Official chronicle
The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation headed by Mayor of London Alderman Ian Luder on July 20, AzerTaj state information agency said. Luder expressed Ilham Aliyev gratitude for hospitable reception. The guest informed President Aliyev about visits paid to different Azerbaijani state organizations.
The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reminded about fruitful meetings held during his trip to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland last week President Aliyev stressed significance of Luder's visit to familiarize with development processes in Azerbaijan and study of opportunities to more strengthen relations between Azerbaijan and Great Britain.
The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Carl Bildt on July 20. The sides stressed their satisfaction with development of relations between two countries, necessity for expansion of political dialogue and existing opportunities for more intensification of bilateral relations. Importance of expansion of Azerbaijan-Swedish ties within EU was highlighted during the meeting. Swedish Foreign Minister expressed confidence that visit to Azerbaijan would more strengthen bilateral ties.
Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation of the EU Troika led by Swedish FM Carl Bildt. President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction with present relations between Azerbaijan and EU, saying that Eastern Partnership program will strengthen and intensify relations between Azerbaijan and EU. President Ilham Aliyev called European integration as one of Azerbaijani strategic goals, saying this policy has been continued successfully during 15 years. The Azerbaijani President said that the visit of Troika's delegation to Azerbaijan is important for exchanging views on many issues concerning the cooperation.
EU is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Carl Bildt said. He stressed that cooperation between Azerbaijan and EU in power engineering, combat against terrorism and other spheres are at top level. Bildt stressed importance of further expansion of relations. He said that negotiating process on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is in focus of interest.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Israeli Ambassador Arthur Lenk in connection of termination of his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan on July 21. The president expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between the two countries and mentioned Lenk's contribution to development of the Azerbaijani-Israeli relations during his diplomatic mission in Baku. The Azerbaijani president wished him success in his future activity. Ambassador Lenk emphasized the development of relations between the two countries, particularly the development of economic and trade relations. Lenk thanked the Azerbaijani president for appreciation of his activity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation headed by Czech Finance Minister Eduard Janota on July 23. Azerbaijani President said that Azerbaijani-Czech relations dynamically develop. The President stressed importance of mutual visits at top level for strengthening the bilateral relations.
The President also stressed development of relations at political level and importance of expanding economic cooperation. Azerbaijani President expressed hope that the Czech minister's visit to Azerbaijan will promote more development of relations between both countries. The Azerbaijani-Czech relations have strategic charcter, Eduard Janota said. The Czech minister stressed great potential for developing bilateral relations in economic and financial spheres. Eduard Janota said that one of major goals of his visit to Baku is discussion of development of bilateral relations in this sphere in future.
Armenia should really analyze Azerbaijan's achievements to solve the [Armenian-Azerbaijani] Nagorno-Karabakh conflict rapidly, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a governmental meeting on Azerbaijani socio-economic development over the first six months presided by the Azerbaijani President. "If Armenia analyses the real situation, increasing potentials and Azerbaijan's achievements in military, economic, political and diplomatic spheres, the problem will be solved soon," the Azerbaijani President said. The Azerbaijani President said that Azerbaijani army is ready to fulfill any task. "All our efforts target only one goal. This is to restore territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and withdraw forces from the occupied territory," Aliyev said.
The measures and reforms recently conducted in Azerbaijan have minimized impact of the global financial and economic crisis on the country's economy, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the meeting on the results of socio-economic development of the country in the first half of 2009, held under his chairmanship. "GDP rose 3.6 percent in the first half of the year and non-oil sector growth was 4.1percent. It shows that the future of the country less depends on the oil factor," Ilham Aliyev said. The solution of the social issues was successfully developed in the first half of the year and existent program were carried out in this field, the president said. The inflation ratio dropped to 3.7 percent in the past six months. Cash profit of the population increased 19 percent and average monthly salary - 15 percent in this period, the Azerbaijani president said. The head of state said 35,000 new jobs, including 25,000 permanent jobs, opened in Azerbaijan in the first half of the year. The second phase of the State Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Regions started to be carried out in this period. The government increased resources allocated to develop entrepreneurship, the president said.
