Official chronicle
On Dec. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva viewed reconstruction works in capital's Samad Vurgun and Mugam Gardens, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The Head of State was informed that favorable conditions had been created in the gardens for the people to have a rest.
The President and First Lady toured the garden which got a fountain built by Italian specialists, "Lights of Venice" and benches.
Shrubs brought from the Netherlands were planted in the garden.
President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse also visited the Mugam Garden in front of the Samad Vurgun Garden.
A fountain built by Italian specialists was installed in the garden. It also got ornamental shrubs, new benches and modern lighting system.
President Ilham Aliyev praised the work done in the gardens and gave certain instructions.
On Dec. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of a National Perinatal Center in Baku, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
President Ilham Aliyev got familiar with the facilities here.
The Center has been built to the highest of modern standards, in line with action plan for protection of maternal and child health.
The Center provides comprehensive obstetrical services to women, improves pregnancy outcomes and ensure optimal health for every woman and infant. It has a state-of-the art facility that specializes in the latest perinatal treatments
The Head of State congratulated the staff of the center on the official opening of the medical center and gave them respective recommendations and instructions.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today attended groundbreaking ceremony for a new administrative building of the State Oil Fund, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The Head of State was warmly welcomed by the Fund`s staff and constructors.
The President viewed the project and model of the building.
He was informed that the Building will contain the Heydar Aliyev Museum, a conference hall and 2-storey car park.
The building was designed by French company Inter Art Etudes.
President Ilham Aliyev placed a time capsule into the foundation and filled it with liquid concrete, marking the formal start of the construction.
The Head of State congratulated the staff on the 10th anniversary of the State Oil Fund and wished them successes.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated Azadlyg Prospekti metro station of Baku Metro, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Azerbaijani leader cut a ribbon symbolizing official opening of the station.
The Head of State was informed that the construction of the metro station started in late 2006.
President Aliyev congratulated builders and subway workers on the opening of the station.
The subway is at a depth of 14 meters below the surface and has no internal columns.
The Head of State viewed improvements around the station and met with people in Binagadi district.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today opened the second exit of the "28 May" metro station here.
President Ilham Aliyev saw a Baku metro development scheme.
Azerbaijani leader was told that the 167meter-long pedestrian tunnel to the 28 May station is at a depth of 40 meters. The escalators installed here are Russian-made.
The special turnstiles counting the number of people passing through a gate and enforcing one-way traffic of people have been installed for the first time in the Baku metro.
The Head of State praised the work done here and gave respective recommendations and instructions.
2009 goes down the history. 2009 became for all countries a year of real test. In 2009, financial and economic crisis had negative impact possibly on all world countries. In 2009, the countries have demonstrated on what they are capable with their opportunities, their natural resources and conducted reforms, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his congratulatory message addressed to the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year.
"In 2009, Azerbaijan, despite all difficulties, continued to develop successfully. In 2009, economic growth in our country has exceeded 9 percent. In crisis year, it is very good indicator. The crisis endured in all region and reforms carried out in region in various fields have shown economic and political potential of each country. The crisis year has very clearly and openly shown who on what is capable. Azerbaijan belongs to those countries that live at its own expense. We base on talent of our people, we base on our reforms and carried out changes, we base on will of the Azerbaijani people," President Ilham Aliyev said.
"In 2009, in Azerbaijan, in all directions were observed advancement and development. Economic growth, as I have told, has exceeded 9 percent, industrial production has increased almost for 9 percent. Inflation is in our country at level below 2 percent. That is, the basic indicators providing economic development are at the highest level. We have managed to achieve all this together with you, carrying out expedient policy. We have managed to achieve it, carrying out reforms. Not casually that the international financial structures highly appreciate the work carried out by Azerbaijan in the said direction - in the direction of carrying out of economic and political reforms. In 2008, the World Bank recognized Azerbaijan as a country-reformer number one. In 2009, the authoritative international organization - the World Economic Forum has placed Azerbaijan on 51st place in the world on competitiveness of economy. On the given parameters, Azerbaijan is the leading country on CIS space," Aliyev added.
According to the head of state, in 2009, all our plans, all the planned measures have been realized. Development of regions promptly continues. During the last 6 years in Azerbaijan we have opened more than 800 thousand new workplaces. All regions are reviving, and huge accomplishment and creation activities are underway. Our country is realizing the second program of socio-economic development of regions. It is very detailed program thanks to realization of which the basic economic and social problems the country faces should be solved till 2013. On the results of 2009, we see that the program is successfully carried out.
