Official chronicle
On Oct. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Turkey's Grand National Assembly.
The Azerbaijani leader praised the trip of Turkish parliamentary delegation, saying "reciprocal visits are of great importance to get information about ongoing process in the region from the first source."
The Head of State said "no other countries have such sincere bilateral cooperation of mutual benefits in political, economic and cultural fields as Turkey and Azerbaijan do."
The President stated nobody can realize projects without cooperation of Azerbaijan and Turkey. President Ilham Aliyev said both countries must continue "these positive" trends: "It will be useful for both of our nations and the region."
Touching upon protocols signed by Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations between the two states, the Azerbaijani Leader said official Baku pursues the policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries.
The President noted a part of Azerbaijan`s territories has been under Armenian occupation for 20 years.
"Armenia has committed genocide and ethnic cleansing policy in these territories. Therefore, delicate approach by Azerbaijani public to the relations of Turkey with Armenia should be considered as natural."
President Ilham Aliyev also recalled promises of Turkish President, Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker concerning border will not be reopened until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved, and Armenian forces withdraw from occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev said "Turkish-Azerbaijani relations are special and each citizen of both countries should spare no efforts to strengthen these relations."
The Azerbaijani leader said establishment of Parliamentary Assembly of Turkish Speaking Countries would make contribution to further development of inter-parliamentary ties.
The President praised the 9th summit of the Turkish-speaking countries` Heads of State held in Nakhchivan.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Turkey`s Grand National Assembly Murat Mercan said friendly and fraternal relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan have historically common roots. MP from ruling Justice and Development Party said deputies of the two countries enjoy "effective" cooperation within regional and international organizations.
Touching upon Turkish-Armenian relations, Mercan pointed out his country understands sensitiveness of Azerbaijan in this regard and reopening of borders between Turkey and Armenia is impossible as long as Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved.
The Turkish MP stressed importance of further strengthening of cooperation between the two parliaments.
Member of the Committee, MP from Nationalist Movement Party, Deniz Bolukbashi said protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia will not be taken to the Turkish Parliament until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled.
The President asked the visitors to convey his greetings to Turkish President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker and chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the MHP for a principle stance.
On Oct. 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in the country's Ismayilli region.
President Ilham Aliyev visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the center of the Ismayilli region
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended today here the ceremony of inauguration of the Heydar Aliyev Center.
After cutting the ribbon symbolizing the Center`s opening, the President and his spouse toured the facility.
President Ilham Aliyev was told the construction of the Center started in 2007 and completed in 2008.
The 2-storey facility covers 730 square meters.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has inspected today here the reconstruction works done in the Heydar Aliyev culture and rest park.
President Ilham Aliyev was told that the park was named after Heydar Aliyev in 1998 on the occasion of the national leader`s 75th birthday.
The 9-hectare park got about 6 thousand trees and flower bushes brought from Germany, Italy and Turkey.
Here, the Head of State and his spouse familiarized themselves with the children`s creative work center.
They also toured the "Japan garden" which was built for the first time in Azerbaijan in Ismayilli.
Japanese ambassador Masamitsu Oki informed the President and First Lady on the garden and sakura trees planted here.
Then, President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse got acquainted with the Museum of History and Ethnography.
The Head of State also familiarized himself with the club of sports and entertainment and other facilities in the Park.
On Oct. 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inspected construction of a 5-star Javanshir Gala hotel complex here.
The complex will include an 11-storied 180-room hotel featuring a 500-seat conference hall, two restaurants, swimming pools and a gym.
The complex will also have several cottages, 3- and 4-storied recreation centers, an open air theatre and golf pitch.
President Ilham Aliyev viewed a model of the complex.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today attended here the inauguration of the Olympic Sports Complex.
Local residents warmly greeted and cheered the President and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva.
After cutting the ribbon symbolizing the Complex`s opening, the President toured the facility.
The construction of the two-storied Complex started in 2007 and it covers 7.5 hectares of area. The Complex was equipped with necessary equipments.
President Ilham Aliyev viewed performances of sportsmen in the Complex`s sport hall.
Then, President Ilham Aliyev chatted with local residents and congratulated them on the opening of the facility.
On Oct. 29, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the park after renowned ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva.
The President was told that all favorable conditions were created in the park for residents to have rest.
The Head of State praised the work done in the park.
Then, President Ilham Aliyev viewed the exhibition of handicrafts made by master craftsmen.
The President also viewed dances by folklore groups of Lahij, Molla Isagli and Ivanovka villages.
Economy of Azerbaijan's Ismayilli region is developing rapidly, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Oct. 29 at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Sports Complex in the Ismayilli region.
