Official chronicle
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan on Feb. 9, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The officials expressed hope for further successful enhancement of friendly and fraternal relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan. .
Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has met at Bayan Palace with Chairman of the country`s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ali Mohammed Thunayan Al-Ghanim.
They expressed satisfaction with the bilateral political relations, and stressed the two countries have enhanced their cooperation within international organizations.
It was pointed out during the talk that the level of bilateral economic and trade relations does not meet the countries` existing potential, and that it is necessary to take concrete measures in this regard.
Both the Azerbaijani President and Chairman of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed the importance of making reciprocal investments and setting up joint enterprises.
They also expressed confidence the bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kuwait will further deepen.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received today the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly`s Special Representative on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Goran Lennmarker.
They exchanged views on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met here today with visiting Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolanek.
Successful development of Czech-Azerbaijani relations in a variety of fields was stressed at the meeting. The sides noted there is good potential for expanding economic ties including energy cooperation. Importance of strengthening bilateral relationship within the framework of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation was stressed. According to them, the meeting of Azerbaijani president and Czech Premier during the Nabucco summit in Budapest and Mirek Topolanek`s official visit to Azerbaijan is important for solidifying bilateral relations, discussing future prospects of relations and deepening cooperation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to establish a unified migration information system at the State Migration Service. The Cabinet of Ministers must approve regulations for a united migration information system at the Azerbaijani State Migration Service and coordinate with relevant state agencies and other information systems as part of the system within one month.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry was conferred a power on considering the administrative penalty cases under the decree of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Azertaj state information agency reported.
The Decree, issued due to implementation of the President's Decree dated Dec. 2, 2008 on introduction of changes to the Decree dated Aug. 29, 2000 on application of law on confirmation coming into effect the Administrative Penalty Code of the Azerbaijani Republic and issues on legal regulation, says that the foreign minister, deputy foreign minister, head of the counsel, Azerbaijani ambassadors abroad and officials of diplomatic representative offices and counsels will consider the cases on administrative penalties envisaged in the Article 331 of the Administrative Penalty Code
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on "Provision of Implementation of Norms of Vibratory and Noise Pollution Negatively Affecting Environment and Health."
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has issued an Executive Order conferring the Heydar Aliyev Order upon Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his services in developing friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has issued an order conferring Taraggi Order ("Progress") upon Abdullayev Huseynaga and Namazov Jumshud, employees of the Ministry of Taxes, for their efficient activity in the tax agencies.
On Feb. 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree to honor Arif Mir Jalal Oglu Pashayev for his contribution to science and education.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Feb. 10 on the Day of Iranian Islamic Revolution. Azerbaijani President wished Iranian people peace and prosperity.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has issued an Executive Order conferring the Heydar Aliyev Order upon Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his services in developing friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus on the country's national holiday - the Lithuanian Statehood Restoration Day, AzerTag News Agency reported.
In a congratulation letter, the President stressed he is confident that further steps to strengthen and deepen cooperation in line with countries' and nations' interests would be taken.
The Azerbaijani President wished peace and luxury to the Lithuanian nation.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said the secular nature of his country is the basis of successful development.
"We treasure the fact that Azerbaijan is a secular state and I am convinced it is the basis of our success. Each country, each people choose the best path for themselves," Aliyev said in an exclusive interview with
Tass and stressed the corresponding state policy is well balanced and clear.
The president said there are no grounds in his Muslim country for religious extremism.
"Islam is a part of our self-conscience, of our history, of our soul. It is the basis of our national values, the basis of our traditions and family values," Aliyev said adding all other religions are also respected in Azerbaijan.
The president said Islamic traditions do not contradict the secular way of life.Such a balance plays a major role in promoting national development.
"All that strengthens our cause. When there is no link between authorities and society or the link is fragile, then it is impossible to feel the pulse," he said.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended People's Poet and Public Figure Bakhtiyar Vahabzade's farewell ceremony on Feb. 14.
Parliament
Azerbaijani Parliamentary Vice Speaker Bahar Muradova said prohibiting foreign radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies was the correct decision.
"The decision to ban foreign radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies should not be discussed. Azerbaijan has not stopped broadcasting foreign radio stations, period. Their broadcasting has been brought into line with legislation. Everyone must accept the National Television and Radio Council's (NTRC) decision," Muradova said at a parliamentary meeting on Feb. 10.
