Official chronicle
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan today got acquainted with the course of construction of the National Flag Square in Baku.
As earlier reported, the foundation stone for the National Flag Square was laid near the Naval Base in Bayil settlement of Baku on 30 December 2007, under the President Ilham Aliyev's Executive Order of November 17, 2007.
Since then, the Head of State regularly takes interest in construction works at the site.
And on this time, President Aliyev toured the construction site, viewed the design for the square, praised the quality and technical parameters of construction, involved with professional builders, and gave necessary instructions to do the work in accordance with highest standards.
As the President was informed, construction activities here are carried out by Azerbaijani company. The square covers an area of 20,000 square meters. The flag to be 2450 square meters (35x70) in area and to weight 350 kilograms, will be fastened to a 162-meter high flagpole.
On May 22, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated new building of the Zarifa Aliyeva Scientific Research Institute of Eye Diseases.
The president got familiar with the building's general layout. He was informed about the construction work. Later the president cut the red tape marking official opening. The president got familiar with the building in detail.
The president stood before the bust to academician Zarifa Aliyeva at the foyer, got familiar with the memory museum of five renowned ophthalmologists and walked round the institute.
President Ilham Aliyev addressed institute's personnel in the assembly hall.
The president spoke about social measures implemented in Azerbaijan including in the sphere of health care and congratulated institute's staff on opening of a new building.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received today Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Michael Ambuhl.
Swiss Secretary of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of political dialogue and consultations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, saying there are good opportunities for expanding cooperation in this area.
President Aliyev stressed successful and intensive development of bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambuhl`s visit to Azerbaijan helps to strengthen these ties, Azerbaijani leader added
On May 18, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received former Estonian President Arnold Ruutel.
During the meeting, Aliyev noted that the current relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia are developing successfully in all areas.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received credential of newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan Mammadbagir Bahrami.
At the meeting, the Head of State expressed confidence that during the diplomatic activity of Mammadbagir Bahrami in the country, the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran will expand further.
On May 19, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Council of the European Union Special Representative on South Caucasus Peter Semneby.
The meeting focused on Azerbaijan-EU relations, cooperation as a part of the Eastern Partnership program and resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
On May 19, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Defense Industry Minister of Pakistan Abdul Gayyum Jatoi, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Jatoi said Azerbaijan is a friendly and fraternal country for Pakistan and added that his visit provides good condition for discussions on further cooperation between Azerbaijani Defense Industry Ministry and the ministry he rules.
President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan-Pakistan ties are developing successfully in all areas including defense industry. The President said mutual visits are important and added he hopes Pakistani federal defense industry minister's visit to Azerbaijan will contribute to enhanced defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
On May 19, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Chairman of the Committee for European Affairs of the Hungarian parliament Matyas Eorsi.
Eorsi said Azerbaijan has become leading country in the region and highly appreciated cooperation with Azerbaijan as a part of the Eastern Partnership.
President Aliyev said he is confident that the Eastern Partnership program will help Azerbaijan to establish closer ties with the European Union
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Commander of the U.S. European Command General Bantz Craddock on May 21.
Discussions revolved around the current state and prospects for bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and U.S., regional cooperation and international issues.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today received vice-president of the BP Company Andrew Inglis.
Andrew Inglis highlighted the President of Azerbaijan on his meetings held with the staff of the BP-Azerbaijan Company, noting the Company`s successful activity. BP top executive also stressed successful work within the Chirag project, a phase of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) project.
Cooperation with BP is successful, the Head of the Azerbaijani State underlined. Noting progress in the production field, President Aliyev said this cooperation will continue and in the coming years.
Georgian President Micheil Saakashvili is on a two day official visit to Baku, the Azertaj state information agency reported.
Azerbaijani First Vice Prime Mister Yagub Eyubov and other state officials of Azerbaijan welcomed the Georgian President at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.
A protocol meeting took place between the Georgian President and the Azerbaijani First Vice Prime Minister.
The Georgian delegation involves Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, Economy Development Minister Lasha Zhvania, Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri and other officials.
During the visit to Baku, Saakashvili will meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and Speaker Oktai Asadov.
The objective of Georgian President's visit is to deep bilateral relations and review a wide range of issues, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported.
"I would like to emphasize the dynamic cooperation between our countries based on good plans and their implementation," said the President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili at the extensive meeting of the Azerbaijani-Georgian inter-governmental commission in Baku on May 20, AzTV channel reported.