"Ismayilli is developing rapidly. I have been told that the economy of the Ismayilli region has developed by 3 times over the past five years. This fact indicates that opportunities of the region have been used effectively and it yields fruits here, as in all regions of Azerbaijan. In this regard, we are very pleased with the economic indices of each region," said the president.
President Aliyev said this fact testifies that Azerbaijan's economy is fully developing and it does not depend only on one field - the energy sector.
"If it was wrong, the regions would not experience the rapid economic development," said Ilham Aliyev.
According to the President, at present social problems and the problems on welfare and infrastructure are being solved, as well as a new, very good quality and comfortable road is being paved from Baku to Shamakhi and Ismayilli.
"Earlier, the road was in a very bad condition. You are well aware of it. But today it meets the world standards. Its construction is continuing. The road will be extended to the border, to Balakan. Willy-nilly, it will trigger the development of this zone and the region. Tourism will also develop in the territories where the road will pass. I was told, but now I see a modern, new five-star hotel is being built. Ismayilli is a very pleasant place, an area with beautiful nature. But to develop tourism requires necessary conditions, including the road, the entire infrastructure, similar excellent sports facilities, hotels," said the President.
The Azerbaijani President said the development of tourism will make a great contribution to the economy of the region.
During his visit to Ismayilli region on Oct. 29, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the village of Ivanovka.
The villagers greeted the State Head and his spouse with great kindness, bread and salt, they were presented with flowers.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the monument to National Leader in the Heydar Aliyev Street and laid flowers. A photo stand was established here, reflecting the visits of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to Ivanovka.
The Head of State and his spouse met with the residents, who gathered in the center of the village for the harvesting holiday, and talked with them. The products made in the village of Ivanovka were demonstrated here. President Ilham Aliyev got familiarized with the manual labor of pupils of secondary school named after Heydar Aliyev. Members of the school staff thanked the State Head for the new building. Children of kindergarten and pupils of school recited poems dedicated to Azerbaijan, motherland, National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the amateur team Slavyanka sang Russian folk songs and "Azerbaijan" song of Muslum Magomayev.
President of Azerbaijan was presented a picture of the village resident Anna Radayeva "Piece of Ivanovka", painted in oils.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev completed his visit to Ismayilli region and arrived in Agsu region on October 30.
Azerbaijani President and his spouse, Mehriban Aliyeva visited the monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev in the park situated in the center of town. They acquainted with the operations to reconstruct and improve the park. The President and his spouse attended the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center, where they met with public representatives. Afterwards, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the building of the Executive Power of Agsu region, as well as the stadium and the foundation laying ceremony of the youthful artistic school. He got familiarized with construction operations at the Az-Granata plant producing juices and wines.
During the visit to Agsu, Azerbaijani President and his spouse took part in the opening of the Park of Heroes.
On Oct.30, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation led by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Riad al-Malki.
Palestinian foreign minister conveyed greetings and the letter of the Head of the Palestinian Autonomy Mahmoud Abbas to the President of Azerbaijan. The Palestinian Autonomy has decided to open its embassy in Baku, Mr. Riad al-Malki stated.
Parties had comprehensive exchange of views on numerous aspects of relations.
Head of the Azerbaijani State expressed gratitude for greetings from Mahmoud Abbas, requesting to convey his greetings to him.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to the National Television Company of Belarus.
The State Head answered the questions regarding the work done in the economic and social spheres in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani-Belarusian economic relations, achievements in non-oil sector.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev issued an Executive Order on extra measures for acceleration of works at the construction site of the National Flag Square in Baku, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The head of state allocated 10 million from President's Reserve Fund earmarked in the state budget, to ensure continuation of construction of the Flag Square.
Relevant executive bodies were assigned to take necessary measures to implement Presidential Executive Order.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on changes and additions to several decrees relating to the application of "single window" principle for checking cargo and vehicles passing through checkpoints on state borders of Azerbaijan and on changes to the State Program on Reliable Food Supply of Population of Azerbaijan for 2008-2015, approved by decree number 3004 dated August 25, 2008.
President Ilham Aliyev also issued an order on changes and additions to a number of decrees relating to the application of the law number 835-IIIQD on June 19, 2009 on amendments and additions to the Tax Code of the Azerbaijan Republic
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev issued a Decree to confer "Shohret" (Glory) Order upon Chingiz Sadıkhov for contributions to development of the Azerbaijan musical art.
On another presidential Decree, Haji Murad Yagizarov was conferred with "Shohret" (Glory) Order for merits in development of theatrical art and cinematography
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the provision of personal presidential scholarships to the following persons, who served in the development of agriculture in Azerbaijan:
Asadullayev Aydin Nusrat oglu and Sariyev Gara Ali oglu
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on awarding of merit in the development of agriculture in Azerbaijan and fruitful work in the public service the following persons:
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated his Turkmen Counterpart Gurbangulu Berdimuhammedov on the national holiday - the Independence Day.