In 2008, the Prosecutor Agencies brought criminal actions against 15 municipalities in Azerbaijan, Deputy Justice Minister Vilayat Zahirov said. The Ministry holds a meeting dedicated to the results of municipaloties in 2008.
The criminal actions were brought against municipalities of Khazar in Nefchala region, Liman in Lankaran region, Dagli in Guba region, Khangarvand in Goranboy region, Tayifli in Oguz region, Ucoglan in Agdam region, Gasimbayli in Barda region, Gomur in Guba region and others.
Zahirov said that 294 chairmen of municipalities were made answerable due to untimely representing of municipal acts to agencies that control the activity of municipalities (Article 326-1.2 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic).
Nine chairmen of municipalities were made answerable due to attempts to hinder to hold administrative control.
Political movements
The Azerbaijani Leftist Union collapsed before passing official registration. Later, union Co-Founder and Azerbaijani Communist Party Chairman Rauf Gurbanov refused to join the organization.
"Personal ambitions are unacceptable in such a union. Each side must be equal. Everyone supports the union's establishment, but wants a big share in the organization at the same time. The union did not accept Rauf Gurbanov's conditions. He preferred to function independently," Chairman of the Communist Party Telman Nurullayev told Trend on Feb. 9.
"Union regulations have been developed and will be approved this week. The union aims to unify scattered forces in Azerbaijan. We can partake in municipal and parliamentary elections under an united platform," he said.
The Socialist Party, Communist Party, Single Communism Party and Azerbaijan Communist Party created the Leftist Union based on Marxist-Lenin principles to partake in the municipal and parliamentary elections.
Gurbanov said it is illogical to form a leftist union before establishing a union of Communist parties.
"I saw the union's main principle as uniting Communist parties. I support forming a united Communist party and then a leftist union. Our differences hinge on this issue," Gurbanov said.
Azerbaijani opposition party opposed the creation of the contingent of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
"Russia still attempts to resume its leading position in the post Soviet countries," the Musavat opposition party said on Feb. 9.
The creation of a single military contingent of the CSTO participating countries is not a threat to Azerbaijan, said head of the Department of international relations of the Azerbaijani Presidential Executive Administration Novruz Mammadov.
The decision on the establishment of operational contingent of the CSTO reiterates these attempts of Russia, Musavat said. "Russia's attempt to create a military alliance at its own expenses, despite the deepening economic crisis in the country, shows once again that this country does not tolerate the status of a regional force, and once again claim to be extremely effective. This step of Russia poses to a dangerous situation in Azerbaijan," the document says.
The document says that under present conditions the most important step in Azerbaijan may become a treatment for membership in NATO.
The Azerbaijani opposition may form a permanent coordination center after the referendum.
"The center's format cannot coincide with the referendum's," For Azerbaijan Public Forum (FAPF) head Eldar Namazov told Trend on Feb. 10.
The For Azerbaijan Public Forum is represented in the Movement for Karabakh and the Republic.
The Musavat party and Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan have developed drafts on future cooperation. The two parties are represented in the Center for Opposition Cooperation (COC), which called the October 2008 presidential elections illegitimate.
Talks to create a larger coalition failed after the elections due to mutual accusations.
The COC includes the Azadlig Bloc, Musavat and the For Azerbaijan Public Forum.
Namazov said an integration process has already begun in the opposition.
He added that he has proposals for cooperation among the opposition after the referendum.
"I do not want to make my ideas public because it would be useless to make proposals before the end of the referendum," Namazov said.
"Cooperation among the Azerbaijani opposition forces will depend on the political situation," Azerbaijan Democrat Party (ADP) Chairman Sardar Jalaloglu told Trend on Feb. 10. The ADP is also represented in the Movement for Karabakh and the Republic.
A referendum initiative group established by opposition parties and public organizations now has an office.
"The heads of political and public organizations who founded the group will work at the office," Chairman of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA) Sardar Jalaloglu told Trend on Feb. 12.
Precinct election commissions registered 124 initiative groups.
The Constitution was adopted in 1995. Amendments and additions were made in 2002.
A working group was launched at the group's meeting today.
The group also discussed procedures to stage rallies in Baku and the regions.
"We will publish our articles in governmental newspapers and use the free air time allocated by the Public Television station efficiently," Jalaloglu said.
The Venice Commission can design new option for financing of the Azerbaijani political parties.
"We should have text in our hand so that to set a number of parameters and say whether this option will be success. We have not yet received draft changes to the Law on Political Parties from Azerbaijan," Council of Europe Venice Commission representative Sergey Kuznetsov said to Trend in a telephone conversation from Strasbourg.
