Azerbaijan, Baku / corr.Trend A.Ismayilova / Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev, stated to the summit of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development- GUAM in Baku on the 19th of June that a new stage of development has begun in GUAM.
He noted that over the shortest period GUAM has become an international organization and the common interests uniting its members give impetus to the consolidation of the organization. President Aliyev noted the importance of the participation of EU member-countries in the future development of the organization. He stressed that the agenda of the gathering includes the issue on the cooperation of the Caspian, Black and Baltic Sea regions. The head of state assured that regional cooperation within GUAM, which has a significant impact on the Eurasian continent, provides great prospects for the resolution of exiting problems.
President Aliyev noted that the organization unifies the political will in the integration into the Euro-Atlantic organizations. He noted the importance of economic development for the countries and the implementation of joint projects. The president voiced his hopes on promptly resolving the issues of exploitation of the Odessa-Brody-Gdansk oil pipeline and the commencement of gas supply by Azerbaijan to the EU countries via the territory of Turkey and Greece by the end of the year.
Referring to the economic growth of Azerbaijan the head of state, stated that it was 25% in 2005, 30% in 2006 and 35% over the first five months of 2007 ..
Regarding the separatist movements in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova, President Aliyev stated that the GUAM countries support the peaceful resolution of exiting conflicts. The conflicts should be resolved within the framework of the international law, territorial integrity of the countries and through granting higher status of autonomy, he added. Until the GUAM countries are strong and hold powerful military power, the separatist regimes will not step back from their positions," he emphasized.