In his letter, the Azerbaijani leader expressed confidence that the mutual efforts towards development of interstate relations, strengthening friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and will continue it in the future.
Aliyev wished Berdimuhammedov good health, success and the Turkmen people peace and prosperity.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulation to Czech leader Vaclav Klaus on the occasion of his country's national holiday.
In the message, the President praised "the friendly countries` mutual keenness on mutual cooperation".
"I believe we will continue our efforts towards developing the Azerbaijan-Czechia relations both on the bilateral format and within international organizations."
President Ilham Aliyev also hailed Czechia's supporting Azerbaijan's European integration policy.
The President wished Vaclav Klaus "strong health and successes" and "the friendly people of Czechia welfare and prosperity".
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sent a message of congratulation to the re-elected president of the Republic of Tunisia Zainal Abidin bin Ali.
President Aliyev expressed confidence for further strengthening of friendly and cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Tunisia and to continue joint efforts to develop these contacts even more.
Head of the Azerbaijani State wished Zainal Abidin bin Ali robust health, happiness and success in activity for welfare of the people of Tunisia.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev congratulated the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul on the national holiday - Republic Day.
"The friendship and brotherhood of our peoples directly affected the spirit of the relations between states," the message says.
In his letter, President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the sides will continue to make efforts for the conservation and transmission of this wealth, which has stood the test of history, to future generations.
The Head of Azerbaijan wished the Turkish President good health, success in work, the brotherly Turkish people - security and prosperity.
On Oct. 29, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev phoned to the Turkish President Abdullah Gul
The President congratulated Abdullah Gul on his birthday and on the Turkish national holiday, Republic Day. President Ilham Aliyev wished his Turkish counterpart health, success in activities, and the Turkish people - welfare.
Turkey's President expressed his gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for the congratulations and attention and wished all the best to the people of Azerbaijan.
During the telephone conversation was discussed several topics of mutual interest.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel on her re-election.
"I believe that we will further make efforts to develop bilateral relations and strengthen friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany," the message says. The State Head wished Merkel health and successes in her activities in the interests of friend German people.
Parliament
The Azerbaijani Parliament will be submitted a report on the fight against crimes related to human trafficking.
"The agenda of the parliamentary meeting to be held on Oct. 27 will include the report of the National Coordinator for Combating Human Trafficking in the Azerbaijan Republic," the Parliament told Trend on Oct. 26.
The meeting also will discuss a bill, including amendments to the Law on "Labor Pensions". In addition, the discussion provides additions and changes to the laws on "Municipality Service", on "Status of member of municipality", on "Courts and Judges", on "Prosecutor's Office," on "Notary", on "Lawyers and Lawyer Activity," on "Public Service", on "Service in Prosecutor's Office", on "Service in Justice agencies" and on "Official Statistics".
The next meeting of the parliament is also expected to consider new laws on "Participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in voluntary transactions" and on "Release of dividends on individuals' deposits by banks and other lending institutions from taxation."
Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament proposed to allocate special funds from the public budget for the treatment of children with heart disease.
"There are about 12,000 children with heart disease in Azerbaijan, and most parents are unable to treat them as the treatment of this disease is very expensive," MP Ganira Pashayeva said at the parliamentary meeting.
She said the cost of operation of a child suffering from heart disease in Azerbaijan is 5,000-10,000 manat.
"Poor families cannot pay this amount. And yet these children are in urgent need of surgery," said the parliamentarian.
According to Pashayeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva has assisted in the treatment of hundreds of children suffering from heart disease.
"But this is not enough. However, if the government allocates some funds from the public budget, such operations will be available in Azerbaijan," said Pashayeva.
The Azerbaijani Parliament approved the Report of the National Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.
Deputy Interior Minister Vilayat Eyvazov's report on combating trafficking in people in Azerbaijan was heard at a meeting of Milli Majlis (Parliament) on October 27.
About 71 crimes on human trafficking were registered during the period in 2009 as a result of operational and pprophylactic measures, the report said.
Totally, about 65 criminals, including 18 criminal gangs and 1 organized group were revealed. About 47 of 82 victims, including 1 child were placed in shelters. They got legal, medical and psychological assistance. Most of them have been reintegrated into society.
About 17 people were provided with jobs, 32 people go to professional courses.
The Ministry of Education placed 1 child in a boarding school, and three - to kindergartens.
One time grant was given to 76 people suffered from trafficking in people. Assistance was rendered to 43 people by Trafficking in Human Beings Combating Fund.
The court repaired damage to 11 victims.
About 217 crimes related to unlawful acts against public morality, 72 crimes - bringing in prostitution, 134 - keeping of brothels were revealed within nine months. About 160 people were imprisoned.
