Official chronicle
On June 22, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Unal Chevikoz.
The meeting focused on bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Monday U.S. Ambassador to the country Anne Derse on completion of her diplomatic mission.
The President said bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States were successfully developing in various fields, and that they have strengthened even more during the Ambassador`s tenure.
The Head of State expressed confidence that bilateral relationship would further continue to develop. He also wished successes to the Ambassador in her further activities.
Anne Derse, in turn, said U.S.-Azerbaijan relations were of significant importance for the two countries, and stressed the necessity of continuing efforts to strengthen them in coming years.
The Ambassador noted during her three-year tenure, she tried to determine new areas of bilateral ties.
On June 22, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received credentials of Brazil's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the country Paulo Antonio.
During the meeting, President Aliyev said Brazil's appointing an ambassador to Azerbaijan is a sign of good bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Azerbaijani president said there are good opportunities to develop the relations.
Ambassador Paulo Antonio said Azerbaijan and Brazil have significant potential to develop the relations in various fields, particularly in the political and economic ones.
The ambassador promised to spare no efforts to contribute to expanding the Azerbaijan-Brazil relations.
On June 23, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.
The Azerbaijani president said he is satisfied with the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia. The president noted that the countries will further support each other in international organizations. The president said certain steps will be taken to determine new areas of fruitful economic and cultural cooperation in additional to political cooperation and added he is confident that the ties between the two countries will further develop.
Jeremic said Serbian leadership is interested in development of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan in various areas including international cooperation. The minister said he hopes the relations between the two countries will further enhance.
On June 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Latvian Minister of Environment Raimonds Vējonis.
Stressing fruitfulness of the visit to Azerbaijan, Vējonis said that the Latvian and Azerbaijani governments inked a cooperation agreement on June 25.
"It is too important to expand cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia not only in the economic and political field, but also in another fields," Ilham Aliyev said.
In order to prevent the import of substandard goods, as well as to strengthen the administrative responsibility for violation of customs regulations, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on application of law on amendments and additions to the Administrative Code.
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals to the President on bringing existing laws into conformity with the law on amendments and additions to the Administrative Code.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on introduction of law on amendments to the Civil Procedure Code.
Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals to the President on bringing existing laws into conformity with the law on amendments to the Civil Procedure Code within a month.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on introduction of law on amendments to the Law on State Service.
In the first part of the article 2.3 of the Law on State Service, the "Migration service" phrase was added after "Border service" phrase.
Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals on bringing existing laws into conformity with the law on amendments to the Law on State Service within a month.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on introduction of the Law on amendments to the Law on Police.
Fifth item was added to the article 10 of the Law on Police. It refers to establishment of a public council at police agencies to coordinate the activities of persons voluntarily participating in the joint solution of public problems that arise in connection with public order and security.
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals on bringing existing laws into conformity with the law on amendments to the Law on Police within a month.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has decreed to improve mechanism of financing media from the state budget.
Under the decree, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to take relevant measures from 2010 to finance newspapers and magazines via funds allotted by the centralized expenditures of the state budget for state support to media, to develop proposals to align current legislative acts with this decree and submit it to the president in a month.
According to the decree, decree 634 on Increasing State Support for Azerbaijani Writers signed by the Azerbaijan president on November 24, 1997, loses validity.
The decree recommends Azerbaijani parliament to consider parliamentary decision 519 Financing Children's Press from Budget dated February 23, 1993 as invalid.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on Improving Antimonopoly Policy and Protection of Consumers' Rights.
The presidential press-service informs that on the basis of the state services for antimonopoly policy and control on consumer market under the Ministry of Economic Development, it was created a single State Service for Antimonopoly Policy and Protection of Consumers' Rights under the Ministry.
The new service will prevent monopoly in the economy and strengthen the combat with unfair competition. Its activity will be also aimed at upgrading the state management in the field of protection of consumers' rights. The structure of the service is designed for 172 staff units.
