Official chronicle
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation headed by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman today, AzerTaj state information agency reported.
Bilateral relations, including cooperation in economic sphere were discussed during the meeting.
On Feb. 10, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev accepted credentials of newly appointed ambassadors of Canada, Serbia and Mali. At the meeting with newly appointed Ambassador of Canada Mark Bailey, President Ilham Aliyev said there is good potential for development of bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and Canada. The Head of State stressed the importance of reciprocal visits at different levels so that both countries could know about each other's possibilities. President Aliyev noted there are ample opportunities for developing economic cooperation. The Head of State stressed Canadian companies are successfully participating in a variety of projects being implemented in Azerbaijan, adding bilateral ties in this direction will expand during ambassador Bailey's tenure. Bailey conveyed Canada Governor-General Michaelle Jean`s greetings to the Azerbaijani leader. Canadian ambassador vowed to spare no efforts in order to develop Azerbaijan-Canada relations even more. The Head of State asked the ambassador to pass on his greetings to Governor-General Michaelle Jean. Also on Feb. 10, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev accepted credentials from newly appointed ambassador of Serbia Vladimir Curgus. During the conversation, they praised the development of relations between the two countries in various spheres. The importance of the decision on opening of Azerbaijan`s embassy in Serbia was underscored. Parties also expressed assuarance that bilateral relations would continue to expand. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has also received credentials from newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of Mali Brahima Coulibaly. They had conversation, during which President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would develop in political, economic and other spheres. The Head of State wished successes to the ambassador in his diplomatic mission. Brahima Coulibaly, in turn, said during his tenure he would spare no efforts to contribute to developing bilateral relationship.
On Feb. 10, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received co-rapporteurs of the PACE monitoring committee on Azerbaijan Andres Herkel and Joseph Debono Grech, AzerTAj state news agency reported. Discussions at the meeting revolved around the present state of and prospects for Azerbaijan-PACE cooperation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Ganja today, AzerTaj state news agency reported
The Azerbaijani President visited the monument to the national leader in the square named after Heydar Aliyev
Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Ganja
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today made a telephone call to Viktor Yanukovych to congratulate him on his victory in the Ukrainian presidential elections, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The Azerbaijani leader wished Yanukovych "every success" in his further activities.
"Azerbaijan and Ukraine have been bound up by close ties of friendship, mutual support and trust. I believe our intergovernmental relations, based on these good traditions, our strategic partnership, multi-faceted and constructive cooperation will see further dynamic development and strengthening in the name of peace and stability in the region," the congratulatory message says.
Yanukovych thanked the Azeri President for the congratulations and attention.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has arrived in the Agdash region today, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
As a part of his trip to Agdash, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has put flowers at a monument to the national leader in the Heydar Aliyev Park.
The Head of State inspected ongoing reconstruction and land improving work in the park.
The President has visited the musical school after Habil Aliyev as part of his Agdash trip.
The school, which occupies a total area of 5,500 square meters, has 36 classrooms and a 200-seat concert hall.
The President toured the school, and also had a talk with Habil Aliyev.
On February 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part in the ceremony of laying the foundation for the new building of the central hospital in Agdash region, AzerTaj state news agency reported today.
The Azerbaijani President was informed that 5.3 hectares of land have been allotted as part of reforms in the health sphere to build a hospital with 100 beds in Agdash region.
The total area of construction hits 22,500 square meters. The complex will consist of six buildings. Operations on landscaping and gardening will be made around the building, to be commissioned for two years.
The project also envisages construction of a pump, boiler, buildings for the protection of reservoirs, generators and transformers.
President Ilham Aliyev has laid the foundation of the building.
The President also got acquainted with the technical equipment of ambulances, donated by him to the hospital.
The President congratulated all employees working in the health sphere and wished them success.
On Friday Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Sports Center in Agdash, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Representatives of the public and sportsmen of Agdash region warmly greeted the President. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon and examined the complex.
Azerbaijani President was informed that the construction of the complex was started in 2006. Olympic Sports Center with a total area of 5.5 hectares, consists of a main building, swimming pool, a stadium for mini football, volleyball and basketball platforms, tennis courts, three cottages for eight people each, and other buildings. The main building with enclosed playground, is two-storied. A sports platform has 1,020 seats. Volleyball, basketball, handball, wrestling and boxing competitions will be held here. In addition, there are four rooms for trainers, billiard room, table tennis room, checkrooms, medical center, buffet, shower and other buildings.