Azerbaijan's Justice Ministry has registered 52 political parties. The Law on Political Parties was adopted in 1992. No amendments have been made to law since then. The Law is expected to be amended to finance parties from the public budget.
Azerbaijan's governing party says only political parties who take part in elections and who have seats in the parliament can be financed by the budget. The opposition politicians propose that registered parties receive financing from the state budget.
The Venice Commission is ready to review the suggestions of the Azerbaijani authorities and opposition on its recommendations to amend the country's Election Code.
"We expressed our recommendations about a series of issues in the Election Code. No amendments were made. For example, let's take forming commissions. If the Azerbaijani authorities think that our cooperation should continue, then we will be glad to proceed," Council of Europe Venice Commission representative Sergey Kuznetsov told Trend in a telephone conversation from Strasbourg.
"There is an opportunity to continue working on the Election Code. We are ready to accept proposals from the opposition and authorities. Their opinions will be taken into account," Kuznetsov said.
Elections
The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) has registered 7 referendum initiative groups.
The CEC registered the For Sustainable Development and Intellect groups.
CEC Secretary Natiq Mammadov said the For Sustainable Development group gathered 46, 500 signatures from 102 constituencies at a recent CEC meeting. As many as 42,770 were valid.
Initiative groups National Independence, established by the opposition Azerbaijan National Independence Party (ANIP), and The People's Republic of Azerbaijan, established by the parties represented in the Union for Democracy, were not registered at a meeting of the Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC) on Feb. 11.
The National Independence initiative group submitted 40,800 signatures, with only of them 3,617 valid," said CEC Secretary Natig Mammadov.
Currently, there are nine registered agitation groups in Azerbaijan.
Most observers registered to monitor referendum in Azerbaijan are individuals.
"A total of 354 observers have been registered over the country and more than 2,300 at constituencies to monitor the referendum. Most of the registered observers are individuals," Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC) Law Department head Irada Hajieva told Trend on Feb. 12.
Foreign policy
Baku and Ankara agreed to continue talks to implement the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stressed the platform's importance at a meeting with Turkish counterpart Ali Babacan in Baku. He said consultations must continue, the Foreign Ministry said.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan initiated the platform after the August events in Georgia.
Babacan said regional conflicts must be resolved region as soon as possible.
"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved by respecting Azerbaijan's territorial integrity," he said.
Azerbaijani Parliament's Vice-Speaker Ziyafat Asgarov expressed hope that country's territorial integrity would be discussed at the spring session of the Nato Parliamentary Assembly.
"Everything is up on agenda. I hope Azerbaijan's territorial integrity will be discussed at the spring session of the Nato Parliamentary Assembly," Asgarov told journalists on Feb. 10.
The issue on Russia's delivery of armaments to Armenia will be raised at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly if Russia's evidence does not satisfy the Azerbaijani side, Vice-Speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Ziyafet Askerov briefed the media on Feb. 10.
"If we are not satisfied with Russia's reply to this issue, we will raise it at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly," Askerov said.
Some media outlets reported of Russia's delivery of arms and military equipment to Armenia from Russian military base 102 in Gumri in early January. Their approximate cost totals $800 million.
Information on Russia's delivery of armament to Armenia is a negative fact, Askerov said.
After the issue was raised at Azerbaijan Parliament, a decision was made for Azerbaijani delegation to visit Russia to discuss the issue within Friendship Group, he said.
"We are concerned because Russia is a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. Russia took responsibility not to supply the conflicting sides with arms unless the conflict is settled, Askerov said. Russia violated the obligation by supplying arms."
Russia wants to establish the KASFOR security forces in the Caspian Sea, the Russian ARMS-TASS agency reported. The representative of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Moscow considers it possible to create this system without participation of naval forces in the region and has been working in this direction.
Littoral Caspian Sea countries will unlikely support Russia's willingness to create KASFOR security forces in the Caspian Sea
"Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will not support Russia's proposal to create the KASFOR operating security forces," Azerbaijani political analyst Zardusht Alizade said.
Azerbaijani political analyst Rasim Musabayov believes that there is no a country to support Russia's initiative. "For example, Kazakhstan might support Russia's initiative. However, Kazakhstan never heard to voice his willingness," Musabayov told Trend . Azerbaijan's position will depend on a mission whether it will meet Azerbaijani interests or not, Musabekov said.