In order to improve legal framework of the State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev approved the Charter and structure of the State Committee.
According to the order, the Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting to the President proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with the decree within a month. The Cabinet of Ministers should also harmonize legal acts of the Cabinet of Ministers and other relevant central executive authorities with the decree and inform the President.
On June 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on introduction of law on amendments to Law on Status of Municipalities.
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with the law on additions to the Law on Status of Municipalities within a month.
On June 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev a decree to amend and supplements the law on Customs Services.
The Cabinet of Ministers was commissioned to develop and submit proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with the law "On additions and amendments to the provision of the Customs Service" within two months.
On June 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on introduction of law on amending some legislative acts.
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with the law on amending some legislative acts within one month.
On June 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on introduction of law on amendments and additions to the Law on Fire
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing and submitting proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with the law.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has issued a decree on ensuring activity of the State Committee for Property Affairs.
The Presidential Administration's press service informs that the decree endorsed the Regulation on the State Committee for Property Affairs, the list of structures in the table of the Committee and the Regulation on State Register Service under the State Property Committee.
Within two months of the Cabinet of Ministers should develop and submit proposals to the President on conformity of existing legislation with this decree and improvement of legislation on registration of rights to property.
On June 24, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev watched the main phase of large-scale joint operational-tactical exercises of the troops and units of the Ministry of Defense, State Border Service and Interior Troops, held in honor of 91st anniversary of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan.
"Azerbaijani Army is a strong army. The process of strengthening the army is going well and with an accelerated rate," said Ilham Aliyev, making a speech after the military exercises.
"Today our army is the strongest in the region. If necessary, Azerbaijan can use its military power to restore its territorial integrity and it is our sovereign right. International law allows us to do it," said the head of state.
Opening of outpatient room of the Central Clinical Hospital was held in Baku on June 25.
The ceremony was attended by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva. The Head of State cut a symbolic ribbon, thus marking the opening of outpatient room, and got familiarized with the new health facilities.
The project to build outpatient room, which was ordered by the special medical service under the President of Azerbaijan, was devised by Turkish Company "Medikal Mimari Tasarım ve Danışmanlık Tic. Ltd", and restoration of the facility was conducted by "Seren İndustrial Construction Services Ltd".
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on the national holiday - Birthday of Duke.
The Head of State expressed hope that Azerbaijan-Luxembourg relations will continue developing for the benefit of two peoples in friendly relations and partnership.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the President of Slovenia Danilo Türk on the national holiday - Day of Statehood.
In his message, the Head of State expressed his confidence in further development and strengthening of the Azerbaijani-Slovenian relations to the benefit of the two peoples.
Parliament
MPs of Azerbaijani Milli Mejlis (Parliament) will participate in summer sessions of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
The topic named OSCE: solving of new challenges in security will be discussed at the session in Vilnius from June 29 to July 3," member of Azerbaijani delegation in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, chairman of parliamentary committee on human rights Rabiyyat Aslanova told Trend on June 22.
Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus, president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Joao Soares, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly chairman Luis Maria de Puch are expected to address at the meeting, he said.
Individual meetings of three constant committee of the organization will also be held at the session. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's constant committee on political issues and security speaker Rikkardo Mielori's report Food crisis and security in OSCE region will be delivered," MP said.
Vilnius declaration will be adopted in the end of session, Aslanova said.
Forming of national and regional security system, as well as joint activity of countries can be basis for united security system, he said. "Presently, major function of new architecture of security include forecast of threats directed against security of the regions, their revelation and neutralization," Aslanova said.
Member of Azerbaijani parliament has proposed to increase benefits for newly-born babies.
"I have submitted this proposal to head of the parliament's administration Safa Mirzayev and chairman of the Social Policy Committee as a bill," member of parliament Elmira Akhundova told Trend .
She said the project can not be implemented this year due to shortage of funds. "The bill is expected to be brought up for discussions in 2010," he she said.