The building with the swimming pool is also two-storied. There is a tribune for 192 seats, two training rooms, checkrooms, medical center, snack bar, showers and other rooms. The site for mini-soccer is the platform for 226 seats, the checkroom, medical center, a room for referees, shower room and other rooms. There is an artesian well for the complex. A water pump was installed. Two reservoirs have been built. Facade work of all the buildings of the complex, equipped with ventilation systems, have been made of alkopon. Greening work was conducted in the yard of the complex.
Azerbaijani President met with representatives of the public and sportsmen, congratulated them with the commissioning of the new sports facilities. The representative of the urban public Shahla Hajibalayeva thanked the President on behalf of Agdash people.
On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited Goychay region. The President visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the center of Goychay and laid wreath, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
As part of his trip, President Ilham Aliyev opened the Heydar Aliyev Center here. After touring the Center, the Head of State met with residents of Goychay region. President Ilham Aliyev praised the improvements and reconstruction work here and wished the locals every success.
President Ilham Aliyev inspected the implementation of the water supply and sanitation project in the town of Goychay.
The Azerbaijani Leader opened a pipeline running from artesian wells to water collecting area located in the north of the town.
The Head of State also inaugurated the Goychay Olympic and Sport Complex. He was told the Complex had been provided with modern sport equipment.
The President congratulated athletes on the opening of the Complex and wished them success.
As part of the visit, President Ilham Aliyev attended the groundbreaking ceremony of "Göychay-1" small hydroelectric station.
The Head of State ended his visit to Goychay.
On Monday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to use the law "Non-bank credit organizations", which came into force on December 25, 2009, the official press said.
The Cabinet of Ministers is charged to prepare and submit proposals to the President to bring the legislative acts into conformity with the law "Non-bank credit organizations"
The President must be also informed of bringing the law regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers and the relevant bodies of the central executive power in conformity with the law.
The law aims to enhance access of the population, mainly in the regions, to financial resources, small entrepreneurship support, reduction of poverty and strengthening the legal base of NBCOs, as well as support for the microfinance sector.
The law envisages creation of two types of NBCOs - having the right to receive a pawn deposit loan while granting loan and without this right.
License of NBCOs must include a permission to conduct activity with a right to draw pawn deposits. Otherwise, it is forbidden for these institutions to draw pawn deposits.
Licenses will be given to NBCOs on a termless basis. NBCOs can also open their branches and offices. But offices with the right to receive pawn deposits can be opened with the permission of the Central Bank.
NBCOs may issue secured and unsecured loans; the borrower's movable and immovable property may be security for the organization.
Non-profit credit organizations, which can operate only in the form of fund, will not have access to the NBCO. NBCO may be established by international organizations from countries that have agreements with Azerbaijan, and such funds may not engage in commercial activities. Today, the investors are interested in the establishment of a credit institution in the country. However, they expect the adoption of a law that would lay the legal basis for the activities NBCO.
NBCO may allocate loans through its own capital or funds borrowed from the financial institutions.
According to the law, all existing NBCO will have to apply international accounting standards, implement corporate governance standards. In addition, they will have an access to the credit bureau, acting under the Central Bank since 2005.
Staff of the Commission on State Prizes in the sphere of sciences, culture and literature of Azerbaijani Republic has been approved by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's order.
According to the President's order, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasizade appointed the Commission's head.
Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to prepare sketches of diplomas and honorary badges to the state prizes winners together with the Commission on State Prizes in science, culture and literature and submit them to Azerbaijani President within two months. The Cabinet has also been instructed to solve issues related to the organization of the Commission's activity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree amending decrees and orders relating to the application of the referendum act "On Changes and Amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution, Adopted by Referendum March 18, 2009," the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the "rules of making territorial unit and administrative territorial district maps of the Azerbaijan Republic" .
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on conferring special ranks to staff of the Ministry of Taxes of Azerbaijan Republic, AzerTAj State News Agency reported on Wednesday.
According to the decree, Baku Taxes Department Chief Tariyel Guliyev and the Minister of the Taxes of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Ali Mahmudov were confered the rank of State Counsellor Tax Service of 3rd class.
