Official chronicle
On Dec. 1, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Mr. Blair recalled the Azerbaijani President's visits to the United Kingdom. He pointed out the fact leading British companies were operating in Azerbaijan, saying, he was well aware that the country enjoyed the most rapidly growing economy in the world. President Ilham Aliyev praised the two countries` relations as "rapidly developing". "We started our cooperation in the energy sphere and now it covers a wide range of fields," he said.
The President recalled his last visit to the United Kingdom, saying it was "fruitful" and produced "good results".
President Ilham Aliyev also pointed out the fact a large number of British firms operated in Azerbaijan, calling them "large investors".
Following the meeting the Azerbaijani President hosted a working dinner in honor of Tony Blair.
President Ilham Aliyev has today visited the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater in the center of capital Baku to see ongoing reconstruction work.
The President, accompanied by his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, first viewed the building`s facade.
They then viewed a photo showcase featuring the facility`s look before and after the complete overhaul.
The Head of State also toured the theater`s hall. Minister of culture and tourism Abulfaz Garayev told the President the reconstruction would see the number of seats in the hall increase from 590 to 650. The minister said the hall would also have state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment.
The President said it was very important that the theatre meets modern standards after the revamp.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulation to President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his country`s National Day.
"Azerbaijan and the UAE enjoy strong friendship and cooperative relations. I`m sure we will continue joint efforts to preserve our relations and develop our cooperation in all fields," the President said in his letter.
President wished Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan "robust health and successes in your activities" and "the friendly people of the UAE peace and prosperity".
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulation to Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on his country's National Day.
"I`m sure friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries will always develop for the prosperity of our peoples," the President said in the letter.
The Azerbaijani leader also wished the Ruler of Dubai and the people of his country "best regards, peace and welfare".
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu on Great Union Day.
In his letter, the Azerbaijani leader praised the bilateral relations. The Head of State stressed the importance of a declaration on partnership recently signed between the two states in Bucharest, saying such documents open up "broad" prospects for cooperation.
"I am sure new economic projects, especially oil and gas ones, which we plan to realize together, will make great contribution to welfare of our countries and peoples," the letter says.
President Ilham Aliyev has also sent a letter of congratulation to his Laotian counterpart Choummali Saignason on his country's National Day.
"I hope relations between Azerbaijan and Laos will develop in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation for the prosperity of our peoples."
President Ilham Aliyev wished Choummali Saignason "robust health, successes in your activities" and "the friendly people of Laos peace and prosperity".
On Dec. 1, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
They praised the relations between the two countries, and expressed hope their economic cooperation would enhance.
On Dec. 1, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev inspected construction work at a new building of the Azerbaijan State Museum of Carpet and National Applied Arts, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The foundation stone for the building, located in the National Park, was laid last May. It is a joint project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and UNESCO.
Minister of culture and tourism Abulfaz Garayev told the President the building would appear in the form of a rolled up carpet
The President emphasized the importance of carrying out land improvement works in the "Venetian city" here.
Accompanied by first lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the Head of state viewed the museum`s model. They also viewed materials to be used for decorating the building`s facade.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the King of Thailandian Bhumibol Adulyadej on country's national holiday, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
In his congratulation letter, Azerbaijan President expressed confidence that the friendship and cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Thailand will further develop in the interests of two peoples.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev on a life loss following an explosion in the Russian city of Perm, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"The news of a great life loss as the result of an explosion in Perm was a source of great sorrow to me," the President said in his letter.
"On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I offer sincere condolences to you, families and relatives of the dead and all the people of Russia, and wish the injured speedy recovery," President Ilham Aliyev said.
Parliament
Azerbaijani MP is satisfied with the level of combating AIDS in the country.
"Our government and the legislative body will take necessary measures to strengthen the fight with this illness" Parliamentary Social Policy Committee member Elmira Akhundova told Trend today.
Dec. 1 was declared the World AIDS Day by the WHO in 1988. Everyday about 18,000 people worldwide are infected with HIV.
Although Azerbaijan is among countries with low levels of HIV infection, the problem is real, the MP said.
According to the Health Ministry, during the first six months of 2009, 220 new cases of HIV were reported in the country.
Antiretroviral drugs are free at the Republican Center for Fighting AIDS. More than 250 patients with HIV receive treatment.
Akhundova said a new bill is being prepared in the committee to help the fight against this disease.
"My colleague Musa Guliyev has prepared a comprehensive bill. After its adoption, we will achieve change in social attitudes about the carriers of the virus," the MP said.
According to the committee member, the group has widely discussed the bill.
"I think the bill will be submitted to parliamentary discussion. We will make our contribution to fighting such a complicated problem," Akhundova said.
The Azerbaijani parliament must adopt a domestic violence bill this year.
"We need the support of political parties and law enforcement agencies to adopt the bill," Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Bahar Muradova said during "No Violence Toward Women" hearings in parliament today.
The "Domestic Violence" bill has been already submitted to parliament for review and was returned for revision in 2008.
The International Day for Fighting Violence Toward Women is celebrated annually Nov. 25 in accordance with a U.N. General Assembly decision dated Dec. 17, 1999.
Muradova said Azerbaijan joined the Council of Europe campaign directed at preventing domestic violence in 2006.
"This problem is urgent and worldwide. Azerbaijan cooperates with the Council of Europe and U.N. in this sphere," Muradova said.
She said clauses on preventing domestic violence are part of Azerbaijani legislation.
The Azerbaijani parliament approved a bill and amendmends to the Administrative Violations Code today. Under the bill, the country will ban foreigners living illegally in the country.
"The main change relates to Article 330, which addresses foreigners residing illegally in Azerbaijan," Parliamentary Legal Policy and State Building Committee Chairman Ali Huseynov said today.
He added that the updated legislation will allow the government to expel foreigners and stateless people residing in the country without registration, unless their residence has been established on the grounds of international treaties, or fine them 300-400 manat.
Azerbaijani MPs want to adopt speedily the bill "On the Status of the Ex-President."
The bill should be adopted as soon as the Constitution is amended, opposition Grand Union party MP Fazil Mustafa said today.
Amendments and supplements to the Constitution were made via a referendum March 18. The amendments stipulated assigning an ex-president status to former heads of state. A new bill must be prepared and submitted to parliament in this regard.
Opposition Great Establishment party head, MP Fazil Mustafa earlier prepared and submitted a bill on the status of ex-presidents.
MPs from the ruling party said the status of ex-president must only concern individuals who have held presidential authority.
"I believe the law on the status of the ex-president should only concern individuals who have held presidential authority," NAP Deputy Executive Secretary Mubariz Gurbanli told Trend .
Deputy Chairman of the pro-government Ana Vatan party, MP Zahid Oruj also stands for the rapid adoption of the bill.
"Parliament should adopt this bill, but it should not apply to ex-President Ayaz Mutallibov due to the criminal case that was launched against him," Oruj said.
Since independence, Ayaz Mutallibov, Abulfaz Elchibey, Heydar Aliyev and Ilham Aliyev has served as president of Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani Parliament has approved a bill on the amendments and additions to the Labor Code.
"The bill submitted to the parliament upon the Azerbaijani President's initiative establishes Nov. 9 the State Flag Day," Azerbaijani permanent parliamentary committee on social policy chairman Hadi Rajabli told Trend .
Rajabli said the State Flag Day will be a non-working day
Azerbaijani Milli Majlis has changed the law 'State Service'.
"According to the amendment made to article 25 of the Act envisaging the liabilities incurred by a public servant, non-execution of duties by employees or execution in an improper manner prescribed by law, unless the law defines the other procedure, is the cause for the disciplinary responsibility," the committee on legal policy and state construction chairman Ali Huseynov said at a meeting today.
In accordance with the other change, one of the following disciplinary measures will be applied towards employees if they violate the provisions stipulated in Articles 18, 20 and 25.11.
"A reprimand will be made. A salary will be reduced from 5 to 30 percent for a period up to one year. An employee will be transferred to a position in accordance with the same classification, but with a smaller salary, an employee will be transformed to the position with low classification. Finally, an employee will be dismissed", chairman of the committee said.
The change also envisages a complaint with the relevant executive authority concerning the order to impose a disciplinary penalty within seven working days from the date of its signing.
"In this case, the body must cancel the order for a disciplinary punishment or keep it in force within ten working days", Huseynov said.
The chairman of the committee said that the change of Article 29.5 of the law also envisages the possibility of involving civil servants in certain legislative cases and the administrative and criminal liability.
The Azerbaijani parliament has forbidden children under 15 years old to work.
Today, parliament approved amendments to the labor and family codes. Based on the changes, children under 15 years old will cannot be employed.
MP Fazil Gazanfaroglu believes that the changes will entail a number of serious problems.
"Although these changes were necessary, they should not lead to problems with teaching kids one or another profession, finding work in the future, or establishing a future life independent of their parents," he said.
According to the amendments, officials will be fined for bringing children under 15 to work, MP Ganira Pashayeva said.
"But I fear that in future this will lead to the exploitation of child labor. Children can be brought to work for low pay. Therefore, the organization implementing the provisions stipulated in the code should seriously work to prevent possible abuse," she said.
According to Pashayeva, the problem of street children is a painful issue facing society.
"Our struggle must be directed against those who exploit child labor," she said.
Azerbaijani MP believes that the problems of Azerbaijanis living in Georgia are very sensitive issue. "It is necessary to adopt regulation on service at migration agencies," MP Ganira Pashayeva said to the meeting of the Parliament on Dec. 4.
According to unofficial data, 500,000 Azerbaijanis live in Georgia. At today's meeting, the Parliament approved the regulation on service at migration agencies. According to Pashayeva, she often meets with the heads of migration services and discusses the problems associated with migration.
"I ask to cautiously approach the problems of Azerbaijanis living in Georgia," said the MP.
Speaking about the regulation, the chairperson of parliamentary committee on human rights Rabiyat Aslanova said that the Migration Service of Azerbaijan has been created recently.
"Therefore, this sphere is considered a priority for the Azerbaijani state. We are obliged to fulfill our responsibilities to create a legislative framework for the activities of the Migration Service. The employees in the regard should also be responsible and sensitive," she said.
Elections
The Azerbaijan Center for Independent Studies "ELS" will appeal to the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan to conduct "exit-poll"
"The documents to receive accreditation from the CEC must be submitted by Dec. 3," ELS head Irada Yaqubova told Trend
About 32,000 candidates were registered in municipalities in Azerbaijan, including candidates from 18 political parties. In general, the candidates belong to 30 political parties.
Municipal elections in Azerbaijan will be held on December 23. During these elections, 15 682 members will be elected for 1,718 municipalities. Formerly municipal elections were held twice - in 1999 and 2004.
According to Yagubova, the answer regarding providing or refusing permission to hold exit poll in municipal elections will be given within ten days after presenting documents. "We intend to conduct "exit-poll" in the majority of constituencies if we get permission," said the center head
"ELS" will conduct exit poll in a completely different way, she added
"Elections will be held in 1,718 municipalities. Though it would be impossible to use exit poll in all municipalities, through the survey we will be able to obtain objective results of the voting in the municipal elections," Yagubova said
The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has registered 411 local observers for the municipal elections. 377 observers were registered on their own initiative and 15 - on the basis of special permission, the CEC press service told Trend .
From the political parties, five observers were registered, four of whom represent New Azerbaijan Party and one - the Communist Party.
Fourteen observers were registered at the initiative of non-governmental organizations. The number of observers who have been registered in constituencies is 4,621.
From the political parties, were registered 1,999 local observers, on their own initiative - 2,257, on the initiative of NGOs - 365.
Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation of the Swedish ruling "Moderaterna" party and the Azerbaijani National Independence Party (NIPA) will conduct joint workshops on "The municipal elections and international practice" in Baku on Dec. 5-6, NIPA Press Service told Trend yesterday.
The Swedish Prime Minister Office chief Christopher Tamsons, the Stockholm county party "Moderato" head Peter Dannered, a member of the Municipal Assembly and the Stockholm County Council Harry Bouveng will inform NIPA candidates on European practice, including the Swedish one.
The Swedish ruling "Moderaterna" party Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation responsible person Catherine Vallberg will also take part in the event.
Foreignpolicy
The Greek chairmanship of the OSCE made a statement on the process of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement on Dec. 2 as a result of the Athens meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers.
The statement welcomes the joint statement adopted on Dec. 1 by the foreign ministers of France, Russia and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State - co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group and the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia. "We urge the sides to stable positive dynamics of negotiations and fully support them in peacefully resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, based on the Madrid document in order to immediately begin preparation of a comprehensive peace agreement.
The ministers once again declared their commitment to intensive work to resolve remaining questions and reach an agreement based particularly on the principles of the Helsinki Final Act on non-use of force, territorial integrity and the rights of peoples to self-determination. We believe that today there is a real possibility for future peace, stability and prosperity throughout the region," the statement said.
Co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group are likely to make the next visit to the region of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the end of the year, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov briefed the media in Athens on Dec. 1.
"We need to intensively continue negotiations," said the Minister. He also stated that during their visits to Baku and Yerevan, the OSCE Minsk co-chairmen from Russia, France and the United States will discuss the next meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"Dynamics is felt in the negotiations," Mammadyarov said, commenting on talks of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as foreign ministers of France, Russia and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State held in Athens on Dec. 1.
"It is not accidental that the joint statement after the meeting refers to the statement by the presidents of three countries - the OSCE Minsk co-chairmen, which was adopted in Italy during the last G8 summit." We still have a lot of work for the next year. But the desire to intensify the negotiations is felt and welcomed. In this case, through approaching positions, we can at least make a decision on the basic principles in order to open a way for signing a comprehensive peace agreement," said Mammadyarov.
According to Mammadyarov, the topic of negotiations is the liberation of all occupied territories, returning refugees to their homes, opening transport communications.
According to him, the talks in Athens did not focus on the fundamental documents of settlement. "We talked about in what manner to continue negotiations.
And the work on the fundamental document last time was done in Munich at the level of presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia. And based on this meeting, the co-chairmen made their proposals," said Mammadyarov.
According to the Azerbaijani foreign minister, during their next visit to the region by the end of the year, the co-chairmen should compile certain schedule for the next year.
He also appreciated the recent intensification in the negotiation process. "The more intensive negotiation process will be, the more points of contact can be found. And it is very useful for advancing negotiations with the fact that we came to the conclusion of the basic principles and then access to the conclusion of a large comprehensive peace agreement," said Mammadyarov
Wales is interested in extending bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Great Britain Fahraddin Gurbanov discussed the development of bilateral cooperation with the head of the Welsh government Rhodri Morgan, the Azerbaijani Embassy in this country said.
The Azerbaijani Ambassador informed the head of the Welsh government about political processes in the country and the region, realized projects and favorable investment situation in the Republic.
The head of the Welsh government and Azerbaijani diplomat discussed the opportunities for development of cooperation and stressed a need in use all of these opportunities.
The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and the negotiation process on its settlement were also discussed at the meeting.
Azerbaijani Ambassador also met with representatives of Cardiff University and discussed the cooperation between the university and Azerbaijani universities.
Political movements
Azerbaijan's ruling party expressed its protest against the biased telecast of Euronews TV. "The party sent to Euronews TV channel a letter of protest in connection with the telecast on Nov. 28, the website of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) said on Dec. 1.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
"From time to time, some major media outlets of the West provide information regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, openly protecting the position of the aggressor - Armenia. In the telecast "Nagorno-Karabakh - wind of change" on Nov. 28 on the Euronews TV channel, once again an attempt was made to, through bias approach, confuse the world and European public opinion through presenting reasons and essence of the conflict in accordance with the position of the Armenian side," the letter of protest said.
The ruling party states that in this program Nagorno-Karabakh was presented as an "independent country" and the head of the fictitious structure Bako Saakian as "president of this country". "In addition, Nagorno-Karabakh which was recognized by all international documents and authoritative international organizations as the territory of Azerbaijan and which has no geographical link with Armenia, was described as the "heart" of Armenia," stated in the letter.
The ruling New Azerbaijan Party protests against the apparent falsification of historical and political facts and presents to the attention of TV management that the named fictional structure was created as a result of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory. "Naturally, the "state" named Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized by any state worldwide and it does not expect such a prospect in the future. The UN, OSCE, Council of Europe and several international organizations have adopted resolutions and decisions condemning the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan. It is inconceivable that the management of such a channel as Euronews, which has extensive broadcasting, does not know about it."
"It should be mentioned that with such biased and provocative programs, Euronews brings serious damages to the settlement process, conducted through the Minsk Group, and causes a heavy blow to the peace, stability and mutual trust established in the region," the letter said.
Expressing the position of the Azerbaijani society, NAP calls on the Euronews television channel to be objective in preparing programs on such a sensitive topic and said that this kind of biased telecast brings serious harms to television's image.
Member of the Azerbaijani Movement for Freedom Nemat Panahli is going to return to active political activity, Panahli said today at a press-conference.
Panahli said that after he resigned his position in the Presidential Administration, he was under the opposition's pressure which charged him in political games.
"I was made a nationalist, a radical while we faced serious national problems, including de-occupation of our territories.
Leaving political scene, I gave them an opportunity to solve these problems themselves. During this period I realized that there are few clever opposition members in the political arena. There is a need in rebels and fighters but not a wise and mild policy," Panahli said.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
On Nov. 30, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights in the Fizuli region and from an area outside the Gorgan, Ashagi Abdurahmanli and Garakhanbayli villages at 06.30-06.45, 06.35- 06.50, 06.50- 07.00, 17.00-17.05, 21.50-22.05 and 22.45- 23.15 and at 06.30-06.45 on Dec.1.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions and areas near the Javahirli village in the Agdam region at 01:45-01:55 on Dec.1, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Dec 1, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Ashagi Veysalli village in the Fizuli region at 20.30-20.50 and from the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 21.45-22.20, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Shurabad village in the Agdam region at 02.45- 03.00 Dec.2, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Dec 2, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Kurapatkino village in the Khojavand region at 23.30-23.55, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Gorgan and Garvand villages in the Fizuli region at 20.30-20.55, 22:10-22.20 and at 00.30- 00.40 and 02.40- 03.51 on Dec.3, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Dec.3, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights in the Armenian Ijevan region to the nameless height in the Gazakh region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights and from positions and areas outside the Garakhanbayli village in the Fuzuli region at 23.15- 23.40, as well as at 00.10- 01.10 and 06.00-06.05 on Dec.4, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On Dec.4, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights and from positions and areas outside the Ashagi Abdurahmanli village in the Fuzuli region at 09.00-09.25 and 21.50- 22.00, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Mehdili village in the Jabrayil region at 10:00-10:25 and from the nameless heights in the Khojavand region and from positions and areas outside the Kurapatkino village at 22.15- 22.25, as well as at 02.10- 02.20 on Dec.5, the ministry reported. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.