Akhundova said the benefit for newly-born babies is too low in Azerbaijan. "Benefit for the first baby to the family is $155 and $300 for the second in Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The benefit is 50 manat in Azerbaijan," she said.
Committee of the Azerbaijani parliament stands for delivery of privileges on licensing of wedding-houses to the ministry of culture.
"Proposals on making additions to the law Licensees in connection with the law Actions will be made to solve this problem," Milli Mejlis's committee on social policy chairman Hadi Rajabli told Trend on June 24
It is the only wat to solve problems connected with wedding-houses, Rajabli said. "Work of a singer, acoustics of hall and other details must be controlled by the ministry of culture if take into account that weding-houses are cultural objetcs. There is no necesity in adding a separate article in the law," member of Milli Mejlis hadi Rajabli said.
Concerning religious actions, solutions of all problems regarding religious actions are envisaged in laws of shariat, Rajabli said. "If these laws are observed, no problems will occur," chairman of the committee said.
Law bill Social service is to be adopted to regulate this sphere given that institute of social service has been recently formed in Azerbaijan, he said.
"Medical service, as well as work with homeless children requires special skills.
Qualitative law bill on social service must be prepared on this regards," Rajabli said.
Several laws will be added and changed due to use single window principle in migration process in Azerbaijan.
"Foreigners getting permission for temporary or constant living in Azerbaijna will be able to arrive or leave the country via passports and permissive certificates for temporary or constant living in the country given by corresponding agency of Azerbaijani executive power," committee on social policy of Milli Mejlis (Parliament) chairman Hadi Rajabli said at the meeting on June 24.
This addition will be made in the law Entry and departure from the country and passports, he said. "A foreigner arriving in Azerbaijan via visa or without visa which term of temporary staying in the country is prolonged by corresponding executive agency can leave the country by passing state border check-point and producing passport and document on prolongation of term of temporary staying upon the other addition," chairman of the committee said.
Such laws as Registration on place of living and staying, Immigration and Labor migration are planned to be added, Rajabli said.
Azerbaijani military doctrine and the law on status of troops participating in peaceful operations will be discussed during autumn session of the Azerbaijani Parliament, the first vice speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Mejlis Ziyafet Askerov told Trend in Astana on June 25.
"As far as I know project of Azerbaijani military doctrine is prepared. Presently, project is under stage of study. I think we will adopt it during autumn session," Askerov said.
Law bill on status of troops participating in peaceful operations, as well as military doctrine will be discussed by MPs.
"This law bill is prepared. We intend to discuss it during autumn session. Status of peacemakers, term of their service and maintenance reflected in law bill, the first vice-speaker said.
Political movements
Azerbaijani opposition party Modern Musavat addressed with initiative to conduct joint meeting as a sign of protest against pressure and repressions towards Azerbaijanis living in Iran.
"Modern Musavat Party applied to other political parties to conduct joint meeting. Slogans as a sign of protest against unfair results of presidential elections in Iran and violation of Azerbaijani population's rights of Iran will be voiced at the meeting," chairman of the party Hafiz Hajiyev told Trend on June 22.
Hajiyev regrets that Azerbaijani opposition parties pay no attention to Azerbaijanis' rights living in Iran.
"Only Modern Musavat supported compatriots living in Iran and conducted action of protest.
We will conduct such actions regularly.
Opposition parties demonstrate double standards on several parties," chairman of Modern Musavat party Hafiz Hajiyev said.
The first stage of meetings of Azerbaijani liberal parties regarding creation of bloc for joint participation in municipal elections completed.
"We submitted out proposals to 12 parties. Meeting will continue in July," chairman of liberal-democratic party of Azerbaijani Fuad Aliyev told Trend on June 22.
The law Union of several municipalities in Azerbaijan was approved in the parliament last month. Number of municipalities reduced from 2,757 to 1,766 upon the law. Municipal elections were scheduled for autumn 2009 but parliamentary - autumn 2010 in Azerbaijan. Municipal elections were held twice in 1999 and 2004.