According to other decree of the Azerbaijani President, the following employees of Taxes Ministry of the Republic of Azerbaijan were awarded by the medal "For distinction in service in the tax authorities" of the 3rd degree:
On Feb. 10, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree appointing Vahdat Sultan-zade Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Upon another decree by President Ilham Aliyev, Vahdat Sultan-zade was conferred the diplomatic rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Karolos Papoulias on his re-election as President of Greece.
The President expressed assurance to "further make joint efforts to develop friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Greece and continue the cooperation successfully both bilaterally and within international organizations and projects."
President Ilham Aliyev wished Karolos Papoulias robust health, happiness and successes in his activities for the welfare of the friendly people of Greece.
On Feb. 10, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the country's public holiday - Victory of Islamic Revolution, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"Relationship between Azerbaijan and Iran are based on deeply rooted friendly and neighborly traditions. I am sure that we will continue joint efforts to develop our interstate relations based on solid foundations and mutually beneficial cooperation," the letter says.
President Ilham Aliyev wished the Iranian leader robust health, successes in his activities and the friendly people of Iran - peace and prosperity.
On Feb. 13, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of felicitation to President of Serbia Boris Tadic on the country's public holiday, National Day, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"I am hopeful that Azerbaijan-Serbia friendly and cooperative relations will steadily develop and expand in line with our peoples' interests," the letter reads.
Azerbaijani Leader wished all the best to his Serbian counterpart and friendly people of Serbia peace and progress.
Parliament
"Despite that this is your first visit to Azerbaijan as a minister, I hope that it will give impetus to further development of relations between the two countries," Milli Majlis Chairman Oktay Asadov said receiving Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
According to Asadov, the Azerbaijani and Israel presidents play special role in the development of relations between the countries
"Documents signed during the Israel President to Azerbaijan created juridical base for development of our relations," Asadov said
"I highly appreciate the work of the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Israel. The relations existing between our presidents will impact on the development of the public diplomacy" - Lieberman said.
Lieberman's official visit to Azerbaijan started Feb.9
Changes and supplements were made to some laws at a meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament.
An agenda of a parliamentary sitting scheduled for Feb. 12 was publicized.
"The second meeting of the spring session will discuss draft laws on changes and supplements to the laws on Freedom of Information, On Operative-Search Actions, On the Media, On the intelligence and counterintelligence actions and On the information acquisition," a parliamentary source told Trend on Thursday..
The meeting will also inject additions and changes to the laws on Order of citizens' appeals, On status of municipalities, On Accountancy Chamber, On Basis of Municipal Finance, On State procurements, on Approval the Position of the Commission Against Corruption of the Azerbaijan Republic and the Criminal Procedure Code.
In addition, bills On Private information, On compulsory insurance against loss of occupational working ability as a result of industrial accidents and occupational diseases will be put for discussion on the second hearing.
Rashid Aliyev, who is head engineer and physicist at the Biological Laboratory of the Institute for Physical Problems at Baku State University, worked for the Iranian Sazan Elektronics Industry company from 2006-2008.
The company's head repeatedly asked the scientist to move to Iran during their activities. However, Aliyev refused the proposal and returned to Azerbaijan. After numerous requests by company's Director Abbas Eftekhari, Aliyev returned to Iran for a short period Oct. 5. He was arrested on the following day for alleged visa problems.
"Aliyev's arrest has no relation to the contract signed between our firm and Baku State University," Eftekhari told Trend earlier. Meanwhile, Eftekhari believes that Aliyev was arrested for security issues."
The Azerbaijani Justice Ministry sent an inquiry to the Iranian government after his arrest.
Aliyev is being held at the Evin Jail's Fifth Building.
Aliyev suspended his scientific activity in the private sector when he voluntarily went to serve in the army at age 38. He installed special purpose communications systems until 1999 and later organized and conducted laser technology tests for the military.
The question of the Azerbaijani scientist arrested in Iran is being studied, the Azerbaijani parliamentary speaker said.
"Despite appeals by Iranian members of parliament (MP) to the chairman for release of Rashid Aliyev, the problem remains unsolved," MP Fazil Mustafa, the chairman of the Great Establishment Party said.
Mustafa asked the chairman to raise once again this question during his next visit to Iran.
The Parliament of Azerbaijan made some supplements and changes to Media Law.
"According to the version proposed to Article 60 of the Law, prosecution of a person without his knowledge or despite his protest, his video and photo records, his voice records, and other similar actions by media or individuals, in all cases (except the operational-search operations), will lead to criminal responsibility specified by relevant legislation," said Rabiyyat Aslanova, the chairman of the Committee on Human Rights at Azerbaijani Parliament.
This change was injected to laws On Media Freedom, On operative-search operations, On intelligence and counterintelligence actions and On information receipt.
MP considered statements sounded at the parliament by oppositional parliamentarians as illogical.
"The Constitution is regulated on basis of international rules of law. These principles have been formed on the basis of the most important items of the European Convention and the Civil and Political Rights Act, as well as the Ethic Code of Journalists. Recognizing this fact, the journalist also wins, because he/she is also a citizen," Aslanova said.
At the meeting of the Azerbaijan Parliament on Feb. 12, changes and additions were adopted to item on NGOs of Law on legal status of foreigners and stateless people.
According to the changes to the law, the names of state agencies of Azerbaijan and also the names of outstanding personalities (without their immediate relatives' or heirs' permission) can not be used as names of non-governmental organizations.
"The issue on who was named in the list of outstanding people will create a problem. Because the families of many people consider that their relatives are outstanding personalities as well and must be named in the list," MP Ganira Pashayeva said on Feb. 12.
Sometimes NGOs appropriate names of state agencies or famous people, Pashayeva said.
"Some of these organizations are engaged in impartial affairs. Naturally it causes much concern. Therefore, I think this matter must be settled by law," the MP said.
It is necessary to settle the issue of using names of famous people, she said.
The Azerbaijani Parliament should appeal the discussion of "Armenian genocide" to the U.S. Congress, MP Ganira Pashayeva said.
"In our appeal we must specify that the claim of 'Armenian genocide' is false, and if supported, the congressmen will tolerate injustice and also question the objective U.S. position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," she said.
The U.S. Congress's Foreign Relations Committee is expected to submit the issue of the so-called "Armenian genocide" for voting in March.
The MP said that pressure associated with a false genocide is directed not only against Turkey.
During their recent visit to the U.S., Azerbaijani MPs brought many issues to the attention of relevant structures.
"I want to appeal to the Diaspora in the U.S., France and European countries. Our compatriots united in the Diaspora should be active in the community. They need to convey its position to the attention of the Congress and to foreign parliamentarians," she added.
Azerbaijan submits the issue on nationalization of endings of surnames for discussion.
"There were other offers on the endings of names in addition to the proposed concept, prepared by the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). Some proposed to add the end of-jan, as the country's name - Azerbaijan ends with this ending," Parliamentary Culture Committee Head Nizami Jafarov told Trend today. "This is an interesting proposal, it could be discussed. But I think that such proposals will not find its justification. The tradition in the matter of names required to some extent must be preserved. People accept new idea with difficulty. Presently, we can not ensure people to accept the old tradition."
The conception, prepared as a result of research by a special commission established by the ANAS, has already been presented to the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration.
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.
He said the process of changing the names of newborns from a certain time will be launched following the adoption of the proposals to change the names. The rest of the population will be able to join this process in a simplified manner.
"There will be adopted a law or made an order on the issue of changing names. Changing names is largely depends on the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration's approval of the concept submitted to it," he said.
The process of changing names will not be mandatory. "After the establishment of certain rules of procedure, any citizen will be able to change his name on very simplified rules," he added.
The Azerbaijani MPs will meet with OSCE PA President Joao Soares.
"During the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's (PA) winter session we will meet with Soares to discuss his possible visit to Azerbaijan," the member of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to the OSCE PA and Agricultural Policy Committee Chairman, Eldar Ibrahimov, told Trend .
He said the session's agenda has not known yet, but it is expected to meet with OSCE Special Representative on Nagorno-Karabakh and Special Envoy on Georgia Goran Lennmarker.
The OSCE PA will hold its winter session in Vienna Feb.18-19.
Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Bahar Muradova is head of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to the OSCE PA.
Political movements
Two opposition parties have been offered to participate in the parliamentary elections with a unified list.
"Proposals for the joint participation of the opposition in the parliamentary elections came from the Azerbaijan Democratic Party and the Party of Citizens and Development," Fuad Aliyev, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (LDPA) said to Trend .
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2010. Previously, elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral districts.
If parties respond positively, it will give a start to discussions on the participation of the opposition in parliamentary elections with a unified list. "We also suggested restoring the proportional electoral system based on a common position. In addition, changes to the Electoral Code may also be put for discussion," Fuad Aliyev said.