Aliyev said the huge improvement and reconstruction work is being done in Azerbaijan. Notwithstanding the crisis year, all infrastructure projects are being implemented. New roads are being built. New roads in Baku and highways connecting us with neighboring countries are being constructed. These roads meet the highest standards. Construction of electric power stations is underway successfully. By doing so, Azerbaijan totally ensured its energy security, and we will largely shift our attention to creation of renewable energy sources. The gas supply to regions of Azerbaijan is improving. The population is being supplied with pure drinking water. Hundreds of thousand citizens received drinking water as a result of urgent measures. This process in going on, and realization of huge infrastructure projects will allow us supplying population of Azerbaijan with fresh water, which is up to the standards of the World Health Organization.
"All social programs are being realized. It is no secret that some part of our economy is based on oil revenues but oil prices plummeted down in 2009. In spite of this, all social programs are being implemented in a timely fashion. The targeted social assistance program will be continued further. New schools, sport complexes, medical and cultural centers have been created everywhere. All social programs stipulated in the 2009 state budget have been realized.
Concrete steps were taken to improve living conditions and increase employment of our countrymen who suffered from the Armenia occupation. New settlements, beautiful houses, multi-storied buildings are being built. It suggests Azerbaijani economy is based on its own resources. We do not live on foreign aid as other states do. We pursue an independent, worthy policy, rely on our own resources, live on our own funds, strengthen and improve our country. We do everything possible to make our country stronger in the international arena," the leader said.
Much work was done in 2009 to develop agriculture. "Azerbaijan reaped three million tons of grain. It is a record figure. Azerbaijan has never produced so much grain in its history. The practical work is being done for production of other agricultural products; subsidies and credits are being set aside; refrigerator warehouses and granaries are being built; irrigation programs are being implemented. We have a deliberate program to further develop agriculture. It will ensure the agricultural growth. Today, we supply ourselves with major farm products. The production is going to rise in the future. Additional opportunities will be created in the future to meet our internal needs and increase export potential. Integrated measures help develop the field, which is very important for our country from both economic and social points of view," Aliyev said.
Aliyev noted that in Azerbaijan there are fine conditions for business development. Businessmen get state support - moral, political and economic. If there were not state credits in development of agriculture we would have serious problems. However, timely granting of credits and all carried out measures on business development, certainly, create fine conditions for businessmen. In coming years, the economy of Azerbaijan will depend more on enterprise activity. "All infrastructural projects are realized, power stations, roads are under construction, and I already spoke about it, this at the same time is the main condition also for business development. Equipped with modern conveniences, the cities of Azerbaijan become nicer and prettier. Business development is as earlier for us a priority question and necessary measures in this direction will be accepted also in the years ahead," the president said.
Azerbaijan has completely solved questions of power security. All planned oil and gas projects are realized. We have solved all planned questions, and have managed to diversify our export. Oil and gas of Azerbaijan are delivered on the world markets by various routes, and from next year the geography of export will become even wider.
In 2009, Azerbaijan has produced 50 million tons of oil and 25 billion cubic meters of gas. Next year these figures even more will increase, and, thus, our country will receive additional financial resources, and also our export possibilities will extend. The number of the countries day by day grows, wishing to cooperate with Azerbaijan in energy sphere.
"As to foreign policy, very significant steps have been undertaken in this field. In 2009, Azerbaijan has done very important work in the said direction. The meetings and negotiations I had with heads of the states and governments of the various countries have even more strengthened positions of Azerbaijan in the world. The number of the countries wishing to be on friendly terms with Azerbaijan is growing. The number of our strategic partners grows, and it is not a secret, that today Azerbaijan is the country having huge respect on a global scale. Our foreign policy aims at high-grade protection of the national interests of Azerbaijan. With all neighboring countries we have established relations based on mutual respect. Azerbaijan acts exclusively in the conditions of friendship and cooperation with all countries," the president stated.
"We very actively work over settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which is the basic problem of our foreign policy. I can tell that in 2009 very important steps have been undertaken for settlement of the problem. The world community and the parties, directly engaged in the question, show the will concerning the ways the problem is to be resolved by. It is very pleasant that the position, which Azerbaijan protects throughout many years, prevails. That is, the question should be solved on the basis of international law, in the frame of territorial integrity of the countries. We always adhered to these principles.
The president stressed that Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity has not and will never be a topic of discussion. The Nagorno-Karabakh will never be independent, it is not possible without Azerbaijan`s consent. And Azerbaijan will never agree to this. Armenians living in Karabakh and Azerbaijanis who will live there must live on the basis of autonomy, and we need the world`s best practice to be applied here. It is our principal position and we will never take a step back from it.
"We will try to use all means, including the political, economic and diplomatic ones, to find a soonest and just solution to this issue, based on international legal norms, so that Azerbaijani citizens can return to their homelands as soon as possible.
At the same time Azerbaijan is strengthening its military potential. It is our sovereign right and we exercise it. It is necessary to mention that Azerbaijan is strengthening its army using its own means. Surely, it is our domestic affair. Over last few years Azerbaijan`s Armed Forced have gone through a great and successful path. Today our military is capable of fulfilling any task set. We possess everything to liberate our lands from occupation. We have both the military effectiveness, patriotism, and our potential is being strengthened in terms of weapons and equipment. Four years ago we created defense industry in Azerbaijan, and we have already made considerable achievements in this sphere. Our military potential is increasing day by day, and this process will continue. We set large amounts of extra funds for 2010 to achieve these goals. We can use all our means to solve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Aliyev said.
"Dear fellow countrymen, dear friends! Today, at the same time, marks the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. This day is marked by all our compatriots across the world. I wish the world Azerbaijanis successes, health and happiness. They should know, and they know, that the powerful Azerbaijani state stands by them. At the same time, their successes, their successful activities in countries they live in contribute to strengthening our Motherland - Azerbaijan. With great pleasure I note that there are strong Azerbaijani organizations in different countries, in almost all parts of the world. Azerbaijanis are involved in business, they hold different positions, including in governments, and are already elected to legislative bodies. It is very important. Such well-organized Azerbaijani communities strengthen Azerbaijan and, at the same time, contribute to improving their living standard in countries of their residence. This is a very positive factor.
There is a vast number of Azerbaijanis across the world, and our activity, our organized work strengthen us. Recently, when Azerbaijan faced unjust decisions, Azerbaijan`s diaspora members demonstrated their strength, they launched numerous protest actions, they made their voices of protest heard in a civilized manner. And it is the power of Azerbaijan, it is the triumph of the philosophy of Azerbaijanism.
On this dearest day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Azerbaijanis across the world. Each of them is dear to us. They are aware that they can always rely on their Motherland," President Ilham Aliyev said.
On Dec. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an executive order on extra measures on construction of multifield Training-Therapeutic Clinic of the Azerbaijan Medical University.
Upon the order, the Reserve Fund of the President should provide funds for this.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on the implementation of the law on additions and amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Code of Administrative Violations and the Law on State Protection of the employees of court and law enforcement agencies, the Immigration Act, the Law on compulsory personal insurance of employees of court and law-enforcement agencies, Law on State Register of Population of Azerbaijan Republic.
On Dec. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on marking the 80th anniversary of Azerbaijan's prominent oilman and scientist Khoshbakht Yusifzade in January next year.
On Dec. 28, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed executive order on extra support for farmers engaged in pedigree stock-breeding.
Upon the order, the Reserve Fund of the President of Azerbaijan Republic will provide 3 million manat to Agroleasing JSC for imports of breeding animals in 2010 and their sale to agricultural producers engaged in livestock through leasing with a 50 percent privilege.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree Dec. 29 to write off the population's natural gas debts.
According to the decree, steps have been taken to ensure the population's natural gas needs. Significant progress was marked in gas infrastructure reconstruction in the recent years.
Gas pipelines have been laid to cities and regions, which previously did not receive natural gas. Gas meters were also installed to make payments for gas.
Consumers have neglected their gas bills in the past, which has led to large debt. Natural gas supplies have not been regularly supplied to the population as a result, and energy infrastructure has not fully developed.
Aliyev has decided to annul the population`s gas debts worth 327 million manat to Azerigas as of Oct. 1, 2009 to strengthen social protection and regulate natural gas consumption costs.
The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic will receive compensation equal to the debts written off from the 2009 state budget.
SOCAR has been instructed to take the necessary measures to collect timely the full cost of natural gas from consumers. The Cabinet of Ministers has been asked to ensure the payment of the compensation by decree.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Pakistani leader Asif Ali Zardari over a recent terrorist attack in the country, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"The news of great human loss as the result of a terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat was a source of great sorrow to us. We resolutely condemn all forms of terrorism and voice our support for the fight against it," the President said.
"I offer sincere condolences and sympathies to you and families and friends of the dead, and also wish the injured a speedy recovery. May Allah rest their souls in peace!"