If proposal about creation of the bloc is realized, its goal will include not only joint participation in municipal elections and achieving success, Aliyev said. "We will conduct different meetings and enlightenment work connected with liberal values in society during election campaign," chairman of the party said.
It is early to tell which parties will agree with creation of bloc, he said. "We can not tell which of 12 parties will support us until meetings complete, Aliyev said.
Article on liquidation of inoperative parties' registration is expected to be added in the law Political parties by including additions and changes in this law, Azerbaijani ruling party said.
Registration of parties which do not operate more than 2 years is automatically liquidated in many world countries," MP, deputy executive secretary of New Azerbaijan Party Siyavush Novruzov told Trend on June 22.
Roughly 52 parties passed state registration in the ministry of justice in Azerbaijan. The law "Political parties" was adopted in 1992. Financing of parties from state budget is planned after making changes.
This question will be discussed by the parliament and public, President's administration public-political department head Ali Hasanov told Trend . The most adequate and optimal variant meeting modern requirements will be found during discussion, he said.
Hasanov said that character of political parties and their economic interests will be taken into account while financing from state budget, Hasanov said.
Politicians representing opposition suggest allocating funds from state budget to all parties passing registration.
Number of required signatures is very low for political parties to pass state registration in Azerbaijan, Novruzov said.
"We consider that this figure must hit 0.1 percent of voters, at least. There are 5 million voters in our country. It is necessary to collect 5,000 signatures for political parties to pass registration, organization man of New Azerbaijani Party said.
This issue will be reflected in proposals of New Azerbaijan Party in new law bill, he said. "There are parties turned into trade objects in Azerbaijan. So, there is necessity in repeated registration of parties in the ministry of justice," Novruzov said.
Financing of parties from state budget will be determined after they pass registration, MP said. "We have concrete proposals on this regards. We want that financing will implemented upon several terms. Parties passed registration must be financed from state budget. Financing must be solved given number of mandate during elections," Novruzov said.
If their proposals are taken into account, mechanism of parties' financing from budget will be determined, organization man of New Azerbaijan Party said.
For instance, several parties will be financed given four terms. It is natural that there will be parties financed upon 1 term. Financing of all parties given their passing of registration is incorrect," Novruzov said.
If proposals of New Azerbaijan Party are taken into account, it will give impulse to activity of parties, he said.
Disputes occurred between Azerbaijani pro-governmental parties willing to create bloc in connection with municipal elections.
"Despite party Mubarizeler (Fighters) agree to enter the bloc, it intends to nominate independent candidates," Republican Party chairman Subit Asadov told Trend on June 23. Asadov addressed with initiative to create Democratic Election Bloc.
Consultations with other parties to be represented in the bloc must complete in the end of week, Asadov said. Democratic peace of Azerbaijan, Free Republicans, Party of national state system and our party agree to nominate united list of candidates at municipal elections," chairman of the party said.
Independent participation of Mubarizeler party in municipal elections will not hamper to represent party in the bloc, he said. "I think that we will be able to support both united candidates from the list and candidates from abovementioned party," Asadov said.
Presently, parties determine list of candidates to participate in municipal elections. "After joint discussions we will prepare united list and announce about establishment of bloc," Asadov said.
"Iran's presidential elections can be example for countries of the region. Pre-election situation in the country and elections were held democratically. Voters made their choice easily. Western press also stressed that election were held freely and democratically," Green Party chairman Mais Gulaliyev said at the press-conference on June 24.
Several foreign forces are interested in violating domestic stability in Iran, Gulaliyev said. "After elections western press tries to blacken post-election process and stir up ethnic confrontation," he said.
Green party regrets about confrontations led to human victims, he said. "We call both authority and Iran's opposition for refraining from violence. None of countries must interfere in Iran's domestic affairs and all must regard choice of Iran's people with respect," Gulaliyev said.
Elections of Azerbaijani opposition party chairman instead of resigned one will be held in two months.