Before starting discussions, other parties also will be offered participation on a single list this week. "Our goal is to achieve a new formation of electoral commissions as a result of joint activity of the opposition", - said Aliyev.
The Union representing opposition parties of Azerbaijan may withdraw its offer about collaboration on parliamentary elections.
"We have to prepare for parliamentary elections within the bounds of our possibilities because of absence of reaction to our suggestion from Azadlyg bloc and Musavat party," MP Panah Huseyn, a member of the Alliance of Democratic Forces, said.
In January Alliance of Democratic Forces offered Azadliq and Musavat to conduct joint discussions in connection with the preparations for parliamentary elections.
"Though their suggestion was rejected at today's meeting of the Board of Chairman of the Union, it's a hard fact that Azadliq and Musavat treat indifferently the collaboration of opposition," Huseyn said.
"I told the meeting despite the recall of our proposal the Union is prepared to take part in debates if the cooperation of opposition is anew put discussion," he said.
Now it's important to focus on preparations of parties represented at the Union to elections. "With this regard it was decided to conduct a joint meeting with people whose candidatures are nominated by the leadership of the Union member-parties. We also created an electoral staff. I think we must work in this way," Huseyn said.
A very important chance connected to serious cooperation of cooperation in the parliamentary elections is being missed. "Indeed, from theoretical point of view there are still hopes for unification of opposition. Unfortunately, the recent developments show that "energy and resources" of part of the opposition which has definite influence, are spent uselessly," Huseyn said.
The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) will pay special attention to the participation of women and youth in the parliamentary elections, Azerbaijani Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Bahar Muradova said.
"The party's strategy comprises increasing the number of women and youth candidates and the party follows this strategy in all its election campaigns," she told journalists.
Azerbaijan is expected to hold parliamentary elections in late 2010.
Muradova said the NAP believes in its victory and "will achieve it."
Special laws on Baku's mayoral elections must be adopted, Azerbaijan's ruling party said.
"It is impossible to conduct the mayoral elections together with the parliamentary ones", deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, MP Mubariz Gurbanli told Trend on Wednesday.
Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan proposed to conduct the parliamentary elections together with mayoral ones in Baku in late 2010.
According to Gurbanli, the process of these elections can be delayed.
"It is necessary to adopt laws on holding elections of mayor in the capital and the transition to this system", MP said.
In his view, it is impossible to adopt these laws before the parliamentary elections.
"But the process of simultaneous conducting of different elections can be implemented in future," Gurbanli said.
Foreign policy
Azerbaijan and Tajikistan will hold political consultations. Talks between the Azerbaijani and Tajik foreign ministries will be held in Baku this year, Second Secretary of the Tajik Embassy in Baku Sharaf Rakhimov told Trend . An agreement has been reached between the two ministries.
Urgent issues of political cooperation between the two countries are expected to be discussed at the meeting.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov held talks with his Israeli Counterpart Avigdor Lieberman, during which the sides discussed political and economic relations between the two countries, the Israeli embassy in Baku told Trend .
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has launched his three-day official visit to Azerbaijan today.
During his visit, the Israeli minister is expected to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Emergency Situations Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov and Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov.
Azerbaijan, Israel plan to force the process of canceling the visa regime for diplomatic people
"Today we agreed with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan to force the process of canceling the visa regime for diplomatic people. This is always the first stage in the process of canceling the visa regime for diplomats"- the Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman told journalists in Baku on February 9.
Liberman also highly appreciated the situation of Jewish community in Azerbaijan, saying that the Jewish minority feel comfortable, enjoying all citizen rights.
Azerbaijan and Israel have very good relations, the Minister told.
Israel hopes that all the agreements reached within the OSCE Minsk Group will be implemented, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Trend .
"Israel respects the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and we hope that all the agreements reached within the OSCE Minsk Group will be implemented," said Lieberman.
According to the Foreign Minister, Israel's relations with Azerbaijan at the political level are more than warm, are very trustful. "The sides do not always agree upon everything, but always support each other and talk openly. We believe that we should, perhaps, force the opening of the Azerbaijani representation in Israel," said the Minister. According to him, the Israeli Embassy in Baku is functioning in full-scale. "Possibly we will agree to strengthen political contacts, that is the consultations between the two foreign ministries. I hope that these consultations will take a regular form," said Lieberman.
Cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan can serve as a model of cooperation for other countries, showing how to conduct dialogue and respect each other, even not agreeing upon everything, Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.
"I believe in the future relations of Azerbaijan and Israel," said Lieberman at a meeting with representatives of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan.
Foreign Minister of Israel is his first official visit to Baku, which will last three days.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is on the first official visit to Baku, which will last three days.
Lieberman expressed Israel's commitment to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, saying that all political disputes in the region should be resolved within the framework of international agreements.
Lieberman also expressed satisfaction with the increase in the number of members of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan.
"We respect the model of policy by [Azerbaijani President] Ilham Aliyev: a combination of historical traditions and cultural heritage with the values of the modern world - tolerance, tolerance between the faiths, said Lieberman. - This model is exemplary, and we hope that it will spread across the region.
Last time Israeli Foreign Minister was on a visit to Baku 2.5 years ago. He assessed the time passed since his last visit as very productive in the development of relations between the two countries.
"During this time, very much was done in the relations between two countries, he said. Trade and economic cooperation increase in the field of infrastructure, high technology".
A big business delegation from Azerbaijan will arrive in Israel soon.
A meeting with participation of expert groups of state commissions on delimitation of the state border between Georgia and Azerbaijan was held from Feb. 9-11.
Uncoordinated sectors of the state border between Georgia and Azerbaijan have been considered at the meeting, Georgia's Foreign Ministry told Trend .
The next meeting of expert groups will be held in the second quarter of 2010.
The new structure of the European Union, established under the Lisbon Treaty, will bring benefits not only to the EU countries, but also partner countries, including Azerbaijan, said Roland Kobia, who was recently appointed head of EU delegation in Azerbaijan.
"This new form of European diplomacy will bring concrete changes. I have no doubt that this will simplify on the ground the relations between the EU and Azerbaijan," said Kobia on Dec. 14 at the presentation for the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
The Lisbon Treaty, which envisages reforming the structure of the EU, was signed by European leaders in Portugal in December 2007.
According to Kobia, the Lisbon Treaty will make the voice of the EU more weight in the international arena and will allow the EU to play a more significant and dynamic role in relations with Azerbaijan.
"The EU wants to create a space of peace, stability and economic growth in the Caucasus," said the ambassador.
Human rights
Azerbaijan's Ombudsman, Elmira Suleymanova has received the UNICEF's office deputy head in Azerbaijan, Rashed Mustafa, the Ombudsman's office press-service said.
The main directions of the Ombudsman's cooperation with the UNICEF's office in Azerbaijan were also discussed at the meeting.
Monitoring organized by Ombudsman with the participation of staff of regional centers, and representatives of the international organizations to study the state of children's rights in various cities and regions of the country was determined as a priority. The need for joint monitoring in connection with the implementation of the Convention on "Rights of Invalids" was also stressed.
Suleymanova said that the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan is a member of European Network of Ombudspeople for Children (ENOC), and suggested ensuring the active participation of children in the event of the organization to protect the rights of children, creating a network for training them as leaders.
The UNICEF's Azerbaijani office program for child protection head, Munir Mammadzade, attended the meeting.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Feb.8 , the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Garagashli village in the Agdam region at 05.20-05.30, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.9, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Yusifjanli and Shurabad villages in the Agdam region at 23.50- 23.55 and 02.30-02.45 Feb.10, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.9, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Sarijali village in the Agdam region at 00.05- 00.10, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The Turkish experts believe Ankara will not ratify the Armenian-Turkish protocols, until the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories stopped. The Turkish government - president, prime minister and foreign ministry - have made it clear that as long as the Azerbaijani territories are not deoccupied, Turkey will not ratify the Armenian-Turkish protocols, Turkish International Strategic Studies Center head Celal Cem Oguz said at the Strategic Studies Center under the Azerbaijani President in Baku today. Turkey did not changed its policy pursued towards Azerbaijan, the expert said.
Feb.11, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Yarimja village in the Terter region at 01.20 - 01.40, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.11, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in Kuropatkino of Khojavand region at 21.20-21.25, from positions near the Gorgan village in Fizuli region at 23.10 -23.25, from nameless heights in Jebrail region at 23.10-23.35, from positions near the Kengerli village in Agdam region at 06.10 to 06.20 Feb.12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.