"Ilham Aliyev and members of his team not only promise, but also fulfill their promises," added the President of Georgia.
He said that Azerbaijan and Georgia create an informal confederation.
"There are no issues that would not unite our countries and we could not resolve quickly. Most of the plans set out several years ago has already been realized," said Saakashvili.
During the years of joint work, Georgia and Azerbaijan decided many issues of global significance, said the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the extensive meeting of the inter-governmental commission of the two countries.
"In next years we hope to continue this cooperation in a spirit of friendship," added the President Ilham Aliyev.
The President of Azerbaijan said that they discussed bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues.
"Contacts between the two countries will continue. The meetings of Heads of State are important in the international forums," said Aliyev.
Economy is one of the major areas of the Georgia-Azerbaijan cooperation, AzerTaj state news agency quoted Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili as saying at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku.
"Georgia has signed five-year agreement on gas supply with Azerbaijan," Saakashvili said. "It means that Georgian people will be supplied with energy from Azerbaijan for the coming five years."
Saakashvili said economic cooperation between the two countries is developing at a fast pace and expressed his confidence that the ties will further enhance.
The Georgia president also said the energy and transport projects jointly implemented by the two countries are of great importance.
"We are realizing strategic projects," he said and added that he will fly to Batumi on occasion of opening Baku-Batumi flight on May 21. "The realization of a large construction project will start in Batumi soon. All these are result of developing cooperation between our peoples and countries."
Projects jointly implemented by Georgia and Azerbaijan are of great significance for the region and have a positive impact on international relations in a large sense, AzerTaj state news agency quoted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as saying at a joint news conference with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
"Georgia and Azerbaijan have always paid great attention to energy security in the region. Thanks to our joint efforts. A completely new situation has appeared in the region. Of course, it's important not to be satisfied with progress and to implement more important and larger projects together in the future," Ilham Aliyev said. "Today we also discussed European energy security. Recently, we participated in the event related to the South Corridor together with you and our position is unequivocal. We protect our interests and at the same time we fruitfully cooperate in the energy sector with all partners."
The Azerbaijani President said the transport cooperation is also continuing successfully. "The construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railways is going on successfully. Currently, we also had broad exchange of views on further realization of this project and gave respective instructions," the president said.
The Azerbaijani president said that Azerbaijan and Georgia have traditionally defended and supported each other in international organizations. Aliyev expressed his confidence that this mutual support will further continue. The Georgia-Azerbaijan relations are of great importance in the region, he said
"The development of friendly and brotherly ties is important for our peoples and nations. It is of great importance also for ensuring peace and stability in the region. I expressed my opinion on the core of our negotiations. I believe that these negotiations and further joint efforts will bring our countries even closer," President Aliyev said.
May 20 agreements were signed between Azerbaijan and Georgia with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
President of Azerbaijan Airlines JSC Jahangir Askerov and Minister of Economic Development of Georgia Lasha Zhvania signed a protocol amending the Agreement on Air Space, signed between the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Minister of Economic Development of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Minister of Economic Development of Georgia Lasha Zhvania signed a protocol amending Free Trade Agreement signed between the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan in 1996.
Chairman of the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents Ramiz Hasanov and the Minister of Economic Development of Georgia Lasha Zhvania signed an Agreement on Protection of Intellectual Property.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order approving the State program on development of Azerbaijani theater in 2009-2019.
Coordination of activities within this program is entrusted on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of resolving all questions arising from the execution of the order.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree establishing State Committee on Property.
State Committee on Management of State Property is liquidated and a State Committee on Property is established.
Azerbaijani President appointed Karam Hasanov the chairman of the State Committee on Property.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on May 19 to appoint Abbasgulu Abbasov the head of the Executive Power of Sadarak District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Ibrahim Mammadov was appointed head of the executive power of the Sharur District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order awarding Farid Shafiev the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Upon other Presidential order, Farid Shafiev was appointed the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Canada.
On May 22, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev endorsed the "State program on reforms in higher education system in 2009-2013"
The program was approved to accelerate the integration process of the higher education system of Azerbaijan into the European educational space, develop the higher education in accordance with the Bologna principles, provide highly qualified personnel for the growing needs of the economy of Azerbaijan, establish an effective system allowing the population to receive higher education in the most modern international standards, the order says.
The Cabinet and relevant departments are assigned to solve the questions deriving from the Decree.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev appointed Vugar Safarli Executive Director of the Fund for State Support to Media Development under the President of Azerbaijan.
With his other order, Head of State appointed members of the Supervisory Board of the Fund.
The order on establishment of the Fund was signed in early April.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order awarding Tereggi Medal to the members of the public union Azerbaijani Veterans of Afghanistan.
Up on the order, for their active participation in public life of Azerbaijan, Tereggi Medal was awarded to Javan Ahmedov, Mirshamil Hadiev, Abulfat Huseynov, Mammad Veliyev, Nazim Yusifov.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated on Sunday Aysel Teymurzade and Arash, who represented the country at Eurovision-2009 song contest.
The Head of State said Aysel and Arash on the phone that they worthily represented Azerbaijan in Europe, praised their accomplishment and wished them new successes.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of congratulation to Dalia Grybauskaite on her election as President of Lithuania.
The message reads: "We attach particular importance to Azerbaijan-Lithuania relations. I am convinced that our relationship upgraded to the level of strategic partnership, cooperation on a bilateral basis and within international organizations and projects will be developed and expanded in line with interest of our peoples"
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today sent a letter of congratulation to President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh on the country`s public holiday, National Unity Day.
"I am hopeful that friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Yemen will continue to develop and expand in line with interests of our peoples," letter said.
Azerbaijani leader wished his Yemen counterpart good health, success in his career and friendly people of Yemen peace and welfare.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the King and the people of Jordan on the national holiday - Independence Day.
The current level of Azerbaijani-Jordanian relations are satisfactory, and the increasing contacts, developing relations and mutual cooperation testify prospects of multilateral relations of the two countries, said the message of President of Azerbaijan to Jordan's King Abdullah II.
The Head of State expressed his confidence that further efforts will be made to strengthen friendly relations between nations and peoples and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Parliament
The Baku summit will discuss new projects to permanently activate the Turkic-speaking countries' Parliamentary Assembly (PA).
"Discussions will be held to transform the assembly into the organization, such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) which has permanent secretariat," Co-chairman of the Working Group on the Azerbaijani-Turkish Interparliamentary relations Nizami Jafarov told Trend on May 18.
It is planned to hold the summit of the Turkish-speaking countries' PA in Baku in September 2009.
Jafarov said Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are expected to attend the Baku summit, as well. "Azerbaijan can play a high coordinator role in the Turkic world," Jafarov said.
The parliamentarian said it is planned to form the unified TV channel of the countries represented at the assembly in future.
Some Azerbaijani parliamentarians have sent an address to the prime minister.
"Eight parliamentarians applied to Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and asked to allocate funds from public budget to form a museum at the graveyard of mass genocide victims committed by Armenians in Guba in 1918," First Deputy of the Azerbaijani ex-premier and Parliamenterian Vahid Ahmadov told Trend on May 19.
Mass people's grave was discovered when constructing a stadium in Guba which is located in 170 kilometers north of Baku in mid-April 2007. Immediately after it, an expedition group was formed and an archeological excavation was conducted. Historians and archeologists determined that the mass graveyard was formed as a result of genocide in Guba committed by Armenians in 1918. So far, excavations were conducted at some channels and over 200 human bones were found.
Ahmadov said the address did not indicate an exact amount of the funds.
"The Guba graveyard is our important history and a museum must be formed there to publicize this history to the world community. Most of houses should be moved and road should be laid with this purpose," the parliamentarian said.
Ahmadov said besides him, other Azerbaijani parliamentarians, including Ganira Pashayeva, Havva Mammadova, Aydin Hasanov, Musa Guliyev, Baba Tagiyev, Zahid Oruj and Yevda Abramov signed this address.
Initial agreement has been reached to establish Parliamentary Assembly of the European Parliament's European Union Eastern Neighbors, Azerbaijani parliament's Law Policy and State-Building Committee Chairman Rovshan Rzayev told Trend .
"The consultations in Kiev were held on high level and the sides reached agreement to establish this organization," Rzayev said.
Views were exchanged at the consultations initiated by the Ukrainian parliament about the prospects of establishing Parliamentary Assembly of the European Parliament's European Union-Eastern Neighbors.
Rzayev said one more meeting will be held to declare Parliamentary Assembly of the Eastern Neighbors.
The Parliament of Azerbaijan became the winner in the category "State Structure, widely using information and communication technologies".
As a result of the competition conducted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies, the Parliament of Azerbaijan was recognized the State structure widely using information and communication technologies, the press service of the Parliament told Trend .
The Parliament widely used information and communication technologies and has reached success in various fields. "In a short time, Parliament has more than 300 local Internet network users, 16 servers, providing various services, a Web page. Some 135 computers and electronic voting system were installed in the meeting room," the same source said.
Members of the Azerbaijani parliament's committees recommended to lift restrictions prohibiting ombudsmen to be elected to this post more than once.
Committee on Human Rights and Committee on Law Policy and State-building held a joint meeting today. The draft Constitutional amendments on Law on Azerbaijani Ombudsman were discussed at the meeting.
Committee on Law Policy and State-building Chairman Ali Huseynov said over 63 members of parliament have introduced their signs to the parliament to amend the law.
He said the amendments to the article 4.2 stipulates that one and the same person can not be elected for ombudsman's post for more than twice and amendments to the article 4.3 stipulate that in case a new ombudsman is not elected on day of termination of ombudsman's office, he/she will continue office.
MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev said there is a need to make changes to the Law on Prosecutors as well.
On May 22, the Azerbaijani parliament ratified the contract signed amongst the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Rusneft Neftchala Investment Limited and Land and General Berhad to explore, develop and rehabilitate Neftchala, Khil and Babazan onshore fields. Anshad Petrol is developing this field.
Anshad Petrol Joint Venture (after ratification - operation company) was formed in 1993 by SOCAR and Turkish Atilla Dogan Petrol on the base of former Neftchalaneft Oil and Gas Producing Unit. In 1995, the Malasian Land and General Berhad became a participant of the project after purchasing 17.15 percent of Atilla Dogan Petrol's stakes.
At present, shares in the JV are so: SOCAR - 51 percent, Rusneft Neftchala Investment Limited - 31.85 percent and Malasian Land and General Berhad - 17.15 percent.
Azerbaijani Deputy Zahid Oruj believes that the unification of municipalities will make the organization more influential.
"Association of municipalities helps transform them into powerful organization that makes it possible to build their own budget and success in activity," Oruj told Trend .
There are 2,750 municipalities in Azerbaijan. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) is in favour of reduction of the number of municipalities.
Small municipalities were unified within the largest one.
"However, those municipalities failed to operate due to lack of institute," he added.
The legislation on the protection of the rights of missing people and their families can be reconsidered in Azerbaijan.
"The national government agencies should provide extensive opportunities in the legislation to protect the rights of missing people and their families," Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representative office in Azerbaijan Ton Vandenhov said during the round-table discussion at the Parliament of Azerbaijan regarding the problems of missing citizens.
According to him, the ICRC calls on the Azerbaijani government to adopt a law on missing citizens, and work on this issue jointly.
"National legislation is responsible for recognizing the legal status of citizens listed as missing, and the rights of their families," Vandenhov.
"The families of missing citizens enjoy many rights. Azerbaijani State has obligations with regards to such people," said Deputy Chair of Parliament Bahar Muradova, speaking at the meeting.
President of the ICRC in Azerbaijan, MP Novruz Aslanov stressed the importance of revising the law on the missing people and their families.
"I am not an advocate of making journalists criminally accountable. So I think this bill must not be adopted," MP Elmira Akhundova told Trend .
The Bill on Defamation was prepared with the support of OSCE and by MPs Ganira Pashayeva, Azay Guliyev, representatives of journalist organizations and lawyers in 2005.
International organizations say the articles 147 (slander) and 148 (insult) envisaging criminal responsibility must be withdrawn from the Penal Code.
Akhundova said any journalist can make mistake and abuse authority. "Therefore I want journalists to be freed from criminal responsibility. However, instead of possible application of administrative punishment, the very media outlet can be closed," she said.
"I strongly oppose discussions on Bill of Defamation in the parliament," MP and chairman of Adalat party Ilyas Ismayilov told Trend .
He said international organizations' urging Azerbaijani government to adopt this bill is not understandable.
"Some European states say that human rights must be protected," he said. "The core of human right norms is dignity of a man. Can man's dignity be protected?"
There is no any material equivalent to human dignity, Ismayilov said. "So, discussions on Bill on Defamation contradicts human rights and it would be a great mistake to adopt this law," he said.
Political movements
The opposition Classical Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (CPFPA) decided to partake in the municipal elections.
"The meeting of the Party's supreme assembly stressed importance to take part in the municipal elections. It is also necessary to create pre-election democratic conditions in the country," Chairman of the CPFPA Mahmud Miralioglu told Trend on May 18.
The municipal elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for December 2009.
As to forms of participation in the elections, Miralioglu said he is for to join the elections with bloc. "The supreme assembly decided to authorize the Board to determine the form of the party's participation in the elections," he said.
Miralioglu considers possible that the Union for Democracy, where the party is represented will form an election bloc before the municipal elections. "It has decided to study the prospects and conduct work in this issue," the CPFPA chairman said. A positive decision is expected to be reached and the bloc will take part in the municipal and parliamentary elections, he said.
Ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) and OSCE Baku Office will develop ties.
On May 18, NAP Executive Secretary and Deputy Chairman Ali Ahmadov met with newly-appointed head of OSCE Baku Office ambassador Bilge Jankorel.
The ambassador said the relations between the OSCE Baku Office and NAP will further develop. He said his organization is designing action plan. The organization will attach importance to proposals made by the NAP, the NAP press service said.
Ahmadov informed the ambassador about the preparations for the municipal elections to be held in late 2009 and NAP's international relations.
An Azerbaijani opposition party has launched negotiations with 6 parties to jointly participate in the municipal elections.
"We have submitted a package of proposals to parties to establish the "Azad Azerbaijan" (Free Azerbaijan) bloc and they will reply after discussions," Chairman of the Azerbaijan Liberal-Democratic Party (ALDP) Fuad Aliyev told Trend on May 18.
Aliyev said if the bloc is not formed, they will participate in the elections independently. "We will continue work to form the bloc by September. If, before this time we do not receive positive responses from the parties, we will nominate our candidates in the elections," the ALDP chairman said.
The party's all regional organizations have already instructed to determine the candidates, he said. "Candidates for election to membership of the municipality are always many. Therefore, it is possible to determine the best candidates and provide their victory in the elections in the case of joint participation," Aliyev said.
Form of participation of Azerbaijan's Green Party in the coming municipal elections will depend on state registration.
"The party is in favor of self-participation in municipal elections. The party does not intend to enter into blocs in connection with the election. If the party will not pass state registration before the election, it will participate in the election together with some other party," Green Party Chairman Mais Gulaliyev said.
Gulaliyev said the Justice Ministry receives appeal to register the party every week. "Though there are no problems about the documents submitted to the Ministry, the issue of registration remains unresolved for more than two years," he said.
Gulaliyev said the party does not hold joint events with the Georgian Green Party due to financial problems. "We will discuss ways to solve this problem together with the Georgian Green Party in late May," he said.
The leader of the Azerbaijani opposition party proposes to use the world experience to fund the political organizations from the Public budget.
"For the normal functioning of political parties, they should be financed from the budget," the Leader of the Liberal Party of Azerbaijan and the Movement of National Unity Lale Shovket told Trend on May 21.
In Azerbaijan 52 parties were registered by the Ministry of Justice. The Law on Parties was adopted in 1992. After making changes, the law envisages funding parties from the Public budget.
Lale Shovket said that this issue has found its application in all democratic countries with a multiparty system already long ago.
A good financial support is necessary to form a strong opposition, she said.
Elections
The movement, which represents Azerbaijani opposition parties, will not participate in the municipal elections as a bloc.
"Every party will participate in the elections independently due to problems occurred during founding the movement as a bloc," Chairman of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA), which is represented in the Movement for Karabakh and Republic", Sardar Jalaloglu told Trend on May 18.
Municipal elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2009 and parliamentary elections - in autumn 2010. The municipal elections were held twice -in 1999 and 2004.
According to Jalaloglu, the main reason for this decision is documents during the election campaign. "If the movement to take part in the elections as a bloc, according to law, every accepted paper must be approved by the Supreme Assembly of parties, where they are represented," said Chairman of DPA.
Participation in the elections as a bloc creates problems, as well as requires additional funds. Therefore, parties should participate in the elections separately. "All parties represented in the movement will support candidatures of each other and will jointly participate in agitation campaign," Jalaloglu stressed.
The current Azerbaijani Election Code has been enough improved, head of the Azerbaijani parliament administration believes.
"We have enough improved the Election Code. I believe it is possible to hold democratic elections with the current election commissions," Head of the Parliament Administration Safa Mirzoyev told Trend on May 21.
"There are a lot of milestones in the Election Code on which earlier we sounded our recommendations and which have not undergone any change. For instance, an order of forming commissions. If the Azerbaijani authorities regard necessary to continue cooperation, we will continue this dialogue with great pleasure," Representative of the Council of Europe Venice Commission Sergey Kuznetsov told Trend in a telephone conversation from Strasbourg earlier.
Mirzoyev said at present the CE Venice Commission has not yet proposed to the Azerbaijani government to amend and change the papers on the election legislation.
The Azerbaijani parliament has not received any opposition parties' proposal to re-consider staff of the election commissions, the head of the parliament administration.
"Any opposition party can propose to re-consider a staff of election commissions. However, approving this proposal depends on its efficiency," Mirzoyev said.
Foreign policy
The Declaration on Eastern Partnership is an important paper that opens a new stage in relations between the European Union, Azerbaijan and other countries, the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby briefed the media in Baku on May 18.
"We believe that this paper will provide an opportunity to realize the vision of developing and open region where the borders will be opened. [...] Possibilities will open for the region as a transportation hub, a transport corridor," said Semneby.
In late 2008 the European Commission presented a new Eastern Partnership initiative within the European Neighborhood Policy, which aims at strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan received an invitation to hold next round of political consultations in Switzerland.
The invitation was handed over by the Secretary of State for External Relations of the Swiss Confederation Michael Ambuhl during a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov, the Foreign Ministry said on May 18.
The purpose of the meeting is to hold regular political consultations at the level of foreign ministries of the two countries.
The meeting will focus on the prospects of political and economic cooperation between the two countries in the future. Political dialogue between the countries is conducted at a high level. The sides stressed the satisfactory condition of the legal framework between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, and the importance of its further expansion.
Switzerland is a leading investor in the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan. The need was mentioned for further enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov met with Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry of Slovakia Olga Algayerova.
"An exchange of views between Khalafov and Algayerova took place with regards to politics, trade, economy and humanitarian sphere," the press service of the Foreign Ministry told Trend on May 19.
At the meeting was highlighted the successful development of regional and international relations between the countries. "The sides discussed prospects for cooperation of Azerbaijan with Visegrad Group in the future," the Ministry said.
Algayerova suggested to share experiences in tourism, regional cooperation, agriculture, banking and information technology, as well as to strengthen cooperation between the countries.
As an independent state, Azerbaijan will build its relations with regional organizations solely in the national interest. "We do not make choices, we combine the cooperation within the CIS in cooperation with cooperation with the European Union," Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Political Analysis and Information Development Head Elnur Aslanov said.
IS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev has recently made a statement that the countries that are members of the CIS and those who wish to participate in the Eastern Partnership will have to choose where to go and how to act. "At this stage European Union would not be able to compensate for those losses, which the states may have in the case of participation in East Partnership and refusing cooperation within the CIS," Lebedev said.
"I would not consider this issue in the context of "or", but would prefer to look at the issue in the context of "and". We do not make choices, we combine the cooperation within the CIS with cooperation with the European Union," Aslanov said.
He said Azerbaijan has enormous potential which has not yet reached exhausted, so the way to a new quality of cooperation with regional structures opens the possibility to reveal our capacity and provides an impetus for the comprehensive development
"Azerbaijan is implementing multi-faceted foreign policy towards integration with the CIS, Euro-Atlantic organizations, and Islamic world and toward Turkic solidarity in its national interests. Naturally, the European direction of Azerbaijan's foreign policy is a priority," Aslanov said.
"But on the other hand, I would say that we have not imposed by anyone, but we are integrating with the organizations to the extent that these organizations are interested in us," Aslanov said. He added that the relationship is built on mutually beneficial and equal basis which is the key to long-term and fruitful cooperation. Consequently, no the difficulties are expected, he said.
"Azerbaijan is seeking to become an active part of the emerging new architecture of the Old World," he said.
He said Eastern Partnership offers participating countries the possibility of further integration with the European Union, which creates new opportunities for development in many spheres and to bring domestic standards in line with the European ones. "Is there a higher standard? No," he said.
Azerbaijan and Switzerland will outline ways of further development of political, economic and humanitarian relations. Perspectives of these relations will be discussed during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's first official visit to Switzerland in October, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Switzerland Elchin Amirbayov told Trend on May 20.
The visit will take place upon Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz's invitation. The Azerbaijani president repeatedly visited Switzerland and attended the World Economic Forum in Davos. This will be the first official visit to Switzerland, Amirbayov said.
At present, the visit is being prepared via diplomatic channels. Experts are coordinating drafts of bilateral documents which are planned to be signed during the Azerbaijani president's visit. The ambassador said. Within last 5-6 years, good enough agreement-legal base was formed between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, as well as many bilateral documents were signed and they are currently being implemented, the diplomat said.
Azerbaijani and Swiss parliaments plan to enhance cooperation in legislation. Azerbaijani parliament's speaker Ogtay Asadov will discuss prospects of cooperation during an official visit to Switzerland in September, Azerbaijani ambassador to Switzerland Elchin Amirbayov told Trend .
Azerbaijani speaker will visit Switzerland upon invitation of Swiss Speaker Chiara Simoneski Corteza.
The visit is being coordinated by diplomatic channels, Amirbayov said. Former speaker of Swiss parliament visited Azerbaijan in 2007.
During a visit to Geneva, Asadov is expected to meet with heads of both chambers and members of the inter-parliamentary friendship group.
Azerbaijan is always ready for assisting to ensure global stability and security, Azerbaijani foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at the meeting with NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, general Bantz Craddock on May 21.
Mammadyarov stressed necessity to sustain peace in the South Caucasus, the foreign ministry said. He stressed lasting aggression of Armenia towards Azerbaijan as major hamper in peace sustaining.
General Craddock said about implementing of fruitful bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the USA. He highly appreciated support of Azerbaijan towards Afghanistan.
General Craddock discussed regional security issues during his visit in Baku.
During the visit general thanked head of the state for contribution made in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, as well as aid in fight against terrorism.
Azerbaijani government continues to resist Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and all UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented to put an end to occupation, Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in Damascus.
The 36th meeting of the OIC foreign ministers opened in Damascus on May 23. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Syrian President Bashar Asad and other senior official are participating.
OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu opened the meeting. He noted major problems that Islamic world faces including Palestine-Israel conflict.
He said general program on Islamic development, financing and improving education must be implemented. Such programs are already implemented thanks to some Islamic states.
Ihsanoglu said Islamic countries must help population in the Gaza Strip and also render material assistance to put an end to Jerusalem's occupation.
"Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with world community to put an end to occupation," Ihsanoglu said.
Azerbaijan will expand material and humanitarian aid to Islamic countries, which are in conflict zone, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with Trend . Mammadyarov represents Azerbaijan at the 36th meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference foreign ministers.
The meeting begun in Damascus to consider further aid for Islamic countries - Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as African countries, which are in the zone of eternal force.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister said that his country is planning not only to render humanitarian aid, but also participates in all financial programs, in particular in the program in favour of Palestine.
"After participating in the conference in favor of the Gaza Strip, Azerbaijan undertook recovering of one of the damaged social facilities in Gaza. We are holding negotiations with the Palestinian Government through mediation of our Embassy in Egypt to define which facility we will recover," Mammadyarov said.
Sunday Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in President's working office within the framework of the 36th meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Foreign Ministers in Damascus.
Human rights
Centers for Free Law Consultation will be launched in 20 Azerbaijani regions.
The centers will provide free law consultation to low-income families and will educate them about law.
Lawyers are being elected to serve in centers in Sumgayit, Ganja, Shirvan, Goranboy, Agstafa, Gadabay, Yevlakh, Beylagan, Shaki, Goychay, Gabala, Gusar, Siyazan, Shamakhi, Imishli, Salyan, Lerik, Masalli and Nakhchivan. The Justice Ministry invites high-skilled and experienced lawyers to work in the centers.
The Centers for Free Law Consultation are launched as a part of the State Program on Reduction of Poverty and Sustainable Development in 2008-2015 approved upon presidential degree.
On inquiry of the Prosecution General, the Azerbaijani Constitutional Court made a decision regarding commenting of an article of criminal-procedural code envisaging appellation complaint and appellation protest.
Article 397 of criminal-procedural code defines borders of appellation complaint and appellation protest consideration.
The court can not make a decision toughening state of a prisoner by getting appeal or protest. This regulation is not envisaged in an appeal or protest. In its inquiry the Prosecution General asked to explain whether it is possible to demand on toughening the punishment of a prisoner given appellation protest.
It is indicated in decision of the court commenting article 397 of criminal-procedural code that if a prisoner gives appellation complaint, the Appellation Court can not make a decision toughening the verdict, the Constitutional Court told Trend on May 18.
If the Prosecution General gives appellation protest on toughening of a prisoner's punishment, the punishment can be toughened by unanimous decision of judges considering the case.
"If one of judges has his special opinion, punishment of a prisoner can not be toughened by appellation protest," the Constitutional Court said.
While commenting the indicated article they applied with inquiry to the courts of France and Germany and used their experience, the Constitutional Court said.
The European Court is holding correspondences on the Azerbaijani citizens' complaint against Armenia with the two countries, Azerbaijani Authoritative Representative to the European Human Rights Court Chingiz Asgarov told Trend on May 19.
Asgarov said 6 Azerbaijani citizens' complaint describes violation of these people's some human rights as a result of occupation of the Lachin region by Armenia.
"The Azerbaijani government divulged its position on this complaint to the European Court and submitted necessary documents to examine this case," the authoritative representative said.
Asgarov said perhaps, the court will examine these complaints next year.
"In this case, the Azerbaijani government will also be represented at the juridical procedure and divulge its position to the European Court judges," Asgarov said.
Asgarov added that so far the European Court has sent notifications or inquiries to the Azerbaijani government on 127 complaints. A final resolution has been passed on 40 complaints. Violation of human rights has been specified on 16 complaints and 24 complaints have been rejected.
Recent additions and changes to Azerbaijan's Law on Freedom of Religion restricts human rights, said Azerbaijani religious expert.
Making a speech in the debates on the topic "Whether the recent changes to the law limits freedom of conscience?", Head of the Center for Protection of Religion and Conscience Ilgar Ibrahimoglu said that the changes to the law in 1992 create bureaucratic obstacles the process of registration of religious communities.
"Today, religious communities are losing their status of non-governmental organizations. Since 1992, the registration of religious communities has been made by the Ministry of Justice. Transferring these powers to the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations created a problem. There are no problems with the registration of non-Muslim communities, but problems exist with the registration of Muslim communities. For the registration of Muslim religious communities, it needs to get recommendation from the Caucasus Muslims Office," said Ibrahimoglu.
Majority of the 16 decisions adopted by the European Court against Azerbaijan is related to violation of a right to union, Azerbaijan's representative to the European Court Chingiz Asgarov said at a conference "Application of European Court's Judicial Precedent on Human Rights" in Baku.
He said majority of complaints are related to problems that emerged during registration of NGOs. The reasons are shortcomings in the legislation that existed until 2004.
The problem was solved after a new law was adopted. The appeals were made when the previous law was on effect.
Other decisions are related to violation of article 3 (prohibition of maltreatment during arrest and torture) and 6 (right to fair court investigation) of the Convention.
Asgarov said the examination of complaints sent to the European Court from Azerbaijan revealed that the courts did not conduct investigation into violation of article 3.
"The courts usually study evidence and interrogate witnesses," he said.
Majority of complaints sent to the European Court recently are related to non-fulfillment of court decisions, Asgarov said. "In some cases judges are no serious about fulfilling their obligation. Problems mostly occur regarding court decisions regarding payment of debts," he said.
Asgarov said nearly 500 complaints are sent to the European Court from Azerbaijan on average every year. This figure is not growing which shows that courts are becoming fairer.
The European Court conducts correspondence with Azerbaijan on 127 complaints at the moment, Asgarov said.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
European Union supports the work of the Minsk Group on the solution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby said to press conference in Baku on May 18.
"The EU supports the work of the Minsk Group. We are ready to make a contribution to re-building trust and developing contacts," said Semneby.
Semneby said that there are many kinds of cooperation in this regard, where the contribution of the EU can be important.
"The EU will pay great attention to this region, Azerbaijan and its neighbors, and this is a positive factor," said Semneby.
On May 18, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Jojugmarjanli and Chakhirli villages of the Jabrayil region at 10:50-11:20 and 13:40-14:00, from an area outside the Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand region at 22:05-22:15 and from the positions near the Alkhanli village of the Fuzuli region at 23:30-23:40, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On May 20, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in the Kokhanabi village of the Tovuz region at 01:10-01:25. The shots were fired from the Chinarli village in Armenia's Berd region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On May 20, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in the Kokha Nabi village of Tovuz region from positions near Tapqaraqoyunlu village of Goranboy region at 17:50-18:05 and 20:50-21:00 and on May 21 from positions near Javahirli and Yusifjanli village of Agdam region at 01:10-01:15 and from areas in he Fuzuli region at 22:20-22:35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
n May 21, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas in the Goranboy region at 17:05-17:35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
On May 22, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 22:25-22:55, from the nameless heights in the Fuzuli region at 23:10-23:25 and from an area outside the Marzili and Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region at 22:20-22:35 and 00:40-00:50 on May 23, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby shares the hope of the mediators that the forthcoming Saint Petersburg meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a new opportunity for the sides to bring their positions closer, said the report on Semneby's visit to Azerbaijan on May 19-20, which was provided by Office of the EU Special Representative in Azerbaijan.
"The European Union supports the work now being conducted by the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk group," the report says.