"Chairman is elected at the meeting of supreme council of the party upon the charter of the party," Open society party deputy chairman Yagub Abbasov told Trend on June 24.
Chairman of Open society party Akif Shahbazov resigned at the meeting of party's board on June 23. Chairman of supreme council of the party Vagif Mahmudov will temporary operate duties of chairman.
Open society opposition party was established by people leaving Azerbaijani Democratic Party in April 2007. Presently, leader of the party is ex-speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Rasul Guliyev immigrated to the USA. Guliyev has headed Azerbaijani Democratic Party since 1998-2007. Despite Open society party decided not to participate in presidential elections on June 15, it supported candidate from ruling New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev.
Leader of the party has privileges to nominate candidate for chairman, Abbasov said. "Meeting of supreme council will be held in two months. We will discuss and make decision about candidate nominated by leader of the party Rasul Guliyev," representative of the party said.
Despite Akif Shahbazov resigned from post of chairman, he remains member of the party, deputy chairman said. "Akif Shahbazov will continue his activity as member of party's board," Abbasov said.
As concerns to resignation of Shahbazov, ex-chairman of the party addressing at the meeting of party's board said that he feels moral responsibility for failure of plan on return of Open society party leader Rasul Guliyev in Azerbaijan and made decision on this regards, Abbasov said.
Suggested to the Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, the additions and amendments will not restrict the activities of NGOs, the ruling party of Azerbaijan said.
"Just against, these amendments will create conditions for the preservation of transparency, systematic activities of NGOs in the country," the press-service of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (PEA) told Trend on June 25 in connection with the meeting of NAP Deputy Chairman Ali Ahmadov with adviser on political affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan Joan Hansen.
Certain period ago, the Council for State Support to NGOs prepared and submitted to the Parliament a proposal to amend the Law on NGOs.
According to one of the amendments, to be considered as a fully functioning organization, the NGO must have branches and offices, which include at least 1/3 of the administrative territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Another amendment says that according to a court decision, the founders of NGOs, which was liquidated due to violations of the law, can not create other non-governmental organizations within five years.
According to the project, NGOs can not function without passing the registration as a legal entity.
The changes also envisage a ban on the formation of more than 50 percent of the assets of NGOs at the expense of external sources.
Hansen asked Ahmadov to provide information on the changes and additions regarding funding and further activities of NGOs, which were discussed in the Parliament and society.
"Ahmadov gave detailed information on amendments proposed in connection with the financing of NGOs, which were made by the parliamentary committee on legal policy. Ahmadov said that the amendments will create conditions for adequate and directed use of funds allocated to NGOs from the budget," the report says.
Azerbaijani opposition party launched registration of candidates for municipal members.
"The first stage of Free Azerbaijan election bloc created by liberal parties passed successfully. It was stressed at the meeting of central election headquarter of the party," Azerbaijani Liberal-Democratic party told Trend on June 25.
Municipal elections were scheduled for December 2009 but parliamentary - autumn 2010 in Azerbaijan. Municipal elections were held twice in 1999 and 2004.
The Azerbaijani Parliament approved law bill Union of municipalities last month. Number of municipalities reduced from 2,757 to 1,766 upon the law.
Candidates are registered by regional branches of party to participate in municipal elections, fist deputy chairman of the party Vahid Nazarov said. "Moreover, trainings are held to enlighten candidates," the party said.
Chairman of the party Fuad Aliyev gave some orders in connection with preparation for municipal elections and extension of regional branches' functions.
The party addressed with proposal to create bloc with participation of 12 liberal parties to participate in municipal elections.
Department of the Azerbaijani Parliament began to discuss proposals of opposition party in connection with law bill on additions and changes in election code.
"Letter of legislation department manager on state building of Milli Mejlis Latif Huseynov stresses gratitude for our proposals," press-service of Azerbaijani Democratic Party told Trend on June 25.