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory message to Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Than Shwe on the country`s holiday, Independence Day.
In his letter, the President expressed hope that relations between Azerbaijan and Myanmar would continue developing "in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation".
President Ilham Aliyev extended to Than Shwe his best wishes and friendly people of Myanmar peace and prosperity.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Orthodox Christian communities in the country with Christmas, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the whole Christian community of Azerbaijan on Christmas which marks the blessed occasion of the birth of Prophet Jesus," the message says.
"Peacefully coexisting in Azerbaijan over centuries, the divine religions have played invaluable, historic role in establishing brotherhood, friendship and harmony among people. Based on mutual respect and confidence among peoples and religions, the atmosphere of tolerance within modern Azerbaijani society - which is built on progressive historic and cultural values - as well as national and spiritual solidarity have rightly made our country known to the world as an example of tolerance," the message says.
"As an integral part of our society, Christian citizens, including large Orthodox Christian community, are closely involved in all spheres of socio-political life of Azerbaijan. I am confident that you will continue to perform worthily your civic duties in the name of progress and prosperity of Azerbaijan. Christmas, which embodies renewal, peace, compassion and mercy, is celebrated annually in Azerbaijan. Once again I extend my greetings to you, and may this blessed holiday bring happiness and welfare into your families," the President said in his message.
On Jan. 5, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree awarding Abid Sharifov the "Sharaf" Medal ("Glory") for his long-term fruitful work in the public service.
Jan. 6, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an executive order to appoint Murad Nacafbayli Azerbaijan's Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Switzerland, the AzerTAj state news agency reported.
President Ilham Aliyev signed another executive order on bestowing the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador rank upon Murad Nacafbeyli.
Aliyev signed an executive order calling back Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein and permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other organizations Elchin Amirbayov.
Under the other presidential decree, Elchin Amirbayov was appointed Azerbaijan's Ambassador to France.
Moreover, the president signed an executive order recalling Azerbaijani Ambassador to France and Monaco Tarik Aliyev.
Parliament
An Azerbaijiani MP called a presidential decree annulling the population's gas debt a great New Year's gift today.
"This decree should be commended. The population's gas debt is quite large. Writing off the debt is a big holiday gift for the population," MP Hadi Rajabli told Trend .
Aliyev decided to annul the population's gas debts worth 327 million manat to Azerigas as of Oct. 1, 2009 to strengthen social protection and regulate natural gas consumption costs.
The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic will receive compensation equal to the debts written off from the 2009 state budget.
"Often people think about social protection as wage increases. But annulling the debts of the population is an important step to strengthen social protection," he said.
A special conception has been prepared in Azerbaijan for determining the format of national surnames.
"The conception, prepared as a result of research by a special commission established by the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (NASA), envisages establishing state information system of names and surnames," the chairman of the committee on culture of Parliament of Azerbaijan, MP Nizami Jafarov, told Trend on Jan. 7.
According to the 1993 Law on brining names of citizens of Azerbaijan in line with the state language, the citizens can change the end "-ov", "-ev", in their names into "-li", ("-li","-lu" "lyu", depending on the root of the word) "-zadeh," "oglu", "-qizi" or completely remove the end.
According to Jafarov, having studied the historical forms of surnames in Azerbaijan, the commission, comprised of experts in various fields of science, defined the format of national surnames.
"Implementation of the conception will be possible after its approval," he said.
According to the chairman of the commission, the conception envisages complete elimination of surnames ending with "-ov," "-ev", "-zade". "Experts believe that it would be more appropriate to use in documents the surnames ending with "-li", "-lu", "oglu", "qizi", "gil"," said Jafarov.
According to Jafarov, national format of the surnames of Azerbaijani citizens of other nationalities are not envisaged to be changed: "The Russians, Ukrainians, Georgians and representatives of other nations have their own recognized format of surnames in the world. The conception will not affect the representatives of other nationalities," said chairman of the commission.
Azerbaijani Parliament will make amendments to the Labor Code regarding social protection of hired workers.
"Amendments to the Labor Code have been prepared. It is expected to submit the project of very important amendments to the Labor Code for discussion at the spring session as a result of the monitoring conducted by us over a long period of time," deputy chairman of the committee on social policy of the Parliament Musa Guliyev told Trend today.
He said that major amendments to the Labor Code are related to hired worker.
"Drivers working for families, gardeners, guards, nurses and private tutors for children usually work without contracts. Their labor rights are not protected by any legislation. At the same time we can say that they are not protected without involving in social insurance before reaching pension age. The amendments to the Code envisage also settlement of this problem," MP said
Elections
The Azerbaijani Central Electoral Commission (CEC) can liquidate results of the municipal elections of Naftalan-Geranboy Electoral Commission No96.