Sumqayit and Guba electric power stations are planned to put into operation in Azerbaijan in 2009. These electric power stations will strengthen Azerbaijani export potentialities in power engineering, the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev said at the governmental meeting on Azerbaijani social-economic development in the first six months presided by the Azerbaijani President. Azerbaijan realized purposes in energy security, as well as oil and gas production were increased within this period. At present, Azerbaijan exports gas to neighboring countries, Ilham Aliyev said.
The Azerbaijani President said that realization of transport programs serves renewal of transport infrastructure within reporting period.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part in inauguration of road junction Baku-Guba- Rissian border on July 23. Azerbaijani President also familiarized with reconstruction operations of underground pedestrian crossing at Jafar Jabbarli square and construction of Baku ring road.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to apply supplements and amendments to the law on "Freedom of religion". Under the decree, the Cabinet was instructed to submit to the president proposals on bringing the existing legislation into conformity with the decree on "Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Freedom of Religion".
The body was also commissioned to bring the legal acts of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers and relevant bodies of executive power into conformity with the law. According to the decree, religious leaders, who manage places for prayer, will be appointed by the Caucasus Muslims Office in consultation with the relevant executive authorities. Activities related to the Islamic religion can only be conducted under the guidance of the Azerbaijani citizens, having a spiritual education in the country.
In connection with the coming into force of the law of Azerbaijan Republic, dated June 30 2009, on "Amendments and supplements to some legislative acts of Azerbaijan Republic due to applying the law of Azerbaijan Republic on "Struggle against legalization of money or other property acquired by criminal means, and financing of terrorism", Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to apply the law. Under the presidential decree, the Cabinet of Ministers was commissioned to develop proposals to bring existing legislation into conformity with this law within a month. The government was also commissioned to bring the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers and the bodies of central executive power into conformity with the law. According to the decree, the authority "of the relevant executive authorities", stipulated by the Article 14-1.1 of the law on "Currency Regulation" is implemented by the State Border Service.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decreed to place the Agroleasing Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC) at the disposal of the Agriculture Ministry. Under the decree, the State Committee on Property and the Finance Ministry of Finance during the month should make appropriate changes to the charter of the OJSC and carry out some measures to register these changes within the authority.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to provide additional support to strengthen logistics of Agroleasing Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC). A total of 5 million manats was allocated from the president's reserve fund to continue the construction of branches of the OJSC to increase the authorized capital of the company, the decree said Moreover, some two million manats was allocated from the president's reserve fund to store fertilizers and agricultural machinery, which are available to the Nakchivan Agroholdings OJSC. The State Committee on Property and the Finance Ministry were commissioned to inject relevant amendments into the charter of the Agroleasing OJSC to increase the authorized capital within a month.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decreed to approve the papers signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Russian Federation in Baku on June 29, 2009. A package of the papers includes the agreement between the governments of Azerbaijan and Kabardin-Balkar Republic of Russia on the commercial, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation and Joint Declaration of the Azerbaijani and Russian Foreign Ministries about the elaboration of the draft agreement between the Azerbaijani and Russian governments on the terms of location and activity of the diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan in Russia and of Russia in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers was commissioned to take all necessary measures to implement this decree and the Foreign Ministry - to inform the Russian government about the relevant interior procedures, necessary to implement the agreement.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to approve "The 6-th Amendment on cooperation in counteraction of weapons of mass destruction" to the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijani Republic and U.S Department of Defense signed in Washington on May 8, 2009.
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijani Republic is charged to conduct necessary actions in accordance with the decree to realize indicated amendment.
On July 23, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to adopt an agreement between Azerbaijani and Kazakh Defense Ministries on education of the Kazakh Defense Ministry's militaries in military education institutes of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. In accordance with the decree the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry was commissioned to implement the decree, and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is charged to inform the Kazakh government about the fulfillment of necessary domestic procedures for enactment of documents.
On July 23, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to approve documents signed between Azerbaijan and Israel in Baku on June 28. In accordance with the decree, the agreements on cooperation in the fields of culture, education and science and cooperation in the sphere of information and communicational technologies. The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers was commissioned to take necessary actions to implement the decree, and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is charged to inform the Israeli government about the fulfillment of necessary domestic procedures for enactment of documents.
On July 23, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to approve documents signed between Azerbaijan and Georgia in Baku on May 20, 2009. In accordance with the decree, the agreements on cooperation in the sphere of protection of intellectual properties and a protocol on changes to agreement on unlimited commerce, dated 1996 were adopted.The Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers was commissioned to arrange necessary activities to implement the decree, and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is charged to inform the Georgian government about the fulfillment of necessary domestic procedures for enactment of documents.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to appoint Askerov Arif Nariman oglu chairman of Azerbaijani Railroad CJSC on July 23.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to strengthen material-technical base and conduct repair-construction operations in Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences. Roughly 3 million manat was allocated from Azerbaijani President's Fund provided by state budget-2009 to strengthen material-technical base and conduct repair-construction operations in Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after Nasreddin Tusi upon Azerbaijani President's decree. The Ministry of Finance is charged to provide transfer of allocated funds to account of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences. The cabinet of Ministers is also charged to solve issues proceeding from the decree.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to apply the law Establishment of new municipalities by uniting municipalities of Azerbaijani Republic. Upon the President's decree, the Cabinet of Ministers is charged to submit the President proposals bringing acting legislation in accordance with the decree, as well as bring normative-legal acts of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers and corresponding agencies of executive power to conformity with the law during two months.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to apply the law "On Making Amendments and Addenda to the Law of the Azerbaijan Republic" On joint activities, merger, separation, and the Abolition of the municipalities and the administrative oversight of the municipalities'.
Upon the President's decree, the Cabinet of Ministers to determine the number and activity regulations of the Commission, as specified in Article 8-1 of the Law of Azerbaijan Republic "On joint activities, merger, separation, and the Abolition of the municipalities and provide information about it to the President of the Azerbaijan Republic during one month..
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to apply the law "A new edition of" List of municipalities of the Republic of Azerbaijan ", attached to the law of Azerbaijan Republic" On the regional and municipal land ". Upon the President's decree, the Cabinet of Ministers is charged to submit the President proposals bringing acting legislation in accordance with the decree, as well as bring normative-legal acts of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers and corresponding agencies of executive power to conformity with the law during two months.
Azerbaijani President signed the decree to approve the agreement on cooperation in physical culture and sport between CIS participants-countries signed in Yalta on May 25, 2007. The Cabinet of Ministers was charged to conduct necessary actions to realize this agreement. The foreign ministry was charged to bring to CIS executive committee's notice necessity in implementing corresponding inter-state procedures for the agreement to come into force.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to apply the law on Partial changes in administrative-territorial division of Fizuli region. The Cabinet of Ministers is charged to prepare proposals to bring current legislative acts in accordance with the law and submit them to the Azerbaijani President within two-month-term, as well as normative-legal acts of the Cabinet of Ministers and corresponding central agencies of executive power in accordance with the law and inform the President on this regards and solve other issues proceeding from this law.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to approve new staff of the inter-governmental commission for economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia.
Azerbaijani side of the inter-governmental commission was approved in the following staff: co-chairman of the commission - minister of transport Ziya Mammadov, members of the commission - deputy foreign minister Khalaf Khalafov, the first deputy minister of finance Ilgar Fatizadeh, deputy ministry of industry and power engineering Gulmammad Javadov, deputy minister of economic development Sevda Mammadaliyeva, deputy minister of education Elmar Gasimov, deputy minister of communication and IT Iltimas Mammadov, the first deputy chairman of the state customs committee Safar Mekhdiyev, deputy chairman of Central Bank's board Aftandil Babayev and Azerbaijani extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Latvia Tofiq Zulfugarov.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the decree to make changes and additions to the decree Approval of code on administrative infringements, its coming into force and legal regulation dated August 29, 2000.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on making amendments to a number of decrees.
These decrees are: "On the enforcement of the order of state control over the manufacturing, service, financial and credit activities and the removal of unjustified inspections", "On the improvement of the system of state control and the removal of artificial barriers to enterprise development", "On additional measures to regulate the production, import and the sale of alcoholic drinks, ethyl (food), alcohol and tobacco", as well as orders relating to the Land Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on the application of the law "On voluntary activity".