A statutory measure of administrative penalty was applied towards 749 women dealing with prostitution.
About 1,185 people were imprisoned on 1,298 facts connected with human trafficking in 2005-2008. About 192 criminal gangs and 15 organized gangs were withdrawn.
On Oct. 27, the Parliament of Azerbaijan ratified the amendments to the Law on labor pensions in order to increase the retirement age.
According to the chairman of the parliamentary committee on social policy Hadi Rajabli, the age limit for men will rise by six months each year from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2012, women - from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2016, thus, being determined at around 63 and 60 years respectively.
According to the law, the right to labor pension is given to men aged 62 years and women aged 57 years, if they have 12 years length of service (excluding those for whom pension was appointed before the law came into force).
"The terms will also be changed for retirement and the level of benefits for mothers of large families, parents with children with disabilities, single fathers, as well as retirement for disability," said Rajabli.
The retirement age of women who brought up a child with disabilities up to eight years of age, and mothers with five or more children, with a minimum of 10 years of work experience, was reduced by 5 years.
Azerbaijani MPs protested against the unjust opinion of U.S. Vice-President regarding Azerbaijan.
U.S. representative's comparing Azerbaijan with Armenia and other states, comparing the occupant state with the state experiencing occupation is unacceptable," Siyavush Novruzov, deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) said at the meeting of the Parliament of Azerbaijan.
Novruzov said that as the co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. must show occupier its place. "However, instead of this, providing financial and other support, fighting for opening borders between Turkey and Armenia is unfair," said Novruzov.
According to him, the source of power is the people. "This is stated in the Constitution of Azerbaijan. The authorities in Azerbaijan are always formed through free and fair elections. From this point of view, everyone should engage in internal problems of their country, should forget about the performance of functions of the military-police regime on foreign territory. We were witnesses of condition of countries in which was organized "color" revolution," said Novruzov.
In connection with the irresponsible statements of such persons, the MPs should contact with the embassy of this country, said deputy executive secretary of NAP. "It must be noted that everyone should express thoughts about his/her country," said the MP.
Azerbaijani MPs think it necessary to make changes in the law on flags.
"There is no clause in the law on flags in Turkey that only a flag of the country can be hanged out in the territory of this country. I think that this issue can be reconsidered in Azerbaijan," co-chairman of Azerbaijan-Turkey inter-parliamentary working group, Nizami Jafarov, told Trend on October 29.
During the Turkey-Armenia football match in Bursa, the Azerbaijani flag was taken away from fans. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry submitted a protest to the Turkish Embassy. Turkish flag was removed from the memorial to Turkish fighters-martyrs in Baku upon the Azerbaijani legislation. Turkish flag was raised again on October 27.
Jafarov said that there was not such great respect towards a flag in Azerbaijan as in Turkey.
"Thus, we adopted this tough law. But it is possible to make concessions for the sake of definite relations. It is possible to make changes in the law. This issue must be discussed in the parliament," he said.
He said that it is necessary to make any corrections in any clauses due to realities, international and regional relations.
"We must act in accordance with these realities. Thus, several amendments can be made in the law on flags too. It is a tradition that Turkish flag is streaming neat the memorial to Turkish fighters-martyrs in Azerbaijan," Jafarov said.
"I support amending the law on "Rules of use of flags of foreign countries and international organizations in Azerbaijan," MP Gultakin Hajibayli said to Trend on Oct. 29.
She said the rules on the use of flags of foreign countries may not apply to the Turkish flag.
"Our bill on injecting additions and changes into the law on "Rules of use of flags of foreign countries and international organizations in Azerbaijan" has been registered in the Administration of Parliament," Member of the Musavat MP Group, Panah Huseyn said to Trend on Oct. 29.
He said under the legislation, such proposals are considered within six months.
"The legislative initiative by the president, as well as other legislative initiatives are considered urgent and are considered within 40 days maximum. It is not important that the bill on amendments to the Law on the flags will be submitted for discussions. The country's president and the relevant committees of the Parliament can raise this matter," said the parliamentarian.
According to Husseyn, there is a serious need to amend the law, which may exclude many of the incidents.
The Council of Europe (CE) will elect a co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan in November.
"The CE Monitoring Committee will discuss this issue at a meeting to be held in Paris on Nov. 18," Member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Gultakin Hajibayli told Trend on Oct. 30.
The PACE Co-Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, Eugenia Zhivkova left this position in June 2009. The PACE another co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan is Andres Herkel.
Hajibayli said the agenda of the meeting includes only one issue concerning Azerbaijan.
"You know, although the co-rapporteur issue was discussed at the PACE autumn session, it was postponed due to certain problems in documentation of the committee's secretariat. Not all candidates participated in the previous discussions," the parliamentarian said.
Besides it, the PACE committees on human rights and legal affairs, refugees, migration and people's affairs will also held a meeting in November, the member of the delegation added.
Azerbaijani MP does not rule out probable preparation of the bill on ex-presidents' status.
"The bill Ex-presidents' status will be a serious document. I do not rule out that this project will be prepared in the presidential administration and submitted to the Parliament," MP, chairman of 'Ana Veten' party, Fazail Agamali, told Trend .
Head of oppositional Great Creation Party, MP Fazil Mustafa has prepared and submitted the bill 'Ex-presidents' status before.
Agamali said that additions and changes made in the constitution must be reflected in the legislative acts.
"I think that no problems will occur while preparing 'Ex-presidents' status and submitting it for discussion in the parliament," MP said.
He said that if this bill is ready, it is unlikely to be submitted for discussion during the autumn session of the parliament.
"I think that this project will be approved in early 2010, i.e. during spring session," Agamaly said.
"I do not believe that the bill 'Ex-presidents' status prepared by me will be submitted for discussion in the corresponding parliamentary committee and Milli Majlis," chairman of Great Creation Party, Fazil Mustafa, told Trend on October 30.
He said that it is not ruled out that the presidential administration prepares the project on 'Ex-presidents' status.
"I support it. I agree for several clauses of my project to be used. Much time passed since making changes to the constitution. Delay of the project is violation of the constitution," Mustafa said.
Political movements
Azerbaijan will establish a new opposition union.
"We need to establish a new union, because of the collapse of the opposition movement for Karabakh and Republic caused by the Musavat party," Chairman of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan Sardar Jalaloglu told Trend on Oct.26.
Musavat Party, represented in the Movement for Karabakh and Republic, has put condition before the Umid Party that the latter must withdraw its representatives from the election commissions. And Umid Party stated that it will fulfill this requirement if members of Musavat group of MPs give up their mandates. The difference between the two parties caused serious crisis within the movement.
According to Jalaloglu, the new union will be announced in the run up to the parliamentary elections in 2010.
"We will not be able to attend the municipal elections jointly because of the collapse of the Movement for Karabakh and Republic. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a new union in the run up to the parliamentary elections," Jalaloglu added.
The new union should join parties, which are serious about collaboration. "We could not continue our cooperation with Musavat. We can join the parliamentary elections together with other political forces given our common interests and I believe we will start discussions in this direction soon," Jalaloglu said.
Deputy chairman, executive secretary of Azerbaijani ruling party thinks that it is unnecessary to establish united municipality in Baku.
"This action is likely to be wrong amid Azerbaijani society's current attitude towards municipalities' activity," deputy chairman, executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party, Ali Ahmadov, told official website of the ruling party on October 29.
Ahmadov said that it is necessary to consider negative attitude of the Azerbaijani society towards activity of municipalities more seriously. "I think it would be early to implement the requirements of certain organizations without solving the issue," deputy chairman said.
This issue can be a major subject for discussion only after the municipalities adequately demonstrate the ability to carry out their tasks and confirm the desire to serve the people, Ahmadov said.
"Today, first, the municipal elections have been launched. There is no sense to speak about establishment of a single municipality. It can be seriously discussed in five years. Second, it is very important to solve existing problems. When the municipalities have a great responsibility in future, they will able to adequately cope with it, not causing any problems for citizens, " Ahmadov said.
An Azerbaijani opposition party's leadership will visit Belgium.
"We will visit the capital of Belgium, Brussels in December upon the invitation of the European Parliament," the Press Secretary of the Azerbaijan National Independence Party (ANIP), Ali Orujov told Trend on Oct. 29.
At present, Mammadov is the deputy chairman of the International Democratic Society.
The ANIP leadership will make a speech with a package of proposals on different fields during the hearings on Azerbaijan at the European Parliament.
Orujov said during the visit, the officials of the party will join the hearings on Azerbaijan at the European Parliament and meet with the parliamentarians.
Azerbaijani opposition parties prefer to nominate candidatures in the municipal elections individually.
"We can not participate in the elections as a party due to several reasons," chairman of 'Vahdat' party, Tahir Kerimli, told Trend .
Kerimli said that members of the party have already nominated their candidature individually in Ganja and Sumgait. "It is difficult to name the exact number of candidates as we began to nominate candidatures late," chairman of the party said.
'Vahdat' was in opposition till 2006. Ex-chairman of the Azerbaijani Supreme Court, ex-MP Tahir Kerimli supports political course of power and heads the party.
"We would like to nominate our candidatures in all municipalities. This process will complete one of these days," deputy chairman of Umid party, Enver Agayev, told Trend on October 30.
He said that several candidates have already submitted subscription lists to electoral constituencies. "We will participate in the elections with a party's list. Thus, the campaign of collection of signatures is conducted successfully," Agayev said.
"About 100 members of our party have nominated their candidature individually up to now," deputy chairman of Adalat party, Mutallim Rahimli, told Trend on October 30.
Members of the party preferred nomination of their candidatures to municipalities in large cities and settlements, Rahimli said. "Despite nomination of candidatures individually, all organizations of the party will be active for agitation campaign," deputy chairman of Adalat party said.
Elections
The Great Creation Party approved more than 500 candidates for municipal elections in Azerbaijan, chairman of the party Fazil Gazanfaroglu told Trend on October 26.
He said that the party held the meeting on October 25. Besides his appointment chairman, participation of the party in elections was also discussed. "At present, the party seriously prepares for these elections," Gazanfaroglu said.
Some 2,800 members of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party submitted signature lists.
"Filling in the signature lists, 2,800 party members who nominated for municipal elections submitted them to the district electoral commissions," the official website of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) reported on Oct. 26.
Each of the approximately 16,000 members of the NAP nominating for municipal elections presented the necessary documents to the relevant district election commission and took the signature lists to protect their candidature.
The process of nomination for municipal elections continues in Azerbaijan.
26,769 candidates have already been approved for municipalities, the press service of the Central Election Commission (CEC) told Trend . Of this number, 5,110 are women. 13,322 approved candidates for municipal elections have higher education.
Municipal elections in Azerbaijan will be held on December 23. 15,682 members are envisaged to be elected for 1,718 municipalities.
Of those whose candidatures were approved, 25,351 people received the signature lists in the constituencies. Of them, 11,161 candidates have collected the necessary signatures and submitted these lists and other necessary documents to the relevant constituencies. 3,456 candidates have already been registered in 530 municipalities.
Of the candidates, 7,057 people are independent, others represent 28 political parties. 16 political parties officially joined the election marathon.
Foreign policy
The Iranian foreign ministry hopes that the project on unilateral cancellation of visa regime with Azerbaijan and several other countries submitted to the government will be approved soon, Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki said at a press-conference in Tehran.
The Iranian side takes actions to develop bilateral relations and ties between two peoples, Mottaki said answering the question of Trend news agency's correspondent. Minister said that one of them is the project on unilateral cancellation of visa regime with neighboring Azerbaijan proposed by the foreign ministry.
"The foreign ministry submitted its proposals to the parliament. The parliament will consider our proposals in accordance with the law. We hope that this issue will be considered and approved soon," Mottaki said.
Iranian foreign minister hopes that the Azerbaijani side will make the same action.
Mottaki's press-conference for foreign media outlets was held on the last day of the 16-th international exhibition of press and information agencies held in Tehran from October 19.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki arrived in Azerbaijan with official visit on Oct. 28.
The Palestinian FM met with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov.
The program of the visit also included a meeting with the Chairman of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Oqtay Asadov.
The Coalition of Non-Government Organizations (NGO) on the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has supported the initiative of Azerbaijan, which is one of the first joined the Protocol, to ratify the document, said in a letter sent to the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister signed the Protocol in New York on Sept. 25 within participation in the 64th UN General Assembly, the Foreign Ministry told Trend with reference to the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN.
Azerbaijan joined the International Covenant, adopted in 1966, in 1992.
"Azerbaijan's position is simple. We support establishment of independent Palestinian state both within UN resolutions and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We believe that independent Palestinian state will be established," Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said at a joint press-conference with his Palestinian counterpart, Riyad Al-Maliki on October 29
Azerbaijan is ready to mediate in the Middle East conflict within existing opportunities, minister said.
Al-Maliki thanked Azerbaijan for its firm and unchanged support for fair solving of Palestinian problem in the international arena. "Two countries faced the same problem. It is important for our countries to have coordinated actions in the international arena," Maliki said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the delegation led by Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Turkish Parliament Murat Mercan.
Murat Mercan noted the importance of Azerbaijan for Turkey, stressing the importance of cooperation between the parliaments of two countries.
Touching upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mercan, remembering the words of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmed Davudoglu, stressed that without solution of this conflict, the opening of borders between Turkey and Armenia is impossible, and protocols will not be ratified in the parliamentary committee of Turkey.
"There is a very simple solution to the conflict - it is Armenia's implementation of UN, OSCE and PACE resolutions," Mercan said.
In his turn, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov spoke about the current state of negotiations on Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. Reminding the reasons for closing borders between Turkey and Armenia, Mammadyarov said that only after liberation of occupied Azerbaijani territories, it will be possible to restore peace, security and communication in the region.
Mammadyarov also expressed regret of the people of Azerbaijan on the crisis with the flag in Bursa and welcomed the fact of punishing the perpetrators of this. The meeting also covered the issues of interest to both parties.
The visa program between Turkey and Azerbaijan should be eliminated, the Turkish MP said.
"The visa program between neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey should be eliminated," Turkish MP from the MHP (National Movement Party) Shenol Bal told Trend in Baku on Oct.30.
In 2008, Turkey simplified the visa program with the Turkish-speaking countries, including Azerbaijan because the country simplified the internal procedural rules of the Turkish Border Service. Prior to this decision, the Azerbaijani citizens have the right to remain in Turkey for 90 days by paying a fee of $10. Currently, there is no need to have a visa and pay fee for a month stay in the country. The question of the Azerbaijani citizens a month stay in the country is resolved in accordance with the Turkish laws ordering the legal status of foreign nationals.
In October, Turkey abolished visa regime with Syria.
Human rights
On Oct. 28, Baku office of the Council of Europe presented book "Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers on "Legal status of NGOs in Europe."
Recommendations suggest minimum standards to support the activities of NGOs, said the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe in Azerbaijan Veronika Kotek.
The Special Representative said the recommendations should be taken into account not only by state agencies, but also by NGOs, as they reflect the principles of ethics and responsibility of non-governmental organizations. The recommendations envisage accountability in the membership and general legal issues.
Head of the Council for State Support for NGOs under Azerbaijan President Azay Guliyev said that these recommendations can be considered by working groups of Parliament. He raised the issue of transparency of funding and activities of NGOs and said that in this issue the donor organizations should provide more transparent information on provision of grants. The European Commission has provided 3.25 million manat to 12 NGOs, but extensive information on the use and destination of these funds are not provided, Guliyev said.
The recommendations were prepared with the assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development and Counterpart International.
Azerbaijani human rights activist raised an issue about the early release of prisoners suffering from serious and incurable disease.
This proposal was put forward by a human rights activist Novella Jafaroglu at a meeting on the results of the third composition of the public committee of the Ministry of Justice.
It is necessary to review the cases of convicts on lesser crimes and contact the appropriate organization on behalf of a public committee, raising the question of their early release, said the human rights activist.
Jafaroglu proposed to discharge prisoners suffering from drug addiction and to send them for treatment to reduce the number of prisoners in institutions serving the sentence.
The law allows early release of prisoners suffering from serious and incurable disease, said Sahib Mammadov, the coordinator of the Public Committee.
Mammadov supported this humanist step.
Mammadov made a report on activities in 2009 and said that during its powers, this committee visited prisons of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice, paying attention to the improvement of prison conditions, their involvement in socially useful work, legal aid, conducting educational activities and other issues. As a result of visits, the relevant meetings were held and reports were submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
The Azerbaijani city of Sumgayit hosted the training on human rights for youth.
On Oct. 25-30, under the European Commission's program "Youth in Action", the Sumgayit city hosted the training on "Human Rights in Action", the Sumgayit City Administration told Trend on Oct. 31. The international training, funded by the British Council, attended by young people from Britain, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Azerbaijan.
In addition to enhancing participants' knowledge on training in the field of human rights, they were also acquainted with the informal learning that exists in this area.
During the training, young people have the opportunity to get acquainted with the historical monuments of Azerbaijan.
The program "Youth in Action" is the largest program undertaken in the field of the EU youth policy. Each year, the program conducts hundreds of trainings, seminars, workshops, volunteer programs and so on.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
De-occupation of the Azerbaijani territories will contribute positively to the ratification of the Turkish-Armenian protocols in the Turkish parliament, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in an interview to Al Jazeera.
"There is no hope that the protocol will be ratified without the positive progress [in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]," Davutoglu said. "Political and psychological atmosphere in which the parliament would ratify an agreement of this kind is important."
"We are acting in accordance with the constitution and cannot exert pressure on the Turkish parliament on the issue of ratification of protocols," the minister said.
The Armenian-Turkish protocols on normalization of relations have a positive impact on establishment of stability in the South Caucasus and solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Davutoglu added.
"We want to prepare the political and psychological framework in order the parliament will recognize the protocols. This requires progress in the peace negotiations, because the occupation of the Azerbaijani lands had become a problem in Turkey," the minister stated.
An Azerbaijani member of parliament proposed to intensify relations with the parliaments of member countries of the OSCE Minsk Group.
"If Armenia does not face pressure, it will be impossible to return the occupied lands. To settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the country's parliament should further expand the relations with the parliaments of member countries of OSCE Minsk Group. In this case, we can achieve exert pressure on Armenia, as on the aggressor country," MP and Chairman of Ana Vatan Party, Fazail Agamali said at the parliamentary meeting on Oct. 27.
On Oct. 26, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the areas and positions near the Horadiz and Ashagi Seyidahmadli villages in the Fuzuli region at 06:15-06:35, 06:20-06:50 and 23:40-00:00, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Meetings with foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan took place in a constructive spirit, says a joint statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, placed on the official website of the OSCE.
According to the statement, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia), Bernard Fassier (France) and Robert Bradtke (U.S.) met on Monday, October 26, with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Luxembourg, where they held a working session with each minister.
The sessions, which took place in a constructive spirit, assessed the current stage of the negotiations and considered, in particular, next steps in view of the December 1-2 OSCE Ministerial Council in Athens, says the statement.
The Organisation of the Islamic countries (OIC) has urged all OIC member states to use such effective political and economic measures as required to put an end to the Armenian aggression and occupation of the Azerbaijani territories, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in an interview with Trend .
Ihsanoglu will visit Baku to attend the conference "Dialogue of Civilizations: a view of Azerbaijan." in mid-November.
The conference, which will be held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the OIC, will focus on issues such as the confessional and cultural diversity, Azerbaijan's experience in this field, the problems of interfaith dialogue and Islamic geopolitics.
Azerbaijan joined the OIC in 1992 and during its chairmanship it did a great job specially in fostering understanding among nations and cultures, the Secretary General added.
"Azerbaijan, as an OIC Member, can also play as a bridge between Europe and Asia to promote cooperation," Ihsanolu said. "As its firm and principled position, the OIC has condemned Armenian aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan and would continue its solidarity with Azerbaijan on the conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh."
Being the second largest organization in the world by number of members following the UN, the OIC believes now for a peaceful settlement of this dispute, they should stick to the international law and regulations. International laws as well as those resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council on this conflict have clearly reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and also the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory, Ihsanoglu added.
Regarding the Islamic countries' role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ihsanouglu said that the OIC, have demanded the strict implementation of these resolutions and urged all OIC member states to use such effective political and economic measures as required in order to put an end to Armenian aggression and occupation of the Azerbaijani territories and to enable the displaced persons to return to their homes in safety, honor and dignity.
"The OIC has also supported all efforts of Azerbaijan for a just and negotiated peaceful settlement of the conflict and rejected Armenian activities in the occupied territories," Ihsanoglu said.
On Oct. 27, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas in the Khojavand region at 20:00-20:15, from areas and the Ashagi Veysalli village in the Fuzuli region at 20:40-21:00 and 22:30-22:40 and an area outside the Chilaburt village in the Terter region at 23:40-23:50.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Tagibayli village in the Agdam region at 02:25-02:52 on Oct. 28.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The talks to solve Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict have been held still on the basis of major principles, Azerbaijani foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov told media on October 29.
The meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers with participation of Georgian foreign minister and EU representatives was held during the breakfast in Luxembourg on October 26. There was not a bilateral meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers, minister said.
Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers discussed conditions to prepare new proposals by co-chairmen during the meeting with mediators, Mammadyarov said.
Russian, French and U.S co-chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group will arrive in the region to continue the negotiating process in early November, minister said
On Oct. 28, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in the Alibayli village of the Tovuz region at 09:40-10:00. The shots were fired from the Mosesgah village in Armenia's Berd region.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Sarijali village in the Agdam region at 18:15-18:25 and from areas in the Fuzuli region at 05:25-05:35 on Oct. 29.
It is still unknown when the sides will be provided the updated Madrid principles, Russian co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group Yuri Merzlyakov told Trend by telephone from Moscow.
"Updated Madrid principles were prepared already after a meeting in Krakow, but after each new meeting at high level, we were forced to make changes to the Madrid document, so it is unknown when the updated Madrid document will be submitted to the sides," said Merzlyakov.
According to him, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen specify the date of the next visit to the region.
The next visit of the OSCE Minsk Group to the region will take place next week, said the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov.
On Oct. 29, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in areas of the Agstafa and Gazakh regions at 11:20-11:30. The shots were fired from the Nerkin Narpiakhpur village in Armenia's Berd region.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops in the Gizil Hajili village of the Gazakh region from an area outside the Berkaber village in Armenia's Ijevan region at 11:30-11:45, in the areas of the Gazakh region from the Voskepar village in Armenia's Noyenberyan region at 12:10-12:25. Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at the Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 16:20-16:40, from an area outside the Talish village in the Terter region at 16:15-16:40, from the positions near the Kuropatkino village in the Khojavand region at 19:15-19:20, from an area outside the Mehdili village in the Jabrayil region at 22:20-22:25, as well as from an area outside the Ashagi Abdulrahmanli, Horadiz, Garakhanbayli, Ashagi Veysalli and Gorgan villages in the Fuzuli region at 09:30-09:40, 17:50-18:20, 20:30-20:40, 22:10-22:35 and on Oct. 30, at 01:35-02:00.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Oct. 30, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and Gorgan village in the Fuzuli region at 21:25-21:45, 22:23-22:55 and on Oct. 31, at 00:01-00.10.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops from areas in the Khojavand region at 00:02-00:11.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.