The CEC revealed a fact of interference of Naftalan executive power head in the electoral process during the municipal elections. The commission considers reasonable to liquidate results of the elections of this electoral commission, the CEC member, the expert group head Tofiq Hasanov said at a meeting today.
He said the CEC considered appeals about interference of Naftalan region executive power head Musa Musayev in the electoral process. Observers' complaints in this electoral commission are confirmed.
The CEC received over 16 appeals on interference of Naftalan executive power head in the elections.
The municipal elections were held in Azerbaijan on Dec. 23. About 31.86 percent of voters participated in them.
Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) received few complaints in connection with the municipal elections in the country, the CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov briefed the media on Jan. 8.
Municipal elections in Azerbaijan were held on December 23.
"Of more than 4,800 polling stations in the country, the CEC has received complaints only from about 200," Panahov said. This testifies the transparency of elections, said the CEC head.
The country had about 4.6 million registered voters. About 15,682 members were planned to be elected to 1,718 municipalities. Municipal elections were held twice in 1999 and 2004.
Foreign policy
Trend conducted an exclusive interview with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov
Trend : Can we call 2009 a successful year in terms of the country's foreign policy? What will be priorities of our foreign policy in 2010?
Mammadyarov: The year was rich in activities and successes for Azerbaijani foreign policy. Among these many successes were: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's frequent visits abroad, the visits of myriad heads of state and foreign officials to Azerbaijan, intensive bilateral cooperation, an intensive negation process on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the active involvement of international organizations, as well as events of international importance that were held in our country and abroad.
Moreover, Baku was the cultural capital of the Islamic world. We have achieved economic progress and stability amid the global financial crisis within the country and Azerbaijan straightened its position on regional and global levels, as well as expanded its diplomatic representations' geography. We have enhanced Azerbaijan's role in combating traditional and new global threats.
The resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and restoration of our territorial integrity remain the most basic priorities of our foreign policy in 2010. In this regard, we will use all our capabilities to implement the strategic targets set by the President Ilham Aliyev. Moreover, our other foreign policy priorities are to increase our country's leadership role in the South Caucasus, as well as our prestige as a responsible participant in the international system of communications. We also aim to develop stable bilateral, regional and international ties meeting our national interests, continue mutually respective relations with all countries, actively partake in international organizations, proceed with our integration process into Europe and the Euro-Atlantic space, and further expand our capabilities as an exporting and transit country of great importance and influence on world energy markets.
Q: Can we call 2009 as a year of progress in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
A: This year can be seen in terms of intensified negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents' six meetings this year testify to this fact. The international community also showed immense interest toward settling this conflict. Thus, the G-8 Summit in the Italian L'Aquila city adopted a joint statement by the presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the foreign ministers of Russia and France and the U.S Assistant Secretary of State adopted a joint statement on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement Dec.1 as a result of the Athens meeting of the OSCE Council of Foreign Ministers.
The international community knows that the status quo is inadmissible and the conflict must be settled soon. Our position on its resolution is clear. The conflict must be resolved only within the framework of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan. This position is based on the norms and principles of international law and U.N. charters, the Helsinki Final Act and numerous international papers adopted within the framework of the conflict settlement.
The country's position is reflected in a joint declaration signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia in November 2008 in Moscow, stating that the conflict should be resolved within the norms of international law, as well as documents adopted within this framework.
Today, the whole world sees the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict only through observing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Negotiations are in progress and based on these principles. Progress on resolving the conflict is possible only after the Armenian troops withdraws from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
Q: Recently, Azerbaijan called the actions of the world "double standards" in terms of this conflict. A program on Nagorno-Karabakh broadcast by Euronews, the U.S. decision to allocate aid to the separatist regime, and the European Parliament's resolution on freedom of speech in Azerbaijan are several examples. What are your thoughts in this regard?
A: Some forces in the world community are jealous of our increasing authority. In some cases, this manifests itself as double standards. We assess the incidents that you cited as examples of disrespect to our territorial integrity, the occupation of our lands, the ethnic cleansing of about million Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs, and destruction of our historical and cultural monuments and we strictly protest against these actions.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is a young country that started along the path of democratic development in a complex international environment and continues making steps to promote high standards and values of nation-building. The process is closely monitored and analyzed by the international community. However, in some cases, these evaluations of our progress are more akin to pressure on our country, which disturbs our momentum.