Creation of the Navy may be beneficial to Russia, but not in the interests of other Caspian countries, Iranian expert Hasan Behishtipoura said.
"Creation of the system does not meet the interests of Iran, because Iran's position is that cooperation in all spheres between the Caspian countries, including the military, too," Behishtipoura said to Trend by phone.
Azerbaijan can consider the issue, Khazar Ibrahim, press secretary of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, told Trend .
"If we receive any official appeal regarding this fact, we can consider it and then determine the position," Ibrahim said.
The Union of World Akhiska Turks launched official activity, President of the Union and Head of the National Akhiska Turks Center of Kazakhstan Ziyadin Ismikhan-oglu told Trend on Feb.12.
Ismikahn-oglu said leaders of Akhiska Turks, residing in nine countries- Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and the United States, decided to form a Congress of World Akhiska Turks at the meeting in Ankara in June 2008.
In following meetings, it was renamed to the Union of World Akhiska Turks.
"The charter and other documents of the Union were adopted at the meeting held in Istanbul on Feb.10 and submitted to the Turkish government. The meeting of the Union was officially announced," Ismikhan-oglu said.
Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Alfredo Mantika will review proposals to increase cooperation with Azerbaijan during his visit to Baku on March 2-3, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Emil Karimov told Trend .
Mantika is co-chairman of an inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy. He will discuss trade, economic, energy and humanitarian issues in Baku.
The program for Mantika's visit will be determined via diplomatic channels, Karimov said.
The Netherlands supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, Dutch Foreign Ministry Political Affairs Department Director Peter de Haier said at a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said on Feb. 13.
Stability in the region is crucial, Haier said.
Mammadyarov said the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only be resolved by preserving Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.
The Netherlands supports Azerbaijan's accession to the Eastern Partnership Program, Haier said.
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met here today with visiting OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Special Representative on Nagorno-Karabakh Goran Lennmarker.
The sides shared their ideas about the talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Mammadyarov noted that resolution of the conflict is possible only on the basis of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the principle of inviolability of frontiers.
The Director General of the Political Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the Kingdom of Great Britain Mark Justin Layll Grant considers that European Union's Eastern Partnership initiative can play an important role in the development of region.
"Eastern Partnership can influence the establishment of peace and stability in South Caucasus," said Grant at the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov on Feb. 13.
Grant arrived in Baku on an official visit on Feb. 13.
The communique on establishment Eastern Partnership Union between the European Commission and Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia must be approved in spring.
The document suggests signing memorandums of mutual understanding on co-operation in the energy sphere, which will serve ensuring energy security of the European Union. This co-operation envisages that all countries, which realize both general management, and production, transit and energy consumption, will possess joint ventures on the pipelines.
Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek arrived in Baku as part of his visit to Central Asia.
Topolanek will negotiate with the Azerbaijani government in Baku.
The meeting will focus on political and economic issues and EU cooperation.
On Feb. 13, the Czech prime minister held negotiations with the Turkmen government.
On Feb. 12, he met with the Kazakh government.
The EU officials have placed a stress on energy talks with Caspian countries after the Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis in early 2009.
Human rights
A Committee on violence against women was established in Azerbaijan to protect women's rights.
The Committee was set up by Clean World public society to protect and assist women.
The Committee was established by Sevil Gamidova, chairman of political pluralism institute under women precautions and consultations center and heads of legal company Lex Consult, Clean World public society told Trend on Feb. 9.
The Committee intends to conduct monitoring on violence against women in political, economic, public sphere. It will implement activity of public legal profession to settle the problem and use the international experience given national values.
The Committee will protect women's rights on the basis of individual appeal of women being victims of violence.
The Azerbaijani General Prosecutor's Office sent a letter of inquiry to the Constitutional Court to clear up the article on appeals. Article 397 of the Criminal Code defines how appeals and protests are reviewed, the Constitutional Court told Trend on Feb. 10.
When filing an appeal, the court cannot issue a decision that will complicate the situation of the convicted person. The rules for making an appeal do not stipulate such a requirement. The General Prosecutor's Office asked the court to clarify the possibility to increase the sentence of the convicted person during an appeal.
Another inquiry relates to Article 83 of the Criminal Code.
The Grave Crimes Court requested commentary on when a conviction can be cancelled or withdrawn.
Both inquiries are being considered by the Constitutional Court.
Official Baku sees no grounds to appoint a special envoy on political prisoners in Azerbaijan at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
"The political-prisoners issue was solved long ago in Azerbaijan. Enough evidence was submitted to the Council of Europe and respective institutions about its resolution. Azerbaijan does not need a special envoy from the Council of Europe or any other organization," Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov told Trend on Feb. 10.
The issue of appointing a special envoy on political prisoners to Azerbaijan was raised at the PACE winter session.
The Azerbaijani government examines an issue to file a suit at the international Hague court against Armenia on the Khojali genocide, the Presidential Administration Public-Political Department Head Ali Hasanov told Trend on Feb. 11.
"Evidences on Armenia's committing genocide against Azerbaijanis are obvious. We have investigated them for several years and publicize them to world community. If it is possible to appeal to the Hague Court on this case, we will use this opportunity," Hasanov said.
The Council of Europe is concerned about several amendments to the Constitution to be considered during the March referendum in Azerbaijan.
"Some amendments may limit the freedom of the press. The proposed regulations to protect the private lives of citizens are too broad and could contradict the European Human Rights Convention," Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said.
"The Council of Europe will only offer recommendations if the member-country appeals to us," Davis said on Feb. 11.
The Council of Europe is concerned with several imprisoned journalists and urges the Azerbaijani government to immediately examine these cases, the secretary general said.
Forty-four violations were committed against journalists in Azerbaijan in 2008, a report developed by the Azerbaijani Media Law Institution and UK Embassy in Azerbaijan said.
The report states that individuals, policemen and other governmental officials used physical force against journalists last year.
"Thirteen incidents were registered where journalists were beaten while fulfilling their duties in 2008," the report said.
The families of 4,400 people who went missing during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict do not know the fate of their relatives, the International Red Cross Committee (IRRC) said.
The IRCC said the relatives have the right to receive information about their loved ones. Governmental agencies must provide them with this information, the committee said.
Last year, the IRCC designed a program to help governmental agencies fulfill these obligations.
A second round of training was also held last year in accordance with a framework agreement signed by the Azerbaijani government, the IRCC and Gold Crescent Society as part of the program in 2008.
During the two-week training in Barda, volunteers and officers of the Azerbaijan Gold Crescent Society taught families how to communicate on this issue.
Volunteers of the Gold Crescent Society collected over 800 inquiries from families in Baku, Sumgayit and Absheron since the launch of the program.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
On Feb. 8, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops at 08:15-08:45 and 17:40-17:50. The shots were fired from an area outside Tap Garagoyunlu and Borsunlu villages in Goranboy region, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
Security of the countries of the South Caucasus region needs to be established on the basis of mutually agreed security arrangements, said LINKS Executive Director Dennis Sammut.
"One should not underestimate the difficult task that the two governments have in front of them in trying to solve a conflict that is deep rooted and that is full of emotions for their respective nations. The meeting between President Aliev and President Sarghsian in Switzerland a few days ago has been positively evaluated by both governments, as well as by the OSCE Minsk Group co-Chair," Sammut said. "The process is now proceeding more intensively than before and I am optimistic that we can see some progress soon," said Sammut.
However, Samumut said this does not mean anybody can be complacent. "The situation is still delicate, especially on the cease fire line. People are still dying every week. They are dying in vain and this should stop immediately," he said.
Sammut called on officials and commentators on both sides to be more careful in the language that they use in commenting about the situation.
War will be a disaster for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is still a danger that war will start by accident when you have a concentration of troops as exists on the cease fire line, he said. "In the South Caucasus the countries are spending more on arms than they should and we have a mini arms race going on. It would be much better if this money is spent on education and health care," Sammut said.
On Feb. 9, Armenian Armed Forces opened fired at Azerbaijani troops from Kuropatkino village of Khojavand region. The shots were fired from 11:20 to 11:25.
The Armenian armed forces were also firing from Tapqaraqoyunlu village of Goranboy region from 13:35 to 14:10 and from Ashagi Veysalli village of Fuzuli region from 17:20 to 17:35. The shots were also fired from Yusifjanli village of Agdam region from 21:10 to 21:20. This was reported by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry press service.
The response of fire shelling was suppressed, without any losses.
Baku rejects reports on plans to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict via Turkish mediation.
"Azerbaijan is not designing any secret plans to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim told Trend .
Turkey's Hurriet newspaper said an action plan was put together with Turkish mediation to resolve the Nargorno-Karabakh conflict.
Azerbaijan is holding negotiations to resolve the conflict within the OSCE Minks Group and is committed to resolving the issue based on international principles and its territorial integrity, Ibrahim said.
Monitoring was held on the contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces on Feb. 11 in 2009 after a mandate by the special envoy of the OSCE chairman, Trend regional correspondent reported.
The monitoring in Sarijali village of the Agdam region proceeded without incident on Feb. 11.
The monitoring was held on the Azerbaijani side by the OSCE Chairman's Personal Representative Imre Palatinus and Vladimir Chountulov.
The monitoring was held on the opposite side, which the international community recognizes as Azerbaijani territory, by the OSCE chairman's field assistants Pieter Ki, Antal Herdich and Irji Aberli.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Fuzuli region at 18:18-21:25 on Feb. 10.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Feb. 11, Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops located in Alibayli, Munjuqlu villages and nameless heights of the Tovuz region from 12:40 to 12:50 and from 17:17 to 17:40. The shots were fired from Mosesgah, Aygepar and Aygedzor villages of Berd region of Armenia.
The Armenian armed forces were also firing from nameless heights of Fuzuli region and Garvand village from 12:20 to 12:30 and from 20:10 to 20: 30. The shots were also fired from Yusifjanli village of Agdam region from 22:00 to 22:05. This was reported by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry press service.
The response of fire shelling was suppressed, without any losses.
An Azerbaijani member of parliament urged the Turkish parliament to recognize Khojali tragedy as genocide.
"Each year Azerbaijan expects the Turkish parliament to recognize Khojali tragedy as genocide. As a fraternal country, first, Turkey should recognize the genocide in order other countries to recognize it, as well," the occupied Khojali Region Administration's Former Head and Azerbaijani Member of Parliament Elman Mammadov told Trend on Feb. 12.
On the night of 25 to 26 February 1992 the Azerbaijani settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh, Khojali, was occupied by Armenian separatists, with active participation of military personnel and army tanks of the 366th regiment of the Russian army. In a matter of several hours, more than 600 unarmed Azerbaijani citizens, including 106 women and 83 children, were brutally killed. The annihilation of the peaceful people continued for several days during which time the Armenians executed and killed prisoners, committed violence against women and children, cut off the heads of Azerbaijani military prisoners and had them hung up. During this crime, 487 people, including 76 juveniles were physically disabled and 1,275 people were taken prisoner. Despite the release of most of the prisoners, the fate of 150 people is still unknown.
The Azerbaijani Parliament recognized 1994 Khojali tragedy as genocide.
The goal of my visit to Azerbaijan is to discuss with the President, Speaker and Foreign Minister the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and development of the South Caucasus region, the special representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE (OSCE PA) for Nagorno-Karabakh, Goran Lenmarker, said on the arrival in Baku.
As a result of visit, a report will be devised, which will be presented during the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on Feb. 19-20 in Vienna.
"In Azerbaijan there are many refugees, who want to return to their native lands. The solution of the conflict is very important for them," said the special representative.
Lenmarker refused to comment on the process of negotiations on conflict regulation between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying that the OSCE Minsk Group deals with this issue. But at the same time, the special representative said that he possesses additional information on the data regarding transfer of six regions to Azerbaijan and establishment of temporary government in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh can and should be settled peacefully with Armenia.
"We believe the resources of the negotiating process have not been exhausted and our adherence to the peaceful process is the main argument that confirms our constructive approach," he said in an exclusive interview with Tass.
Aliyev stressed the conflict shall be resolved on the basis of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
He recalled the latest joint declaration with Armenia, which says that international guarantees should encourage all stages of conflict settlement.
"We have always said the conflict can be resolved only by stages. At the first stage occupied Azeri territories shall be freed. They include seven districts around Nagorno-Karabakh. Refugees and resettled people shall return there. International guarantees shall ensure security of the population that lives and will live in the region. At the next stage the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh shall be determined," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan is working to intensify the negotiating process and hopes the new Armenian president will promote the settlement.
"There is a new leader in Armenia now. There is certain hope for a more constructive and realistic approach of Armenia to the issue. It is not only we who have the expectations, the intermediaries also have them," Aliyev said.
On Feb. 12, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops at 22:10-22:24. The shots were fired from an area outside the Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that on Feb. 13 the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region at 01:30-01:40 and near the Namirli village in the Tartar region at 04:45-05:10.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Feb. 13, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops at 01:20-01:50. The shots were fired from Khojavand region, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
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