According to the President, the Cabinet of Ministers ordered to submit to the President proposals on bringing existing legislation into conformity with this order, and brought in line with the law, regulations of Cabinet of Azerbaijan and relevant bodies of executive power within two months.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium on the country's National Holiday (Inauguration of Léopold I of Belgium).
"I am sure that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium, to expand bilateral relationship and cooperation within international structures even more", the letter says.
President Ilham Aliyev wished the Belgium`s King robust health and success in his activities and the friendly people of Belgium peace and welfare.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Egyptian counterpart Muhammad Hosni Mubarak on national holiday - Revolution Day. The congratulatory message said: "I warmly congratulate you and Egyptian people on the national holiday - Revolution Day on behalf of the Azerbaijani people. Current level of development of relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt is satisfactory. I hope that we will continue mutual efforts towards the preservation and development of the good traditions of our relationship. I extend you my best wishes and wish the friendly people of Egypt peace and prosperity."
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev presented condolences to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad due to numerous victims as a result of air crash in the international airport in Meshed.Azerbaijani President presented condolences on behalf of Azerbaijani people to families and relatives of victims and wished recovery to all injured people.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev offered his condolences to his Russian counterpart Dmitriy Medvedev due to numerous fatal victims in the road accident in the Rostov region. The head of state offered condolences on behalf of the Azerbaijani people to families and friends of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to all injured.
Parliament
Conditions have been outlines to adopt a law, banning smoking in public places, said Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee. "One of the requirements from international conventions which Azerbaijan has joined is a law prohibiting smoking, especially in institutions for children," the Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee on Social Policy Musa Guliyev told Trend on July 23.
Approximately 40 U.S. states, many EU countries, as well as Turkey and the Baltic States, have adopted laws restricting smoking in public places. Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan also plan to adopt this bill.
Guliyev said a key reason impeding the adoption of the bill is the Law on "tobacco and tobacco products in Azerbaijan", passed by Parliament in 2001. "One of the chapters of the Bill was connected with limiting the use of tobacco. This chapter creates obstacles in this area, instead of providing support," the parliamentarian said. The new bill not only focuses on limiting the use of tobacco or prohibiting smoking in some places, but also increasing activities aimed at strengthening the prevention of smoking, Guliyev said. "Our goal is to establish a state without tobacco," said the Deputy Chairman of the Committee. Guliyev said that the new bill, which compromises 12 articles, is available for consideration in Parliament. "Positive feedback on the bill has bees received from the relevant ministries and organization, and the bill is planned to be examined at Parliament's autumn session," the parliamentarians said.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee said that the bill will include institutions where smoking is to be specifically prohibited. "Smoking will be prohibited at airports and seaports, railway and bus stations, in all intercity buses, as well as at all types of public transport, including taxis. Also according to the bill, smoking is also to be banned in cinemas, at sports competitions and in enclosed spaces where concerts are held, as well as in schools and wedding buildings. Smoking will be permitted at work only in designated areas," Guliyev said.
The chairman of the Azerbaijani parliamentary committee does not rule out an opportunity of forming the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of the Central Asian countries.
"This proposal has been put forward by an official of Canada at the PA OSCE in Vilnius," the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, Rabiyyat Aslanova told journalists on July 23. But Aslanova considers unreal to form it in a short period of time. "It is necessary to hold enlarged discussions to implement this idea. But this is an interesting fact that this proposal has been put forward not by the Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, not by Azerbaijan, but by the Canadian parliamentarian. At the PA OSCE in Vilnius, the Canadian representative said his country is interested in cooperation with the Central Asian countries, as well as with Azerbaijan. The PA of the Central Asian countries or the Forum of the Central Asian parliamentarians can be formed to begin this cooperation, he believes," the parliamentarian said.
The chairman of the committee considers reasonable to form such an organization to develop cooperation. "At the session, I also noted that Azerbaijan is ready to play a role of bridge in cooperation between Canada and the Central Asian region. Therefore, I want to say that it is real to form such an organization in future," Aslanova said.
A parliamentarian from an Azerbaijani opposition party has submitted his bill on "Ex-presidents' status" to the relevant committee of the parliament.
"A bill developed by me includes 9 articles and a provision on ex-president's status and protection of their families' rights," Parliamentarian and Head of the Great Establishment Party (GEP) Fazil Mustafa told Trend on July 25.
The amendments and changes injected into the Azerbaijani Constitution through referendum held on March 18 also envisage granting a status to ex-presidents. The parliament has developed and adopted a bill with this purpose.
Mustafa said the bill on ex-presidents' status was submitted to the chairman of the parliamentary committee on legal policy and state establishment, Ali Huseynov. "I relied on a legislative base of many leading countries when developing a bill. I believe the committee will not face a problem to discuss this bill," the parliamentarian said.
The opposition GEP was established in 2004 and registered in 2005. The chairman of the party Fazil Mustafa is member of Azerbaijani parliament. He won 2.4 percent of votes in the 2008 presidential elections.
Azerbaijan may adopt a law on struggle against the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
A law on prevention of persons infected with AIDS was adopted in 1996. At that time, there were only seven people infected with AIDS, Deputy chair of the Parliamentary Commission on social Policy Musa Guliyev told Trend on July 25. Earlier the issues on prevention and struggle against AIDS, social support of the infected people and social responsibility were not studied in the world, Guliyev said. Substantial changes in broadening of legal base and socio-medical aspects occurred in the world for last 13 years. Numbers of the Commonwealth of Independent States and UN have adopted model laws of the World Health Organization, Guliyev added. Regarding that recently AIDS has speedily spread in Azerbaijan, the agenda currently includes making amendments and additions to upgrade the law. "As the amendments and additions to the law cover all its articles, it will be right to adopt a new law," Guliyev said. At present the agenda includes making amendments and additions to the law, Guliyev said. "A working group formed under the committee is instructed to design amendments and additions. The working group will complete a draft and after its discussions at the committee on the eve of autumn session, it will be determined to submit it to the parliament for discussions as a new legislation. I think it would be better to adopt new legislation," he said.
Political movements
Azerbaijani ruling party intends to nominate one candidate in each municipality. "We will try to achieve plenty of privileges in municipalities for our candidates to get seats in majority of municipalities," deputy executive secretary of New Azerbaijan ruling party Mubariz Gurbanli told media on July 20. Municipal elections are scheduled for December 2009 in Azerbaijan but parliamentary elections - autumn 2010. Earlier, municipal elections were held in 1999 and 2004.
The Azerbaijani parliament approved the law Union of Several Municipalities in Azerbaijan in May. Upon the law, number of municipalities will be reduced from 2,757 to 1,766 in Azerbaijan.
Gurbanli said that presently slogans on election program and major trends are being determined. "We hope that our agitation and other operations, as well as policy implemented by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and people to be vote for this policy will support candidates nominated by our party," organization men of New Azerbaijan Party. He said that members of the party will be recommended not to nominate their candidates for municipal elections independently. "If party nominated their candidates, participation of New Azerbaijan Party with two candidates in one plot can cause misunderstanding in district. In any case, members of the party are free in their choice. But I think that member of the party must not consider nomination of its candidature as appropriate beyond official list of the organization," Gurbanli said.
Azerbaijani pro-governmental party determined list of candidates for municipal elections in Azerbaijan.
"Our party intends to nominate candidates for all municipalities in Azerbaijan," chairman of Azerbaijan Democratic World party Mammad Alizadeh told Trend on July 20. "Plans concerning joint participation of pro-governmental parties in municipal election were not realized. We will make all efforts for candidates to win," chairman of the party said. Alizadeh said that names of candidates will be announced after official start of municipal elections.
The group of Azerbaijani opposition parties has held the latest Karabakh forum.
Several Azerbaijani opposition parties are represented in the Union. The Union said that the published Madrid principles on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement coincide with requirements on the Armenian side.
"It is an argument of the OSCE Minsk Group's pro-Armenian position," was said in a statement made at the Karabakh forum, which was held on the initiative of the Union for Democracy on July 21. Participants of the forum said that no force will be able to remove Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan. The international forces trying to split the country by referendum in one part of Azerbaijan will fail to achieve their goal. Participants of the forum stressed that they established the committee and proceeded discussions in order to prepare for mass action, which would aim to prevent the mediators' actions.
The Azerbaijani Communist Party has not ruled out Azerbaijani left parties from jointly participating in municipal elections.
"At present, the form of joint participation for left parties in municipal elections has not been discussed. But in the right circumstances, they are likely to unite," Chairman of the Azerbaijani Communist Party, Rauf Gurbanov, told Trend on July 22.
Azerbaijani municipal elections are scheduled for December 2009. In Azerbaijan the number of municipalities was reduced from 2,757 to 1,766.
Gurbanov said that the major goal of the Azerbaijani Communists was to achieve more representatives from left party election agencies. "The Azerbaijani Communist Party decided to participate independently in the municipal elections. The Communists are ready to cooperate with parties following similar policies to theirs," he said. Regarding the All-Republic Forum of Left Parties, scheduled for autumn, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Communist Party said that preparation work was being held. "The forum is planned to be held in late September-early October. Its major goal is nurturing left ideas in Azerbaijan and proving to the world that there is political pluralism in Azerbaijan," Gurbanov said. He said that left parties and other countries will be invited to the forum. "Regarding the forum, no appeals or statements which might be adopted have been ruled out," the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Communist Party said.
Azerbaijani opposition party did not get any proposals on establishment of broad coalition.
"So, I do not think that the Azerbaijani People's Front will be restored or National Resistance Movement will be established," MP, chairman of Umid party represented in Movement for Karabakh and Republic, Iqbal Agazadeh, told Trend on July 23. Agazade said that if restoration of Azerbaijani People Front and establishment of National Resistance Movement are raised in agenda, these issues will be discussed first in the party. "First, we must determine goals. But there are no official proposals on establishment of any organization up to now," chairman of the party said. He said that there is no necessity in establishment of new organization in which members of other parties will be represented as several leading parties of Azerbaijan united in Movement for Karabakh and Republic on the threshold of the referendum on making changes and additions to the Constitution held on March 18. "Rather authoritative parties of Azerbaijan are united in this movement. At present, we hold discussions about joint participation in municipal elections. If our intention is realized, I think that this movement will be able to be the most organized political power of Azerbaijani opposition in future," Agazade said.
The Azerbaijani opposition parties presented in the Union for Democracy do not intend to demonstrate activity in municipal elections.
"The union's parties will passively participate in the municipal elections. Members of the parties do not intend to join the elections. Frequently, we insist on their joining to elections," Chair of the Azadlig (Freedom) Party presented in the Union for Democracy Ahmad Oruj told Trend on July 25. The parties presented in the Union for Democracy will jointly participate in the elections, he said. "At present, we define a list of candidates who will participate in the municipal elections," he said.
Foreign policy
There are no obscure moments in Azerbaijani-Israeli relations, Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijani Arthur Lenk told media on July 23. "The Israeli President Shimon Peres's visit to Azerbaijan is characteristic feature of relations between countries. We hope that presidential talks will give positive results," ambassador said. Political and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are important but human relations play also significant role, Lenk said. "Jewish community plays significant role in bilateral relations in Azerbaijan but Azerbaijani community in Israel," diplomat said. He said that both countries have the highest economic potentialities. "Israel became the third trade partner of Azerbaijan in 2008," Lenk said.
Mikhail Losin has been appointed new Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan.
"Mikhail Losin is former Israeli ambassador to Kazakhstan. He is a career diplomat and will arrive in Azerbaijan in mid-August," outgoing Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan Arthur Lenk said. Lenk's office will terminate this week.
The 907th amendment of the U.S. congress toward Azerbaijan should be repealed, co-chair of the U.S. Congress Working Group on Azerbaijan, Congressman from Texas Solomon Ortiz told Trend . "I believe that Section 907 of the Freedom of Support Act should be repealed. It is unjust and not a measure that should be in place against such a strong ally and strategic partner to the US as Azerbaijan," Ortiz said.
In October 1992 the US Congress approved the Law Act supporting freedom in regulating the distribution of state aid to former Soviet Republics.
The U.S government was forbidden to render aid to official Azerbaijani organizations by the 907th amendment. The effect of 907th amendment has been suspended by the U.S president on an annual basis starting from 2002 in accordance with privileges given by Congress in 2001. The effect of the 907th amendment has been suspended for 2009.
Ortiz said there have been recent efforts to tighten the waiver authority of President Obama for 907 which the working group on Azerbaijan have opposed and will continue to voice their opposition.
Now is the time to repeal Section 907, the congressman believes. "Repealing Section 907 would remove significant impediments that prevent further strengthening of U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relations", he said. Ortiz said he recently sent a letter, along with Reps. Bill Shuster and Eddie Bernice Johnson, to the House Appropriations Committee requesting a repeal of Section 907. "And, as I indicated, I will continue to support efforts to increase assistance, including military assistance, to Azerbaijan as well," he said.
One of the priorities of President Obama's foreign policy agenda is to strengthen our relations with the Muslim world, Ortiz believes. "As a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States, in key areas such as energy security and war against international terrorism, Azerbaijan should be one of the first Muslim nations that we seek to reach out to and strengthen relations with," he said.
Human rights
The US is concerned on arrest of Emin MIlli and Adnan Hajizade, the head of the Azerbaijani NGOs. "WE have information that young activities were first beaten and then arrested, whilst the attackers were released. . WE are concerned that the detained young people were not allowed to meet with their law-defenders and they are perhaps in nee of medical care," an official statement issued by the US embassy in Baku on July 24 said. The embassy called on the Azerbaijani government to release young activists and ender them every legal and medical assistance.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
There is certain progress in solving Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at the press-conference in Baku on July 20.
"Co-chairmen will arrive in the region to prepare possible meeting of presidents in Moscow in September. I think there is certain progress in Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Some hopes occurred after presidents met in Moscow," minister said.
Mammadyarov said that several principles of the agreement were announced. Work over these principles continues. "The Armenian troops must leave the occupied territories," the minister said. "We have already discussed the schedule on which the troops must be withdrawn and after it, we will discuss this issue in more detail."
After it, the issue on refugees' repatriation will be raised, Mammadyarov said. Mammadyarov said restoration of lands and infrastructure will be held. Big funds are necessary on this regards. This issue is expected to be discussed in EU. "When I spoke about intensification of settlement of the conflict, first, I stress Russia's intensification in this process," minister said.
On July 20, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops, near Vosgepar village of Noianberian region of Armenia, situated at nameless highlands of Gazakh region at 19:45 to 19:55, press-service of the Azerbaijani ministry of defense said. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan thinks that determining Nagorno-Karabakh's status is a major aim in solving the conflict, the Armenian President's press service said, Novosti-Armenia reports.
"I think it should be clear to everyone, that determining Nagorno-Karabakh's status is our major task, that must be solved by willingness on both sides. This status will have binding legal power. When we find suitable wording which will leave no doubt, I think that talks will continue more smoothly," Sargsyan said at a meeting with the EU delegation Troika, headed by Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt.
The Armenian President said that the problem had been discussed with the Azerbaijani President three days ago. He said that this discussion was held in slightly different conditions, as the co-chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group had already informed the public concerning the principles that would be discussed during the talks. Sargsyan thought this that helped things, since unfortunately the sides themselves do not always tell the public what issues that have been discussed during talks.
"But I can say that despite the fact there are difficulties, there is progress. At present, we are discussing the major clauses outlined in the principles from Madrid. Afterwards, on the basis of these, a major agreement will be developed," the Armenian President said.
The Swedish foreign minister stressed the importance that the EU attaches to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem in partnership with OSCE Minsk Group, and its assistance to efforts in solving the problem.
EU is ready to assist in implementing the agreement to be signed between the parties to the Karabakh conflict, said on Monday at a briefing in Yerevan the head of the delegation of the EU Troika, Foreign Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, Novosti-Armenia reported. "The EU is ready to assist in the implementation of the agreement, which we hope can be signed as soon as possible on the issue of Karabakh settlement, for which we support the OSCE Minsk Group", said Bildt.
He noted that the EU looks forward to the continuation of negotiations held in Moscow on 18th July between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ilham Aliyev and Serj Sargsyan.
The Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh is ready to meet with the region's Armenian community.
"All wars result in the signing of a peace agreement. If we want to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in a peaceful way, we should make use of all our opportunities," the Head of the Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh, Bayram Safarov told Trend on July 22. Safarov said that if the Azerbaijani President agrees, the Azerbaijani community will be ready to meet with the Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh. "All countries recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh is our native land. We must use each chance to return to our native home. We should take the necessary measures to solve the conflict," the head of the community said.
The regular reciprocal visits of leaders and the awaited meeting of the communities can only have a positive impact on the negotiation process to settle the conflict by a peaceful process, which is being carried out by the presidents, he said.
The G-8 leaders' statement on Karabakh testifies that the profile of this conflict is rather high, Head of the Russia, Eurasia and International Energy Security Department of The Heritage Foundation (U.S.), Political Scientist, Ariel Cohen believes. "The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the most difficult ones on the planet and G-8 seeks to resolve it to reduce tensions in the South Caucasus," Cohen told Trend .
At the recent summit, the G-8 leaders made a statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in which they urged the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to resolve the remaining differences and finish the peace settlement.
Cohen said that neither side is prepared to yield its interests: Azerbaijan is focusing on its sovereignty and Armenian is making claims on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. "I think it would be beneficial for both parties if the Armenian population of Karabakh were to be allowed to live here and Azerbaijan were to maintain its sovereignty," he said. Cohen said that the borders of the former Soviet Union should not be considered in Karabakh, in Abkhazia or Ossetia. People's diplomacy can play an important role to form public support in the settlement of the conflict, Cohen believes. In early July, the Azerbaijani and Armenian representatives visited Baku, Yerevan and Nagorno-Karabakh. "At the end of the day, this is a question for the two countries' leaders, as well as the groups and institutes supporting and opposing them," Cohen said. "They make the decisions on war and peace, which include Nagorno-Karabakh."
Russian and U.S Co-Chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group will be changed in 2009, Russian Co-Chairman Yuri Merzlyakov told Trend . "U.S Co-Chairman of OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza will pay a last visit to the region as Co-Chairman of OSCE Minsk Group," Merzlyakov said over the phone from Moscow. On July 25-26, Krakow will host the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs' working visit to organize the autumn meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan, Russian Co-Chair Yuriy Merzlyakov told Trend . "I hope that it will be possible to gain achievement in a meeting in Chisinau in early October which could not gained at the presidents' Moscow meeting," Merzlyakov said in a telephone conversation from Moscow. "I think it has been possible to find some very interesting possible interchanges in these meetings, at least some of the issues that caused the parties' differences. There are interesting solutions, which three presidents reached together. I think it can yield a positive fruit in future," he said.
16 years pass since occupation of Azerbaijan's Agdam region by Armenia. Armenian invaders occupied majority of territory of Agdam on July 23, 1993. The Armenian aggressors seized 882 sq km of 1094 sq km territory of Agdam, one city and 80 villages. Some 128,000 people have become internally displaced persons and 17,000 of them are adult people.
As a result of occupation of Agdam, Azerbaijan has undergone a material damage worth $6.179 billion. The damage rendered only to the region's agriculture is estimated at 992.8 million manat. Over 6,000 people died during the fights in Agdam. At present growth of people of Agdam is 10 percent. IDPs of Agdam settled at 875 points of Azerbaijan's 59 regions.
On July 22, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in the nameless heights of the Gazakh region at 19:30-19:40. The shots were fired from the nameless heights in Armenia's Noyembryan region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported
Theoretical conference on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement will be held in Azerbaijan. Theoretical conference on "Role and tasks of the Azerbaijani opposition and the public organizations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement" will be held on Aug.4. Organizers of the conference are the World Azerbaijani Congress, the Civil Solidarity Party (CSP) and the Social Research Center on the South and North Azerbaijan, CSP chairman, MP Sabir Rustamkhanli told trend News. The recent talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict caused definite anxiety in society. Everybody in interested in the results of talks. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the problem which should always stand on agenda. The society should be prepared to show its power and resistance in issue every time, Rustamkhanli said. Some documents will be adopted during the theoretical conference, Rustamkhanli added.
Roughly 282 people are under international detection for crimes and terror acts committed in Azerbaijani villages of Khojali, Mesheli, Baganis-Ayrim.
Number of criminals under detection on indicated crimes hits 279 people in 2008. These crimes, as well as tortures towards captured people and other criminal actions made by Armenian armed forces cover article 103 of the criminal code (genocide), press-service of Republican military prosecution told Trend on July 23. Necessary investigation actions are being held to institute criminal proceedings against people accused of these crimes.