Azerbaijan is ahead of many regional and non-regional countries in terms of its democracy.
The policy that Aliyev has pursued has turned Azerbaijan into a strong and powerful country and a regional leader. Attempts to exert pressure on Azerbaijan are unacceptable.
2009 was successful for the Azerbaijani diplomacy, since the foreign policy of Azerbaijan is not only multilateral, but also pragmatic, the head of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan Elkhan Nuriyev briefed the media on Dec. 29.
Summarizing the work of the Center, of which main priority is to define the strategic directions of domestic and foreign policy of Azerbaijan, Nuriyev said that the tendency of multi-vector diplomacy allows the State to take successful steps in the foreign policy of the country.
He said that today Azerbaijan has no problems with the major powers and neighboring countries, except Armenia.
"The geopolitical and strategic interests of powers coincide in Azerbaijan, unlike in Georgia and Armenia. Because Azerbaijan has always tried to adhere to multidirectional, balanced and pragmatic policy," Nuriyev said, adding that such diplomacy allows Azerbaijan to successfully develop bilateral relations with other countries.
"The policy of our President is successful because it focuses on the future, when there is a purpose to go forward, then appropriate steps are taken. If they are strategically thought out, they will be successful," said Nuriyev.
The priority of the Center for Strategic Studies is to study and analyze the domestic and foreign policy, said Nuriyev.
Interesting processes occur in Azerbaijan, and if to analyze them internally, it becomes clear that Azerbaijan is a stable, dynamically developing state, which is moving from stability to modernization, said Nuriyev.
"Azerbaijan is a modernizing state and we develop democratic elements through modernization, Nuriyev said. The leadership of the country is seriously thinking about where and how Azerbaijan goes. The answer is simple: Azerbaijan is moving towards modernization in the economic and political spheres."
Modernization of the political, economic and cultural life of the country is the demand of time, and Azerbaijan gets modernized independently without the influence of external forces, said Nuriyev.
Head of the Center for Strategic Studies Elkhan Nuriyev thinks the Middle East can be positively influenced by Azerbaijan.
"Azerbaijan is a country that can play a positive role in the Middle East. The visits of the Israeli, and Syrian presidents shows the country's increasing significance on the geo-economic level," Nuriyev told journalists while speaking about the center's activities in 2009.
Nuriyev said Azerbaijan's location at the Asian and European crossroads gives the country an advantage in terms of conducting a dialogue with different civilizations.
He does not exclude the Middle East's interest in using Russia's and Azerbaijan's warm relations and Azerbaijan's positive role for regional stability.
"Perhaps Azerbaijan could play a mediating role as a democratic, secular state, and Azerbaijan is the country that could be used to positively influence the Middle East," Nuriyev said.
The domestic political situation in Turkey, which more remembers political crisis, will further influence the development of the situation around the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations, said the head of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan Elkhan Nuriyev.
"Turkey is found between two fires and is experiencing serious internal political crisis. This prevents coordinating actions and deciding how to move, what to do and in what direction to go, given the geopolitics of Azerbaijan and its increasing role in the regional arena," Nuriyev briefed the media on Dec. 29, evaluating the results of the Center's activities in 2009.
Nureyev was optimistic about the future of the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, noting that domestic political factors in Turkey will exert its influence and the steps taken by the political leadership of Turkey will play an important role.
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich on Oct. 10.
"Turkey's political establishment is undergoing strong political crisis that Turkey has already experienced, Nuriyev said. It will take time for Turkey to decide what the Turks or Turkey want at this stage. I think that the situation will become clearer by spring."
Iran starts to introduce visa-free regime with Azerbaijan on February 1, Head of the press service of the Iranian Embassy Abbas Iskenderi told Trend .
"Since the beginning of activities commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Iranian Islamic revolution on the 12th day of the month Behmen (February 1), Iran will introduce visa-free regime for citizens of Azerbaijan", he said.
Earlier Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohammad Bagir Behrami said that any Azerbaijani citizen can travel to Iran without a visa and stay for one month.
"Any Azerbaijani citizen can travel to Iran without a visa and stay for one month. If he wishes to stay longer, he will need to return Azerbaijan and then travel again to Iran," Bahrami said.
If all goes according to plan, Iran may prolong the period to three months, he said.
About 35,000 people traveled to Iran in the past nine months.
"Despite the abolition of the visa regime, hepatitis and AIDS test will be taken from travelers. These procedures may also be simplified," Bahrami said.
The ambassador expressed hope that the Azerbaijani side will take a similar step.
Human rights
"Literate mother - literate future" project will be realized in 2010.
"The monitoring was held within preparation to the project. A serious problem such as evasion of girls from secondary education was revealed in some regions," Women Leaders Public Association head, MP Malahat Ibrahimgizi said during the event on Dec.30.
According to her, information in accordance with it was submitted to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education and the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs head. "Representatives of intelligentsia, relevant authorities should contribute to solve this problem," MP said.
First Lady of Azerbaijan, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation President Mehriban Aliyeva called on women to mobilization and solidarity to prevent girls' evasion from secondary education at the III Congress of Azerbaijani Women, she said.
Despite the fact that this problem does not exist in all regions, this issue should be seriously considered, chairperson of the Institute of Democratic Development, MP Gultekin Hajibeyli said at the event.
She said that families are created without a formal marriage. It also creates problems in some cases in regions.
"It is necessary to implement measures on constant basis to prevent girls' evasion from secondary education", Irada Huseynova, Deputy Minister of Education said.
According to her, if women are literate, the society will be also literate.
Political movements
Azerbaijani opposition party will not join any political bloc in the parliamentary elections
"We will not participate together with other parties in parliamentary elections, in connection with our decision not to join any political blocs," Chairman of the Open Society Party (OSP)Vagif Mahmudov told Trend
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn, 2010. Formerly, elections were held in November, 2005. Parliamentary elections are held on majority system in 125 constituencies
"We hold debates within the parties in connection with the preparation for elections. Firstly we must determine the number of candidates and those having a chance of being elected candidates. Afterwards, we will clarify in what districts to put forward their candidatures," Mahmudov said
According to Mahmudov, it will be possible to cooperate with other parties in the parliamentary election despite the OSP's decision.
"We can agree with several parties to support our candidates and organize jointly agitation and propaganda campaign," he added
Mahmudov did not rule out consulting about the candidates with party leader Rasul Quliyev during the preparations.
"These consultations will be intensified, and then the campaign will officially start," Mahmudov said
Azerbaijani opposition parties will discuss a question on restoration proportional election system again.
"The initiative group on restoration a proportional election system at the parliamentary elections created by us will launch discussions with parties soon," Azerbaijani Liberal-Democratic Party chairman Fuad Aliyev told Trend today.
The parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan in 2002 on a mixed system - majority and proportional. During a referendum held in 2002 due to constitutional reforms, a proportional election system was liquidated. A transition to a majority system was fully implemented.
Aliyev said it is necessary to collect 40,000 signatures to appeal the Central Electoral Commission due to restoration of a proportional system.
"Despite we held consultations with several parties in 2008, we failed to complete the process due to the municipal elections. As the parliamentary elections will be held this year, it is necessary to submit this issue for discussion," the party chairman said.
He said election of 50 percent of MPs on a majority system and 50 percent on a proportional system is rather reasonable.
"I am sure that we will make a concrete decision as a result of discussions. I think that we will manage to sum up discussions, collect necessary signatures and appeal the Central Electoral Commission soon," Aliyev said.
Liberal-Democratic party was established in 1999. Party chairman Zakir Mammadov died in 2000. Party split in 2001. Valekh Ibadov and Fuad Aliyev pretended for chairmanship in the party. Party headed by Fuad Aliyev was recognized as Liberal-Democratic party and was registered upon decision of the Supreme Court in 2004.
"Restoration of a proportional system was reflected in the proposals submitted to the parliament and connected with additions and changes to the constitutions," Joint Azerbaijani Popular Front Party chairman, MP Gudret Hasanguliyev told Trend today.
He said restoration of a proportional system will be a great support for multi-party system.
"The municipal elections demonstrated again that several parties play a decorative role in a political system. They do not have any real power," Hasanguliyev said.
Chairman of the party said restoration of a proportional system can be also a component of political reforms.
A group of members of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party left the party in 2002 and established a unifying wing. The wing was founded into the Unified Azerbaijan Popular Front Party in 2004. The party was registered in 2005. It takes constructive position towards the government.
"Despite I support restoration of a proportional system, it is impossible," the pro-governmental party 'Ana Veten' chairman, MP Fazail Agamaly told Trend today.
He said it is advisable to hold the parliamentary elections on both majority and proportional system.
"Each system has its advantages. When a referendum on changes and additions to the constitution was held in 2009, restoration of a proportional system might have been urgent. Repeated discussion of this issue will be rhetoric," Agamaly said.
The pro-governmental party 'Ana Veten' was established in 1991. The party is represented by two MPs in the parliament.
The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in 2010. The previous elections were held in November 2005.
Azerbaijani opposition party conducts consultations on joint participation in the parliamentary elections
"Participation of leading opposition parties in the elections as a bloc is a serious topic for discussions now," Umid party chairman, MP Iqbal Agazade told Trend today.
Umid party chairman, MP Iqbal Agazade addressed with a proposal in late 2009 to announce 2010 as the year of the democratic elections. The previous parliamentary elections were held Nov. 6, 2005. The parliamentary elections are held on a majority system in 125 constituencies in Azerbaijan. After making additions and changes to the constitution in 2002, a proportional election system was cancelled.
The party chairman also voiced a proposal to register opposition members willing to be candidates in constituencies in a united center.
Agazade also proposed to set up staffs, including a central one in Baku and on constituencies - in regions.
Agazade said a major goal is to hold the parliamentary elections democratically.
"Some people support my proposals on participation of opposition in the elections. But other parties voiced different proposals. Now we operate to jointly discuss all proposals and achieve a common opinion," the party chairman said.
He said a preliminary discussion must complete by late January.
"The main dispute is to determine candidates. I think as a result of discussions we will be able to make a decision meeting interests of all," Agazade said.
Opposition Umid party was founded in 1993. The Civil Solidarity party united with Umid party in 2002. The Civil Solidarity party chairman Iqbal Agazade was elected Umid party chairman. Agazade is MP.
"I have no idea about Iqbal Agazade's proposals concerning announcement of 2010 the year of the democratic elections. But different proposals on organized participation of opposition in the parliamentary elections are voiced," Musavat party central executive office Arif Hajili told Trend today.
He said it is early to voice a simple proposal on participation of Musavat in the elections.
"We think that the opposition's major issue must not be the way of participating in the parliamentary elections. First, we must achieve restoration of a proportional election system. Moreover, one of priority issues to hold the democratic elections are change of election commissions' forming and revision of opening deposits during registration of candidates," Hajili said.
The Communist Party of Azerbaijan intends to take a seat in the Azerbaijani parliament, the Party's Central Committee chairman Rauf Gurbanov told Trend today.
He said the party has launched preparations for forthcoming elections. "Meetings with the party's regional organizations will be held before elections," Gurbanov said.
Regarding the possible involvement of the party in any bloc during the parliamentary elections, Gurbanov said it was not discussed, though is not excluded. "Earlier we have not participated in any bloc before, but such a union is possible by creating necessary conditions," he said.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn. The previous election was held in November 2005.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Dec.27, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and the positions outside the Jojugmarjanli village in the Jabrayil region at 10.05-10.25 and 18.00-18.25, as well as from nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 12.30-12.45 and 22.30-22.35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Garakhanbayli and Ashagi Abdurahmanli villages and from the nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 22.30-22.40 and 23.15-23.30, as well as from the Goyarkh village in the Tartar region at 20.00-20.15, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Dec.28, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 15.30-15.40, as well as from areas and the positions outside the Jojugmarjanli village in the Jabrayil region at 23.15-00.00 and from positions and areas outside the Gorgan, Horadiz and Ashagi Abdurahmanli villages heights in the Fizuli region at 22.45-22.50, 23.3-00.15 and 03.55-04.05 Dec.29, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, Dec.29, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Chilaburt village in the Tartar region at 00.35-00.45 and from positions and areas outside the Sarijali and Shurabad villages in the Agdam region at 01.00-01.20 and 03.40-03.55, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
An Azerbaijani soldier was killed on the Azerbaijani-Armenian contact line.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Military Unit No. soldier N. Niftaliyev Ramin Elman oglu died from a gunshot wound to the heart, a reliable source told Trend . The circumstances of his death were unclear. The case is under investigation.
Niftaliev was enlisted from the Gusar Military Commissariat in January 2009.
The Azerbaijani DefenseMministry has no further information about the soldier's death, ministry spokesman Eldar Sabiroglu told Trend .
Dec.29, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights and from areas and the positions outside the Kurapatkino village in the Khojavand region at 14.15-14.20 and 23.30-23.40, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, Dec.29, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region at 15.35-15.58 and 01.20-01.30 Dec.30, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported
Jan.1, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions near Jojugmerjanli village in Jabrayil region at 16.40-17.25, from nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 19.50-20.05, as well as from nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 16.00-16.25, 16.50-17.30 and 04.40- 05.00 Jan.2, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported