merzlakov answerable.
Statements made by the Armenian senior officials that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be firstly defined during the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement are unconstructive and may bring harm to the efforts of the parties involved, said the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov. "If the Armenian side again begins proceeding from the previous position that firstly the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be defined, it will not correspond with the discussions' purpose," Mammadyarov said.
According to the Minister, the Armenian and Azerbaijanni sides and Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have repeatedly stated that firstly the Armenian Armed Forces should be withdrawn from the occupied Azerbaijani lands. In addition, it needs to bring a peacekeeping contingent, rehabilitate the territory (Nagorno-Karabakh), restore infrastructure, return internally displaced persons to their Native Lands, and only after it, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be considered.
Such statements of the Armenian senior officials are unconstructive and may result in the cancellation of progress made during the talks held up to now, the Minister said.
Measures are taken to prevent fires in the line of conflict between Armenian-Azerbaijani troops in the large territory settled by the Azerbaijanis. The regional fire departments of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan have been brought into readiness, the Minister of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, Kamaladdin Heydarov, confirmed on 8 June.
"The Armed Forces of Armenia intentionally commit fires on the territories settled by the Azerbaijanis. I made a speech on this issue at the meeting in Morocco attended by the Ministers of Emergency Situations. I stated that Armenia creates emergency situations in the region," Heydarov said.
Since mid-May, the Armenians have been committing arson on occupied Azerbaijani lands. Such a situation also happened in the summer of last year.
Speaking on the behalf of the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of any country we mean all countries including Azerbaijan, Serbian Prime Minister, Voislav Koshtunitsa , said at a press conference within the framework of an international economic forum held in Saint-Petersburg. He commented on the position of Serbia regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
"I often compare the situation with the fact that the constitution of every country guarantees and provides integrity for every citizen residing in that country. In this case, the UN Charter is a world constitution intended to protect territorial integrity and Inviolability of Borders of any state. One of the most senseless positions is the one urging that the matter regarding Kosovo can be resolved in such a way which is not threatening to other parts of the globe. If the integrity of Serbia is to be respected, then the integrity of all countries is to be respected in the same way," the Prime Minister stated.
Koshtunitsa voiced his confidence that if the integrity of Serbia is not respected, a series of conflict issues will arise in different parts of the world. Hence, the map of the world can profoundly change. "If international law and internationally accepted norms are violated, then there are no civilized ways for settling the Kosovo conflict. The only way is to provide autonomy of a high level, which will prevent Belgrade from being condemned of interfering into internal affairs of Kosovo. Belgrade is interested in the protection of rights of the Serbians residing in Kosovo and Metohia , returning of refugees to their lands, preservation of historical, cultural, and religious monuments. But that absolutely does not mean that Belgrade will interfere into the internal structure of Kosovo. At the same time the territorial integrity of Serbia should be respected," the Prime Minister said.
Political movements
MP Siyavush Novruzov, the deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, stated on 4 June that a Law on the Political Parties must be reconsidered before the next Parliamentary Elections.
"After adopting the Constitution and injecting changes and supplements in the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan many points of law do not correspond to the Law on the Political Parties and it is necessary to inject changes in the law," the MP noted.
According to Novruzov, the Law on Political Parties was submitted at the spring session of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) for discussion. Discussions on the Law are continuing.
"One of the changes envisages the financing of political parties by the State," Novruzov stressed.
The current Law on Political Parties was adopted in 1992.
The ruling Authority and opposition parties of Azerbaijan support the adoption of the new Law on Political Parties.
Alizadeh, the Co-chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (SDPA), has stated that the left wing SDPA will be represented in the deliberative structure of the right wing opposition parties.
Alizadeh noted that a new structure of political parties would be formed in which the political organizations will hope to exchange opinions on different issues. "We, as political parties, should listen to each other. With this aim, SDPA will take part in the negotiations to form a deliberative structure. The fact that everyone has a difference of opinion is quite natural," Alazadeh said.
SDPA is a left wing party of Azerbaijan. The leader of the party is Ayaz Mutallibov, former first President of Azerbaijan.
The Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Ali Ahmadov, said at the meeting of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) on 5 June that the request by several journalists to receive political asylum from foreign countries is an act.
Ahmadov said that a number of media sources are portraying a negative opinion regarding Azerbaijan in reports with international organizations. He stressed several newspapers in Azerbaijan are involved in moral terror against the public. "Amendments to the Law on Media need to be made at the spring session of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) to prevent such cases. Proposing amendments to the Law on Media, I do not mean limiting freedom of speech. The media in Azerbaijan should function on the basis of the pre-eminence of the law," Ahmadov said.
Current discussions among opposition parties will not achieve the expected results, the chairman of the Civil Solidarity Party (CSP), MP Sabir Rustamkhanly, reported.
He noted that the inter-party meetings dedicated to the formation of a new opposition alliance had been attended also by the representatives of the CSP. "However, discussions remained in words. Those who sought unification of the opposition were too few," Rustamkhanly said.
The chairman of the CSP reported that the opposition unions that had been formed earlier had collapsed due to the petty corporative interests of some parties. "Every one follows the interests of his party. For this reason we doubt to unify. We have always been supporters of national and civil unification. The CSP have also backed the merging of all parties. However, political forces are not sincere enough in this connection," Rustamkhanly added. Taking into consideration the ambitions of the political leaders the CSP attempts to be more vigilant towards the initiatives on the formation of new organizations, he noted.
The CSP was founded in 1992 by the leader of the National Liberation Movement, Sabir Rustamkhanly. The chairman of the party, national poet, MP Rustamkhanly, took the office of Azerbaijani Press and Information Minister from 1991- 95. In 2003, he ran for president.
The Co-chairman of the opposition Azadlyg political Bloc, Ali Aliyev, stated that in autumn, the bloc will take actions resulting in a mass protest. According to him, the head of Azadlyg considered it inexpedient to hold actions in the summer. However he intends to support the demonstrations of the journalists on the 12th of June.
In September and October, Azadlyg will hold mass actions and measures of various kinds to require making amendments to the Electoral Code and Law on Freedom of Assembly, Aliyev stated.
Azadlyg political bloc brings together three opposition parties, Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Azerbaijan Liberal Party and Citizen and Development Party.
Arif Hajili, the head of the Central Executive Administration of the Azerbaijani Musavat Party, has stated that the party does not plan to hold rally in June. Hajili noted that the party will participate in the rally of journalists scheduled on 12 June and therefore postpone its own rally. The issue to hold rally in the coming months will be discussed.
Musavat systematically holds rallies for social economic demands.
Journalists are planning to hold a rally against the pressure on freedom of speech and arrest of journalists. A range of political parties will attend the rally.
George Marti Martines, the Cuban Ambassador to Russia and Azerbaijan, during the meeting with Ali Ahmadov, the deputy chairman and the Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, has stated that Cuba supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and is interested in expansion of bilateral economic ties.
The current prospects of bilateral relations between Cuba and Azerbaijan, as well as exchange of views were discussed during the meeting. There are favourable conditions in the country to develop bilateral bonds.
Siyavush Novruzov and Mubariz Gurbanli, the deputy Executive Secretaries of the NAP, attended the meeting.
NAP was found by Heydar Aliyev, the former MP of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in 1992. Ilham Aliyev has been the current chairman of the party for 14 years.
Sardar Jalaloglu, the chairman of the Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP), stated on 6 June that several political blocs with participation of opposition parties of the country would be founded due to forthcoming Presidential elections in Azerbaijan.
The opposition parties will unite within blocs to nominate the candidates to the post of President.
Presently, Azerbaijani opposition parties are divided into several fronts. The process of unification of opposition parties is inevitable.
ADP was found by Jalaloglu in 1991. The supporters of Rasul Gujliyev left the party and found their own Open Society Party of Azerbaijan
The Deputy Chairman of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Head of the Turkish delegation to NATO, Vahid Erdem , stated in his exclusive interview with Trend that at any time, Turkey may make a decision to begin military actions on the territory of Iraq to annihilate the base of the terrorist organizations of the Kurd Working Party.
The Chairman of the Security Commission of the ruling Justice and Development Party of Turkey, MP Vahid Erdem , said that, presently Turkey is taking measures to ensure security on its borders with Iraq. According to him, orders for entering into the Iraqi territory and carrying out serious operations have not yet been given. However, Turkey maintains control over the situation on the border with Iraq and the Turkish Army is prepared for battle.
"The measures taken on the border with Iraq are not aimed at only ensuring own security, but also if necessary, carrying out military operations. If it is high time, the Turkish Parliament will make a decision to begin military actions. The 22nd of July is the date of the parliamentary elections and the decision may be made by both the newly formed Parliament and the old Parliament, according to the law, until the election of the new Parliament, the old Parliament holds its authorities. Therefore, despite that the members of the Parliament are on holiday, an extraordinary meeting may be held to make a decision to commence military actions," Erdem said.
According to the Deputy, presently three regions of Turkey, Siit , Hakkary and Shirnak , have been announced as emergency regions in the Country and serious operations are carried out there to liquidate terror dens of the Kurd Working Party.
"Turkey does not fight against Kurds, but against separatists and terrorists. There are many Kurds who are Turkish citizens and protest against racism and terrorism," Erdem said.
In addition, he stressed that Turkey, as a member of NATO, will receive support from the organization in the fight against terrorism. Taking into consideration that NATO is a military-defense union, Erdem recalled that after the September 11th incidents in the USA, NATO made a decision to fight against terrorism. "The terror committed against the USA is accepted as a threat against all NATO member-countries. Presently a terror threat exists over Turkey. We need military support, but NATO should support the actions aimed at liquidating the organizations financing PKK," said the Head of the Turkish delegation to NATO.
The chairman of the pro-opposition Azerbaijani Civil Solidarity Party (CSP), MP Sabir Rustamkhanly, sent a note of protest to the head of the OSCE Baku office, Hose Luis Herrera, on 8 June, a source at the CSP has reported.
The note says that the CSP was not invited to the meeting of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and the chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Goran Lenmarker, with political parties and directors of public organizations. Rustamkhanly noted that the principle on which OSCE Baku office rests while establishing relationships with parties was not clear.
"If the OSCE Baku office maintains negotiations with parties represented in the parliament, the CSP represented by 3 MPs should be invited to the meetings. If participation of a party in elections and a special number of votes is required, then the CSP took part in parliamentary elections of 1995, 2000 and 2005, in municipal elections of 1999 and 2004, and in presidential elections of 2003 and the indexes of the party are high. If OSCE pays attention to public influence and the number of electorate of position parties, then the CSP unites 26,000 members in 64 Azerbaijani regions. The party publishes a magazine and is represented in the Central Election Commission," Rustamkhanly informed the OSCE diplomat.
According to Rustamkhanly, among those who were invited to the meeting are the parties that are not represented in the parliament, have not any branches, with the number of members below 100. The parties have not been registered and have not participated in any elections. The OSCE Baku office is trying to provide conditions for development of definite parties corresponding to the requirements of the organizations. The organization is carrying out activities intended to increase of political influence of the parties and hidden corruption, financial, and political orders are involved.
"So, you do not need the persons that are interested in democratic development of Azerbaijan, but those who implement your political orders. The fact corresponds neither to the democratic principles you popularize, nor the ideas of West, human rights, and OSCE principles," Rustamkhanly said.
The chairman of the CSP, national poet of Azerbaijan, Sabir Rustamkhanly occupied the position of Minister for Press and Information in 1991-95. He ran for presidency in 2003.