Presently, law bill connected with additions and changes in election code and proposals on extension of municipalities' status are discussed in department of the parliament, the letter said.
Foreign policy
The United States and Russia have good opportunities to achieve breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry believes.
"The issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement is on the agenda of the United States and Russia. Therefore, it is not excluded that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be discussed at the U.S. and Russian presidents' meeting," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists on June 22.
Barack Obama will pay an official visit to Russia on July 4-6.
As to the meeting in the "five" format" (co-chairs and presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia), Azimov said this format is discussed as probability. "The initiative of holding such a meeting has not been put forward. The meeting in the "five" format can be held if necessary. It will depend on the decisions of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to be made after their meeting," the deputy minister said.
Azimov said bilateral meetings must be fruitful to put forward new initiatives in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Azerbaijan is interested in joint use of Gabala radar by the U.S. and Russia."Joint use of Gabala radar meets Azerbaijan's interests. But it depends not only on interests, but also current political situation and present-day facts," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told reporters.
Probably someone will view this issue realistically in future. At current situation there is no need to expect progress in the issue of joint use of the Gabala radar, he said.
"Interests are formed in a certain period of time. Today Azerbaijan is interested in solving common issues with U.S. and Russia because it contributes to Azerbaijan's credibility and enables to achieve positive result from joint action," Azimov said.
"Iran is a neighbor country with Azerbaijan and we support positive outcome of the situation in this country," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists on June 22.
The deputy minister expressed his confidence that the situation in Iran will not reach a critical milestone and the conflict will be solved via a political way and an agreement will be reached between different groups of the society on a democratic base.
Actual issues of bilateral and regional cooperation will be discussed during the official visit of the President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak to Azerbaijan.
Presidents always make mutual visits, and in the same vein, the President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak plans to visit Azerbaijan, ambassador of Azerbaijan to Egypt Faig Bagirov told Trend on June 22.
Still the exact date of the visit is not known, the issue is under consideration.
Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperation with Egypt, with whom there are good political relations and mutual support in international organizations. The two countries actively cooperate in the cultural, humanitarian and economic spheres, there is a need to improve relations in the private sector, investment promotion, development of relations in health, education, information technology and transport.
Baku and Astana are willing to boost political cooperation. Prospects of cooperation will be discussed by Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin during a visit to Baku, Kazakh ambassador to Azerbaijan Serik Primbetov said.
"Kazakh foreign minister is expected to visit Azerbaijan this autumn. Azerbaijan has already made invitation. The date of the visit has not been set yet due to tough schedule," ambassador said.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan totaled $32.4 million in January-April 2009.
Azerbaijan and Serbia say Kosovo and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved under international law and principles, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told reporters after a meeting with Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic.
"This envisages territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries. The borders of states must remain as they were when the states were admitted to the UN," he said.
Mammadyarov said his meeting with the Serbian counterpart focused on these two conflicts. "Serbia introduced Azerbaijan its principles of resolution of the Kosovo problem and Azerbaijan introduced its vision of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in its turn," the minister said.
Belgrade is interested in enhancing ties with Baku, Serbian foreign minister said. "There is great mutual understanding and clear sky above us," Jeremic said.
Azerbaijan and Kuwait are willing to enhance economic cooperation.
Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheil Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad as-Sabah plans to discuss prospects of cooperation between the two countries during a visit to Baku, Azerbaijani ambassador to Kuwait Shahin Abdullayev said.
"Invitation has already been made and the visit is scheduled for autumn," the ambassador said.
The talks will mainly focus on involving Kuwaiti investors with investment projects in Azerbaijan.
Kuwaiti business circles have already showed interest to Azerbaijan and favorable conditions have been provided for their activities in the country, the diplomat said. He said the countries have very good agreement and legal framework. Five agreements including one on promoting and mutual protection of investments, trade and tourism cooperation was signed during Azerbaijani president's official visit to Kuwait.
The countries are studying several investment projects at the moment, the ambassador said.
In accordance with the document prepared by the Azerbaijani deputy there was appointed Rapporteur of the PACE. A member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Rafael Huseynov informed Trend about it.
He said that the advisory declaration "On the need to fight against economic crimes in times of economic crisis ", prepared during the spring session of PACE, signed by many MPs. After the publication of a document, on 29 May at a meeting of the Permanent Council there were held discussion and was asked to appoint a rapporteur.
"In the first working day of the summer session of the OSCE, at the time of the report of the Bureau and Standing Committee, it was decided to appoint a Rapporteur, in accordance with the above guidance declaration. As part of the session during a meeting of PACE Committee on Economic Affairs there were held discussions and a rapporteur was appointed," Rafael Huseynov said.
It is possible to accelerate the process of resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, working with the conflicting sides not only during official meetings, but also apart from them, said former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia David Kramer.
"Summits and meetings are only discussions. The solution of the problem is to work with the sides outside these meetings," said Kramer in an interview with Trend .
The United States have been and are actively involved in ensuring regional security, including in relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Kramer. However, he noted that not everything depends only on America.
"[In the negotiations process on Nagorno-Karabakh] there is basic notion on the basic principles, and I would not say that everything in the question of these concepts depends on any third party rather than the conflicting sides," he said.
Kramer found it difficult to forecast the upcoming Moscow meeting of the Presidents of the United States, Barack Obama and Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, which is scheduled for July 6-8, at which the Presidents are going to discuss regional and global issues, including unresolved conflicts in the Caucasus.
Human rights
Member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) urged international organization to pay more attention to violation of refugees' rights.
"Despite UN Security Council and PACE resolutions, nearly 1 million people can not return to their lands for more than 15 years. Can there be more gross violation of human rights? We urge international organization to pay more attention to these problems," member of Azerbaijani delegation Ganira Pashayeva said during her speech at the PACE summer session.
Pashayeva said unfortunately those who have committed crimes against civilians have not held accountable yet. "Thousands of Azerbaijani civilians were brutally killed during occupation of Azerbaijani lands by the Armenian troops and a bloody tragedy took place in Khojali. Hundreds of children, women and old people were brutally killed in the city of Khojali. Documents of international organization contain this information. You can also get detailed information about it in archives of world-famous media outlets," she said.
Pashayeva said Azerbaijan is searching for those who committed these crimes via Interpol. Unfortunately, there are no results yet. "None of them have been held accountable yet. Because, Yerevan ignores even international organization and provides refuge to these persons," she said.
Pashayeva said the person who were directly involved with the Khojaly genocide is wanted by the Interpol. "However, he still comfortably lives in Armenia. In fact, despite the fact that dozens of people, who participated in the bloody tragedy in Khojaly, are wanted by the Interpol, they are quietly living in Armenia under the patronage of Yerevan. We urge the international organizations pay more attention to such issues. We must not forget that "one crime with impunity will necessarily lead to another," she said.
Pashayeva said there are hundreds of Azerbaijani captives and hostages today in Armenia. "Despite the efforts of Azerbaijan and the Red Cross Society, Armenia has refused to release them from captivity for several years. They are subject to torture. I want to show you a picture of a child, which were released from Armenian captivity for some time. Only one picture shows how hundreds of prisoners and hostages are tortured in Armenia. Is this not a flagrant violation of human rights? We urge international organizations to a more active and tough fight against such gross violations of human rights," she said.
Azerbaijani ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova called international organizations for uniting efforts in fight against occupation and ethnic purge on June 25.
"This issue has great importance for Azerbaijan 20 percent of which was occupied by Armenia. Population was subjected to unprecedented ethnic purge and violence. Over 1 million of refuges and forcedly displaced people live in Azerbaijan in connection with territorial pretensions which are out of common principles," ombudsman said due to international day for victims of tortures.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and 7 districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
Ombudsman stressed necessity in mutual fight against tortures and other inhuman form of treatment. "Impunity of criminals using tortures encourages for new crimes. We hope that international organizations and world community will take tougher position on this regards," Suleymanova said.
The statement will be delivered to UN secretary general, deputy secretary general, special representative of UN secretary general on children and armed conflicts, UN supreme commissioner on human rights, OSCE, Council of Europe, international and European institutes of ombudsmen, international peace bureau, universal peace federation, as well as different international organizations, Azerbaijani embassies abroad and foreign embassies in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani diasporas.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
On June 21, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from near Gulustan village of Goranboy region at 17:10-17:40 and 22:25-22:30. On June 11, the shots were also fired from Marzili, Tagibayli and Kangarli village of Agdam region at 00:30-00:50 and 03:10-03:20 and from Kuropatkino village of Khojavand region at 01:20-01:30, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem will be chief aim of the CIS Muslims Advisory Council, Caucasus Muslims Clerical Board Deputy Chairman Sabir Hasanli said.
"Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be priority of discussions by the future organization," he said.
Hasanli said the council will also educate people about truth about Nagorno-Karabakh.
On June 22, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Marzili village of the Agdam region at 21:30-21:40 and from positions near the Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand region at 23:10-23:37, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Azerbaijani Green party supports people's diplomacy in solving Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"It is necessary to make concrete actions to solve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully. Meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh is one of actions towards settlement of conflict peacefully. But these meetings must be held to achieve concrete results," Green Party chairman Mais Gulaliyev said at the press-conference on June 24.
Communities of Azerbaijan and Armenia must be closer to solve conflict peacefully, chairman said. "Mutual meetings are bridge to be closer. Intelligentsia of Azerbaijan and Armenia can agree upon refusal from propaganda of mutual hostility," he said.
On June 23, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in the Gizil Hajili village of Gazakh region from Berkaber village of Ijevan region at 17:50-17:53. The shots were also fired from areas near Gulustan village of Goranboy region at 17:00-17:30 and 18:45-19:00, on June 24 from areas in Khojavand region from at 00:43-00:48 and from Gizil Oba village of Terter region at 06:00-06:30, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
The European Union (EU) will support any efforts in the Karabakh settlement, EU Special Envoy on South Caucasus Peter Semneby said at the Security Forum of the Council of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership (CEAP) in Astana on June 25.
"At present the situation in the conflict zone has a depressive character and a ceasefire does not indicate absence of problems in the settlement of this conflict," Semneby said.
A total of 30 people were killed in the conflict zone only in 2008, he said. "We should follow the situation to advance in a correct direction," he added.
"This is too bad that the EU does not seriously approach the situation, but even in this case, the steps taken by Turkey and Armenia to stabilize the situation in the region are too praiseworthy," the EU special envoy said.
Besides major sides such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey, third sides such as Iran and OSCE countries can participate in creation of security platform in South Caucasus. Iran and OSCE countries will play certain role in solving Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, deputy undersecretary for political affairs of Turkey's foreign ministry Unal Chevikoz said during security forum of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council held in Astana on June 25.
"Major problem in Caucasus is lack of trust. Creation of this platform is necessary for solving conflicts in South Caucasus. Countries involved in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must negotiate. Direct dialogue must be held."
Solving of situation is possible via direct dialogue, Chevikoz said.
On June 25, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from near Goyarkh village of Terter region at 13:00-13:10. The shots were also fired from areas in the Gulustan village of Goranboy region at 15:10-15:30 and 19:30-20:00 and on June 26 from Kuropatkino village of Khojavand region at 01:30-01:45, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
The working meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign minister was constructive and aimed to discuss next meeting of presidents, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza told Trend over telephone from Paris.
"We have coordinated our approaches for peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and continued to prepare the next meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan," he said.
The next negotiations between Azerbaijani and Armenia Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Edward Nalbandyan took place in Paris on June 26.
On June 26, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas in Khojavand region and Kuropatkino village at 08:40-08:45, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported