Offical Chronicle
Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded with the Officer rank of the Legion of Honor by the French President's order, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
French leader Nicolas Sarkozy has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion, saying Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded with the order for outstanding service and loyalty to France.
Expressing delight with the good news on decorating Mrs. Aliyeva, Mr. Sarkozy stressed his special respect and honor to the Head of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor is the highest award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the social status or the nationality of the recipients.
The highest state award "Legion of Honor" has five ranks: Knights, Officers, Commanders, Grand Officers and Grand Crosses.
After analyzing personal information about the nominees the 11-member Award Commission allows awarding.
Mehriban Aliyeva's awarding with the highest order of France once again proves that her public and patronage activity, invaluable contributions to the development of social, educational and cultural fields has gained boundless respect and honor not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the world.
On Feb. 15, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Lithuanian counterpart Dalia Grybauskaitė on Day of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"Azerbaijan-Lithuania relationship, developing rapidly over the last years, has created a solid foundation for our fruitful cooperation both bilaterally and within international organizations and projects," the letter says.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed assurance that "in accordance with the interests of our peoples we will continue joint efforts to strengthen interstate ties, friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Head of State wished the Lithuanian leader robust health, successes in her activities and friendly people of Lithuania - peace and prosperity.
On Feb. 15, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Ex-Premier of Israel Ehud Olmert during a stopover in Baku on his way to Kazakhstan.
The meeting focused on prospects of relations between Azerbaijani and Israel.
On Feb. 15, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received credentials of newly appointed ambassadors of Slovakia, Spain and Kyrgyzstan, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
During the conversation with the newly appointed ambassador of Slovakia Jozef Migas, they said there was good potential for the development of relations between the two countries in various spheres. They stressed necessity of studying opportunities to expand bilateral political and economic cooperation even more. Parties also expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to strengthen.
The good potential for strengthening Azerbaijan-Spain relations was stressed during the conversation with the newly-appointed ambassador of Spain Joan Clos i Matheu. Discussions also revolved around economic cooperation between the two countries.
The President highly praised development of the relations between the two states during the meeting with the newly appointed Kyrgyz ambassador to the country Raimkul Attokurov.
He expressed assurance the future activity of the Kyrgyz ambassador would serve to strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation.
Attokurov conveyed Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev's greetings to the Azerbaijani leader.
He stressed the importance of strengthening of all-round relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.
President Ilham Aliyev asked the ambassador to convey his greetings to Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
On Feb. 15, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received visiting OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev and his accompanying delegation, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Describing Kazakhstan's assuming OSCE chairmanship as a landmark event, Azerbaijani leader congratulated Sudabayev on this occasion. The Head of State expressed confidence that Kazakhstan's chairmanship in 2010 would bring positive changes
Kanat Saudabayev thanked the Head of State since Azerbaijan supported Kazakhstan`s efforts to take on OSCE chairmanship. He briefed President Aliyev on the Baku meetings
Azerbaijani leader expressed confidence that OSCE would achieve a significant progress in strengthening security in Europe during Kazakhstan's chairmanship. President Aliyev expressed assurance that Kazakhstan would take an active part in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Head of State said he hopes 2010 will see serous progress in settlement of the conflict. President Ilham Aliyev noted strong political will and important decisions are important for establishment of peace in the Caucasus and resolution of the conflict. The Head of State expressed assurance that the visit of OSCE chairman-in-office would be successful .
Saudabayev pointed out resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would be one of priorities for the Kazakhstan's chairmanship. He said Kazakhstan is going to kick-start all parties' efforts to solve the conflict.
On Feb. 16, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of condolence to Belgium King Albert II on a human loss as the result of a commuter train crash near Brussels.
"The news of a human loss as the result of a commuter train crash near Brussels 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 Belgium and wish speedy recovery to the injured" President Ilham Aliyev said.
On Feb. 17, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev issued Executive Order on extra measures to improve living conditions of families of the internally displaced persons.
Under the Order, AZN 14 million was allocated from the President's Reserve Fund to design and build multi-storey buildings to improve living conditions of some 700 IDP families.
The Cabinet and other relevant departments are tasked to solve the questions resulting from this Order.
On Feb. 17, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev inspected the construction progress of a Baku Business Center located in the National Seaside Park, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The 4,664 square meters of center`s floor space here includes exhibition hall, meeting rooms and restaurant.
The center is a good venue for conducting a variety of events.
A fountain was installed on the premises of the center.
The Head of State gave his instructions to carry out high-quality construction work.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on indexing labor pension insurance Feb.17, the Azertaj state news agency reported.
The State Social Protection Fund has been instructed to ensure increasing labor pension insurance as of Jan.1 in accordance with 2009 consumption prices.
The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to resolve the question on this decree.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today received head of the Polish National Security Bureau Aleksander Szczyglo.
Szczyglo conveyed Polish President Lech Kaczynski`s greetings to the Azerbaijani leader.
He described his current visit as "a good chance" to discuss how to expand "developing" relations between the two countries.They noted reciprocal visits by the Azerbaijani and Polish leaders and bilateral friendly relations between the two countries contribute to developing regional cooperation.
President Ilham Aliyev asked Szczyglo to pass on his greetings to his Polish counterpart.
On Feb. 18, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting on environmental issues.
Opening the meeting with introductory remarks, President Ilham Aliyev said that 2010 was declared the Year of Ecology in Azerbaijan. He stressed that in the country, great attention is paid towards solving environmental problems, and therefore, a specific program was adopted, which covers various areas. The program also reflects the mechanisms of implementation, the period of execution and financial sources of the scheduled measures.
Comprehensively analyzing the successes of Azerbaijan in the socio-economic sphere, achieved despite the ongoing world financial and economic crisis, President Ilham Aliyev said that in addition to consolidating these achievements, it is important to pay particular attention to environmental issues. The Head of State spoke about the ongoing work and upcoming tasks in recultivating oil-polluted territories, providing drinking water, improving sewage systems, wastes, etc.
Minister of ecology and natural resources Huseyngulu Bagirov, head of Executive Power of Baku Hajibala Abutalibov and president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic Rovnag Abdullaev fully briefed President Ilham Aliyev on projects dealing with environmental problems, which will be realized in 2010 and over the next few years.
Head of State mentioned the importance of active participation of population in measures to gardening, planting more than 3 million trees in Baku and the Absheron peninsula.
Noting that commissioning Hovsan aerating station has become a significant contribution to solving the problem of sanitation in the capital, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of training based on international experience of the project on re-using sewerage water. The Head of State said that construction of Oguz-Gabala-Baku water pipeline will complete soon, which will improve drinking water supply of Baku, gave an order to increase the number of modular units, constructed in the regions to improve drinking water quality, and expand the territories of these projects. Commenting on measures to clean up the Bay of Baku, President Ilham Aliyev noted the possibility of using the water of the Caspian Sea after the desalination of drinking water and for irrigation. He stressed that such experiences are widely used in several countries.
The Head of State expressed his opinions on issues of preventing air pollution, protecting forests, draining several lakes in the Absheron Peninsula, developing and transforming a number of lakes in the recreation area, and projects on renewable energy and others, commissioned a comprehensive projects and proposals all the topics discussed.
Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded with the Officer rank of the Legion of Honor by the French President's order
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today received U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The President said Azerbaijan and the United States had high-level partner relations in various spheres, and expressed confidence that they will continue to develop.
The President noted William Burns` current visit would contribute to expanding relationship between the two countries.
For his part, William Burns said his country attaches great importance to relationship with Azerbaijan, adding Washington is determined to strengthen it.
They also touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, bilateral energy cooperation and regional and international issues
Parliament
Group of MPs submitted a bill on defamation to the Parliament, Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee head Rabiyat Aslanova told journalists today.
The draft law was prepared in 2005 with the support of OSCE Office in Baku. The working group, who prepared the draft, includes MPs Ganira Pashayeva and Azay Guliyev, representatives of media organizations, as well as lawyers.
According to international organizations, articles 147 and 148, envisaging criminal responsibility for libel and insult, should be excluded from the Criminal Code.
In connection with the adoption of the draft law on defamation, six media organizations -Association of Azerbaijani Journalists, Najaf Najafov Foundation, Center for Journalism and Development, Association of Journalists "Yeni Nesil" (New Generation), Azerbaijani Media Center and Democratic Journalists League - have appealed to Parliament.
According to Aslanova, the draft law is under discussion.
"At the same time we compare this project with a number of legislative acts existing worldwide and think about making putting it forward for discussion to the parliamentary in an improved from," the MP said.
She said that, if it is possible, the draft law will be submitted for discussions to the 3rd convocation of the Parliament.
"Otherwise, the discussion will be postponed until the parliament's next convocation," Aslanova said.
About 4,000 media outlets are registered in Azerbaijan. At the moment, only 600 of them operate. About 400 newspapers and magazines are published. Eight TV channels, 14 regional TV and 13 cable televisions channels operate. There are approximately 50 online media outlets, about 20 news agencies and Internet resources in Azerbaijan.
Special attention will be paid to physical training of conscripts in Azerbaijan.
"A supplement proposed to the Law on Basis of Call for Military Service envisages removing deficiencies in the physical training of young men of military age," said Ziyafat Asgarov, deputy speaker, the Security and Defense Committee chairman of the Parliament.
This supplement is related to the change to the law On Physical Culture and Sport. Changes made this law will also be included in the law on the Basis for conscription. "The main objective is to improve the physical fitness of young people during the conscription period," he said.
The committee decided to put these changes and supplements for discussion at a parliamentary meeting.
The Parliament of Azerbaijan can again begin discussions related to the Euronews TV channel.
"Returning the biased and one-sided reportage regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the website of the Euronews TV channel makes regret, and this issue may again be brought up for discussion at the next meeting of the Parliament," deputy chairman of the committee on defence and security of the Parliament, MP Aydin Mirzazade told Trend on Feb. 17.
Euronews TV channel again posted the reportage titled "Nagorno-Karabakh - wind of change" on its website.
According to Mirzazade, Euronews TV channel conducts a double policy.
"On the one hand, this channel shows the fair position of Azerbaijan, on the other - at the European level, presents false and slanderous claims of Armenians," he said.
"Already it is clear how the channel adheres to its position, and to what extent adheres to the European objectivity. Inaccuracies were also made in demonstrating Azerbaijan's position on this channel," the MP said.
According to him, for this reason, perhaps this issue can be re-considered at the Parliament.
"But the current position of Azerbaijan, measures aimed at liberating its lands will not be weaker due to some reportages by Euronews". We can achieve our goals through our own force. But along with this, the duplicitous policy of the channel, presenting someone's questionable interest, causes a big damage to the objective image of Europe," said Mirzazade.
Municipalities will get additional powers, the Azerbaijani Parliament Committee chairman said.
"Currently, we are developing a mechanism for providing municipalities with additional powers," the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Regional Affairs Committee Chairman Arif Rahimzade told media on Friday.
According to Rahimzade, there are some differences on the bill, which hampers its adoption.
As to the question whether municipalities will deal with public utilities, the committee's chairman said that the draft has not indicated any specific powers.
"The bill envisages a mechanism to provide, monitor and execute powers," he said.
It is still unknown whether the bill will be submitted for discussion at the spring session of Parliament, Rahimzade said.
Additions and amendments to be made to a law on the status of municipalities by the Azerbaijani parliament reflect the rules on early the dissolution of municipalities.
If the municipal acts recognized by the court are inconsistent with the Constitution, a decree of the president or Cabinet of Ministers, the municipality may be dissolved earlier, Parliamentary Regional Affairs Committee Chairman Arif Rahimzade said.
He added that early dissolution is possible if the municipalities do not hold meetings within three months or over half the structure's members do not attend three meetings in a row.
The amendments also provide for the representation of annual reports before April 1 of each year by the municipalities to the country's parliament.
"We plan to adopt a special bill providing for the submission of reports by municipalities to the parliament. However, before the adoption, we have found acceptable to include additions to the submission of reports to the law on the status of municipalities," he added.
He added that these measures will play an important role in preventing the illegal misappropriation of funds allocated to municipalities.
An Azerbaijani MP believes that the term for crimes committed with firearms should be increased.
"I will raise a question on increasing the term of serious crimes for preventing murders committed with firearms and also rape cases. I think punishment terms for crimes committed with firearms should be increased up to 30 years at least," Unified Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (UAPFP) Chairman and MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev told journalists today.
According to him, his proposal is based on international experience.
Hasanguliyev thinks that in many countries, especially in the United States, long-term punishment is used for similar crimes.
"So, I don't see any problem in increasing the punishment term. In many countries with the increase of such crimes, punishments also toughen. Naturally, conditions and reasons which cause these crimes to increase are seriously studied. At present, it is necessary to investigate causes of crimes committed in the army and strengthen the discipline," Hasanguliyev stressed.
Azerbaijani MPs met with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly chairman.
"The chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Joao Soares and the Special Representative of the Assembly on the conflicts in Georgia and Nagorno Karabakh Goran Lennmarker exchanged views due to their forthcoming visit to Azerbaijan in early March," the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation member in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Azay Guliyev told Trend over telephone from the capital of Austria - Vienna on Friday.
According to Guliyev, his proposal for the preparation of mechanisms to implement the resolutions adopted on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement will be discussed once more during the visit of Soares and Lennmarker to the country. "At the meeting of the Assembly on February 18, I proposed Rapporteur on Nagorno-Karabakh Lennmarker to prepare proposals for specific mechanisms to implement resolutions. Armenia does not fulfill its obligations to liberate the occupied territories and violates the international law. Discussions with the Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Special Rapporteur in this direction will be continued in Baku ", MP said.
A separate resolution on the conflict can be prepared at a meeting of the Assembly to be held in Oslo in summer. "After visits of Soares and Lennmarker, this issue will be completely considered," Guliyev said.
The preparation of mechanisms to execute resolutions will be discussed at a meeting with the head of the Italian delegation Riccardo Migliori. "He is a special rapporteur of the Committee and can play an important role in the implementation of our proposal," MP said.
During the session, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, deputy chairman of the Azerbaijani parliament Bahar Muradova met with Deputy Chairman of the Austrian Parliament. "Our bilateral meetings continue. During each meeting, we exchange views on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Guliyev said.
Elections
The Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe (CE) will mull the pre-election action plan on the Azerbaijani parliamentary elections that scheduled for 2010, Secretary of the CCPE, Head of Justice. Division, Directorate general of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, Anna Capello-Brillat told trend News.
Azerbaijan is expected to hold the parliamentary elections in late 2010.
Presently, the action plan to be submitted to the committee is under development. First the action plan will be submitted to the structure's rapporteurs group on democracy for consideration.
The main directions of the Action Plan are: a formation of the electoral administration, realization rules of electoral legislation, the role of media in electoral company, as well as informing electors about a role and implementation of elections.
Additionally, it is planned to organize trainings, round tables and conferences in connection with election project.
European Council will take part in preparation of elections appropriate to suggestions and recommendations government and parliament of Azerbaijan.
Foreign policy
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has received copies of credentials of new ambassadors of Spain, Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia - Huan Kios Mateo, Riamkul Attakurov and Josef Migash, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry press-center said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, congratulating ambassadors with appointment, stressed the importance of efficient use of available capacity between Azerbaijan and these countries.
Ambassadors of Spain, Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia stressed a broad potential for development of bilateral cooperation and expressed readiness to exert all efforts in this direction.
Residents of two villages in Lagodekhi region (Kakheti, eastern Georgia) - Kabala and Uzuntali are fearfully waiting for spring. In the case of heavy rainfall, the Malaya Kabala River may overflow from the channel and over-flood houses, Hereti radio reported.
People here demand for the bank protection work.
The local authorities claim that funds of local budget are insufficient for this work.
Azerbaijan is interested in accepting an updated version of the Madrid principles, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told media on Monday.
"I have recently spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He said the Armenian side has not submitted proposals on the uncoordinated points of the basic principles yet. Our position is clear. We see the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh within Azerbaijan, with the condition of joint living of Azerbaijani and Armenian communities."
According to foreign minister, the settlement process is progressing. Azerbaijan is interested in accepting an updated version of the Madrid principles.
"If the process comes to a standstill, the question will arise - what action will be next? The rest of the participants in the talks should ask themselves this question," Mammadyarov said.
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries are three countries of the five permanent U.N. Security Council members. This testifies to the importance of resolving the conflict, he said.
"We must solve the problem of the occupied lands and the return of refugees to their homes," Mammadyarov added.
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State, and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev met with representatives of the Azerbaijani political parties today.
Saudabayev, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, said the country's high level of development reflects the successful continuation of Heydar Aliyev's policies.
The country loses hopes of assistance from international organizations in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Democratic Reforms Party leader Asim Mollazade at the meeting.
"We are dissatisfied with the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, which creates conditions to simulate the negotiation process and are inconclusive," he said," As a result, Azerbaijan lost hopes that international organizations can help us to resolve the conflict peacefully."
Saudabayev also pointed out Kazakhstan's activity in this direction, referring to initiatives to resolve the conflict by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
"We look to Kazakhstan's legal nihilism," he added.
According to Saudabayev, the Kazakh presidency in the OSCE brings hope to Azerbaijan to resolve the conflict.
Participating in the meeting, ruling New Azerbaijan Party Executive Secretary Ali Ahmedov drew the attention of the OSCE chairman to the fact that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has remained unresolved for 20 years.
The 18th anniversary of the Khojali genocide will be marked in all foreign countries where Azerbaijani embassy and Diaspora organizations oprate.
"Work has been done to inform the international community about realities of the Khojali tragedy for several years and this work becomes more efficient by years, and more materials appear about the tragedy. The events devoted to Khojali tragedy will be held all over the world from the end of this week. They will be organized by the Azerbaijani embassies accredited in foreign countries and our diaspora organizations," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is preparing materials and the diplomatic missions have regularly been raising this issue in the world scientific centers, trying to attract them to study and investigate the Khojali events, he said.
With regard to international recognition of the Khojali genocide, Polukhov said this issue is in the competence of the country's leadership and the parliament. If this tragedy of Azerbaijan will be recognized as genocide and will get judicial estimation, the Foreign Ministry will take all necessary steps for its part," he underscored.
Beirut respects the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and supports the country in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, Lebanese Foreign Minister Ali Hussein al-Shami said.
"Lebanon supports Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders on the basis of international law and in accordance with U.N. resolutions," al-Shami said in an interview to Trend .
Ali Hussein al-Shami has headed Lebanon's Foreign Ministry since November 2009 after the formation of a coalition government led by Saad al-Hariri.
According to him, although Lebanon had abstained from voting on the 63th meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, Beirut is committed to friendly relations with Azerbaijan, and continues constant consultations and cooperation with Baku in various fields.
"Lebanon officially recognized the Republic of Azerbaijan after the declaration of its independence in 1991 and established diplomatic relations in 1992. Besides, several agreements on economic, trade, customs cooperation, as well as an agreement on air transport have been signed between the countries," Ali Hussein al-Shami said.
Addressing the Lebanese prime minister's upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, the minister said that the exact date of arrival has not yet been determined. He said this visit aims to promote and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various spheres.
"The agenda includes visits with economic and social objectives, mentioned in Lebanon's foreign policy plan," al-Shami said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and GUAM Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili discussed cooperation prospects between Azerbaijan and GUAM, the Foreign Ministry press-center said.
They exchanged opinions on cooperation in economic, humanitarian, transport projects, GUAM's activity in the international organizations during the meeting.
EU ambassador to Azerbaijan Roland Kobia believes that the "Eastern Partnership" program will bring to Azerbaijan not only economic benefits, but also will help start a dialogue with its neighbors, which is a key aspect of solving any conflict.
"The best way of solving any conflict is the willingness to negotiate with opponents. The Eastern Partnership contributes to this dialogue", Kobia said at the debates at the Center for Strategic Studies under Azerbaijani President.
The Eastern Partnership Program is a Polish-Swedish initiative under the EU Neighborhood Policy aimed at improving EU relations with six former Soviet countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine and Armenia. The program envisages allocation of 600 million euros to the countries up to 2013 to strengthen state institutions, control of borders and help small businesses. The Eastern Partnership programme was launched at the Heads of State level in May 2009 in Prague.
Despite the EU is not directly involved in the process of resolving Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the EU is ready to contribute to the restoration regions involved in military operations, to help people, the Ambassador said.
France along with Russia and the US is one of the OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairmen states, leading negotiations over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since 1994, when Armenia and Azerbaijan was able to reach a cease-fire. According to the ambassador, the Minsk Group is doing everything possible for the successful outcome of the conflict.
"The EU has not enough opportunities interfere in the negotiation process. But we are ready to do more if we are asked", the ambassador said.
Concerning the "Eastern Partnership" prospects Kobia said the program is an ambitious initiative for both the EU and Azerbaijan. This cooperation will bring tremendous benefits to Azerbaijan and will promote active development.
Some 400 million Manat (350 million EUR) will be given additionally to all six Eastern Partnership countries for the period of 2010-2013, and in the future this amount might be increased, the Ambassador said.
"We can not impose our development model on the country, insisting that it is ideal. We just want to share experiences", Kobia said.
Azerbaijani interior minister's meeting with the Polish delegation focused on issues of cooperation between the two countries in combating transnational organized crime.
Feb. 18, Interior Minister, Colonel General Ramil Usubov met with a delegation led by Head of National Security Bureau of Poland, Aleksander Shchiglo, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, the press service of the Interior Ministry told Trend .
The meeting covered the fight against transnational crime and its various forms, emphasized the importance of further uniting efforts of both countries in this field, exchanging experiences and information that will reveal the crimes of international scale.
Highlighting the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Poland over recent years, the Interior Minister said that mutual visits and meetings of heads of both states and concluded agreements create a broad legal framework for the development of relations between the two countries and help them raise to a new level.
Azerbaijan and Poland have extensive opportunities to strengthen relationships within the European Union's Eastern Partnership, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov said today, the official statement of the Foreign Ministry reported.
Receiving the Head of the National Security Bureau of Poland Alexander Shchiglo on Feb. 18, the Foreign Minister said that between the countries there is a high level of development of relations in political, economic, humanitarian spheres, as well as cooperation within the international organizations.
According to the minister, the Azerbaijani-Polish relations can further develop as part of Eastern Partnership.
Eastern Partnership is a Polish-Swedish initiative under the neighborhood policy, aimed at improving the EU's relations with former Soviet countries. The program was approved at the meeting of the EU on 20 March 2009. Founding summit of the Eastern Partnership was held 7 May last year. The program covers six countries neighboring the European Union: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. Under the program, the EU will provide neighboring countries 600 million euros in 2009-2013 respectively.
Shchiglo, which made his first visit to Azerbaijan, said that the Azerbaijani-Polish relations have the opportunity to expand in all areas. On the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, Shchiglo mentioned his country's support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
On Feb. 18, Azerbaijan's Minister of National Security, General-Lieutenant Eldar Mahmudov received Head of National Security Bureau of Poland, Aleksander Shchiglo, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, the Ministry reported.
Welcoming the guest, the Minister expressed confidence that the first visit of the Head of National Security Bureau of Poland to Azerbaijan will contribute to further strengthening cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries.
The meeting focused on combating transnational organized crime, as well as terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal migration. In addition, the sides exchanged views on energy security, and mentioned the importance of expanding exchange of information and experts between the special service agencies of Azerbaijan and Poland.
Mahmudov spoke about measures taken against international terrorism and extremism and provided details regarding consequences caused by the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Expressing satisfaction with the meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Shchiglo said that Poland attaches particular importance to developing close friendship relations and cooperation at all levels with Azerbaijan. The guest appreciated Azerbaijan's role in international anti-terror coalition and said that his country supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the issue of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the solution of the conflict based on international law.
The meeting also covered prospects of mutual cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.
The United States continues to advocate the strengthening of relations with Azerbaijan, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns said.
"I am glad to come to Azerbaijan for the first time since 1992. Much has changed in Azerbaijan and the rest of the world, but one thing has remained constant, the United States' desire to build strong relations with Azerbaijan," he said today during his Baku visit.
He met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation.
"I will do everything in my power to build stronger relations between our governments and peoples of our countries," Burns said.
Tajikistan's Embassy to Azerbaijan will inform all Tajik citizens, who are in Azerbaijan, about election of MPs of the new convocation in Tajikistan's Parliament to be held Feb.28 in 2010.
The elections will be held in Building of Tajikistan's Embassy Feb.28 2010 from 08:00 to 20:00.
Contact details: Telefone:(99412) 502 14 32, e-mail: [email protected]
The Embassy calls on all citizens to tale active part in the elections.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is on a working visit to Italy.
Mammadyarov will attend a meeting of member-states and candidate countries for joining the European People's Party (EPP), the ministry reported.
The meeting will be held in Rome, Feb.20. The sides will discuss the situation in the Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, South Caucasus, the regional integration of the countries into the EU and issues related to the EU "Eastern Partnership".
The Iranian and Azerbaijani cinematographs will shoot a joint film about the police's activities, the Iranian FARS news agency reported.
The film will be shot by the Iranian "Sadra Film" and Azerbaijani "Azerbaijanfilm" studios. The shootings will be held in Tehran, Baku and Moscow.
The sides agreed on the film during the Fajr film festival held in Tehran. Presently, the sides mull issues concerning the film's name and artists.
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Committee on the Environment adopted the report by Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament) delegation member Rafael Huseynov describing the harm caused by noise and light pollution to man and other living species. Such pollution can have serious repercussions, such as disturbing ecosystems and provoking diseases in humans, organization's official website reported.
The rapporteur believes that the fight against noise and light pollution is a major environmental and public health challenge. He calls for an integrated approach to the problem and for efforts to raise awareness of the whole of society. The Committee also suggests that member states take measures to introduce threshold levels for noise and light and impose penalties for exceeding those levels.
The Speaker of Azerbaijan's Parliament Oktay Asadov met with Iran's Supreme National Security Council Chief Saeed Jalili, Mehr news agency reported.
Jalili said during the meeting that Tehran supports the policy of the region countries to ensure their security through joint cooperation. He said that with this policy, Iran is prepared to use all its potentials to strengthen security cooperation with all its neighbors.
In his turn, Oktay Asadov said that strengthening peace and stability in the region is beneficial for countries.
Asadov spoke of historical, religious ties between the two countries and expressed his desire to further develop relations between the two countries.
Azerbaijani Speaker's visit to Iran started today. The parliamentary delegation headed by Oktay Asadov will be on an official visit to Iran from 20 to 22 April at the invitation the head of Iran Islamic Council Assembly of Iran.
Political movements
The Azerbaijani opposition bloc is looking for new models of unity.
"Now we discuss the format of unity with other parties, which we intend to set up for participation in parliamentary elections, " the Citizens and Development Party chairman Ali Aliyev told Trend on Monday. This party is presented in Azadliq bloc.
The parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan in autumn this year. Previously, the elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral constituencies.
According to Aliyev, the principles according to which a new electoral bloc will be created are being discussed now.
"after determining the principles, other relevant proposals can be submitted", the chairman of the party said.
He said the list of candidates can be put on the agenda only after the realization of the idea of a bloc.
"Azadliq bloc has its own line of struggle. We have a principal and consistently implemented policy. The three parties constituting the bloc, were always faithful to it", Aliyev said.
According to him, it is necessary to strengthen the parties, members of the Azadlig bloc, and those who will join a new voting bloc at the expense of other parties as the parliamentary elections are an important political process. "That is why we deal with certain electoral formula that would benefit the overall process", the chairman of the party said.
If the new association is not created, Azadlig bloc will take part in the parliamentary elections, Aliyev said.
"This is the last option. But we will strive to ensure that the new unit will include not only the parties represented in Azadliq, but also other parties ", chairman of the party said.
Azerbaijan's ruling party extends cooperation with the U.S. National Democratic Institute.
"Relations between our party and the National Democratic Institute are at a high level, conducted joint activities are of positive significance for the sides," deputy chairman and executive secretary of ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Ali Ahmedov said on Feb. 15, receiving the new head of the Baku office of the National Democratic Institute Alex Grigoriyevich, the press service of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) reported.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on further expansion of mutual cooperation between the NAP and the NDI and joint projects.
The Azerbaijani pro-governmental party chairman will not nominate for parliamentary elections.
"I do not intend to nominate my candidature for parliamentary elections, despite our party will take part in parliamentary elections," chairman of the Azerbaijani Democratic World Party (ADWP) Mammad Alizadeh told Trend
According to Alizadeh, he is not going to nominate in order to give this opportunity to the youth.
"I am an old man. It will be possible to achieve higher results of the legislative body's activity, if the youth is dominate in the Parliament," Alizadeh said.
The parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan in autumn this year. Formerly, the elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral constituencies.
"We are going to nominate candidates from minimum 70 constituencies. We will refine the list in March," Alizadeh said
The Union representing the Azerbaijani opposition has held a regular Karabakh forum.
Several opposition parties in Azerbaijan say that in the process of negotiations on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the OSCE Minsk Group is keen to meet the interests of Armenia.
"The desire of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to approve provisions that are contrary to the principles of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, is also contrary to the international law," the Karabakh forum, held at the initiative of the Union for Democracy said today.
Up to now the Union for Democracy has held nine Karabakh forums.
Participants of the forum think that the countries-mediators want to attract Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of the negotiation process. "Azerbaijan should specify the time of the referendum over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan must abandon the mission of mediation, which is contrary to the public interest", the message said.
Azerbaijan's ruling party wants more mandates in parliament.
"Our goal in the upcoming parliamentary elections is for more members of our party to get an opportunity to be represented in the legislative body of Azerbaijan," New Azerbaijan Party Executive Secretary Ali Ahmadov said in interview today. "So, now the main objective of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), absolute leader in all the elections in the past 17 years, is to win the upcoming elections. Naturally, we will try to make every effort to implement all the necessary innovations, all of the necessary conceptual moments."
NAP representatives have 64 seats in the Azerbaijani parliament, more than any other party.
The parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will be held at the end of the year.
Ahmadov said citizens determine the winners and losers of the elections.
"The main factor determining success in the upcoming parliamentary elections is the desire of citizens to vote for our candidates. At the same time, we realize that people like our candidates. Our election campaign andtechnologies, which we intend to introduce, will also play a very important role in achieving our goals, " the party representative said.
All leading members of the Azerbaijani opposition party will nominate its candidates for MPs.
"The names of the chairman of the party and all people represented in its management, are included in the list of our candidates," deputy head of the Popular Front of Unified Azerbaijan Party Elchin Mirzabayli told Trend today.
The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2010. Previously, elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral districts.
The participation of more than 60 members of the party in the elections is already known. "But it is unknown yet who will nominate candidatures and from what constituencies," Mirzabayli said.
A full list of candidates will be approved at the Supreme meeting. "Afterwards, constituencies which nominate members of the party claiming to MPs will be determined," deputy chairman said.
Chairman of the Popular Front of Unified Azerbaijan Party Gudrat Hasanguliyev nominated his candidacy from the 97-th electoral district of Geranboy-Agdam-Terter in the parliamentary elections in 2005 and was elected. It is unclear whether he will again nominate his candidature from the same district. "Resolving of this issue will depend on the pre-election situation," deputy chairman said.
Under the leadership of Gudrat Hasanguliyev a group of party members left the party in 2002. They held a "unifying" Congress, and until 2004 were called as the "unifying" wing of the party.
Hasanguliyev is MP.
Azerbaijani opposition Party has identified about 100 candidates.
"Despite the party has determined around 100 candidates, we can also support more successful candidates of other parties," Arif Hajili, the head of the Central Executive staff of Musavat, told Trend on Feb. 16.
Party will hold the principle of nominating more successful candidate from each district. "We are ready to support non-party candidates, social and political figures, intellectuals, that will appear more successful than our candidates," said Hajili.
Each member of the party leadership should nominate his/her candidacy for election. "Because if we intend to enter into a serious electoral struggle and if we consider these elections not only as a mean of participation in the legislative power, but also an opportunity to promote democracy in the country, of course, first of all the party leaders should nominate their candidatures," he said.
Musavat senior official did not exclude the possibility of nominating candidates for all districts.
The dates of pre-election meetings, which were suggested by the Movement for Democracy, have not been set yet. "I think the Azadlig block will agree to take part in them and we can make a correct decision on the outcome of these meetings," Hajili said.
Azerbaijan's Opposition Party has determined candidates for 38 constituencies.
"It was specified in which constituencies 38 members of our party, including those represented in the party leadership will be nominated," Azerbaijani National Independence Party (ANIP) Press and Information Secretary Ali Orujov told Trend on Wednesday.
The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn this year. The previous elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 constituencies.
According to Orujev, municipal and regional organizations are charged to determine other candidates of the party. The Central Office of the Party will not interfere in this process. The leadership of a local organization of the party are better informed about which member has more chances of winning at this polling station. Therefore, we gave them freedom in the choice of candidates, " the official representative of the party said.
He said the candidates for MPs who will be supported by the party in certain cities and regions may not be members of the party. "Of course, if a non-party candidate or a candidate from another party has more chances for election, in this case we can support him," Orujev said.
Regarding the possibility of nominating the party leader Etibar Mammadov for MP, the party's Secretary of Press and Information said that it is still unknown. "It depends on the decision of Etibar Mammadov. However, those represented in the party leadership, would like him to become a candidate," Orujev said.
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Azerbaijan has issues a "Karabakh Diary" bulletin.
"The bulletin 'Karabakh Diary' published by the Karabakh Liberation Organization (KLO) is dedicated to the process of negotiations held in the past six months over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement," the Council of State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan told Trend .
The bulletin reflects events, actions, opinions and attitudes connected to the negotiations for the freeing of Azerbaijan's occupied lands by Armenia.
"At the same time the bulletin reflects on the Azerbaijani state and society, international organizations, foreign countries, local and foreign experts' position," the Council said.
Bulletins will be published twice a year.
Feb.14, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions outside the Sarijali and Javahirli villages in the Agdam region at 23.45-23.55 and 00.30-00.45 Feb.15, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.15, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions outside the Ashagi Abdurahmanli village in the Fizuli region at 19.40- 20.00 and from positions outside the Yarimja village in the Tartar region at 02.00-02.15 Feb.16, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.16, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Mosegerk village in Armenia's Berd region to the Alibayli village in the Tovuz region at 16.25-16.35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Kurapatkino village and from nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 20.10 -20.15 and 22.00-22.27, as well as from the positions near the Javahirli village in the Agdam region at 04.15-04.30 Feb.17, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Feb.17, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Kurapatkino village in the Khojavand region at 11.40-11.45, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Jojugmarjanli and Mehdili villages, as well as from nameless heights in the Jabrayil region at 23.20- 23.45, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The killing of three soldiers and wounding one soldier of the Azerbaijani army in the Nagorno-Karabakh region shows the continuation of Armenia's aggressive policy, Karabakh Liberation Organization's statement said.
According to the Defense Ministry, Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijani army posts Feb. 18 in the Tapqaraqoyunlu village of the Geranboy region, the villages of Gizil Oba and Gapanly of the Terter region and the villages of Yusifjanli and Javashirli of the Agdam region.
"This bloody event once again proved the senselessness of continuing negotiations with Armenia, continuation of the mission of international mediators casting doubt on hopes the release of the territories occupied by Armenia through negotiations," a statement said.
Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry released an official statement on the large-scale shooting on the frontline between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
According to the report, the Armenian armed forces fired at the Azerbaijani army's positions Feb. 18 in the Tapqaraqoyunlu village of the Geranboy region, Gizil Oba and Gapanly villages of the Terter region and Yusifjanli and Javashirli village of the Agdam region.
As a result of large-scale shootout, Azerbaijani soldiers Mammadov Sahil Novruz oglu, 19, Farajov Royal Tesher oglu, 19, and Rustamov David Sultanmuradovich, 19, were killed. Adigezalov Elvin Murad oglu, 20, was injured.
The Azerbaijani troops answered the fire. The Armenian side also suffered losses.
The killing of three soldiers and wounding one soldier of the Azerbaijani army in the Nagorno-Karabakh region shows the continuation of Armenia's aggressive policy, Karabakh Liberation Organization's statement said.
According to the Defense Ministry, Armenian armed forces fired at Azerbaijani army posts Feb. 18 in the Tapqaraqoyunlu village of the Geranboy region, the villages of Gizil Oba and Gapanly of the Terter region and the villages of Yusifjanli and Javashirli of the Agdam region.
"This bloody event once again proved the senselessness of continuing negotiations with Armenia, continuation of the mission of international mediators casting doubt on hopes the release of the territories occupied by Armenia through negotiations," a statement said.
Armenia must be penalized for systematically violating the cease-fire agreement, Azerbaijani MP Elman Mammadov said.
"The fact that Armenia had not been penalized for cease-fire violations encourages it to new actions. Armenians violate the cease-fire even while the OSCE Monitoring Group monitors the contact line. The Azerbaijani army is capable of giving a fitting rebuff to the enemy every time they violate the cease-fire," he told Trend today.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's report said that Armenian armed forces had fired Azerbaijani army posts in the village of Tapqaraqoyunlu in the Geranboy region, the villages of Gizil Oba and Gapanli in the Tartar region and the villages of Yusifjanli and Javashirli in the Agdam region with automatic rifles and machine guns Feb. 18.
Three Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and one was wounded as a result of Armenia's actions.
Mammadov said that the reason for the frequent violations by Armenian of the cease-fire is connected to the protection of Armenia's interests by the OSCE.
Feb.19, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights in the Armenian Berd region to nameless heights in the Tovuz region at 20.05-20.50, as well as from areas and the positions outside the Yusifjanli and Shurabad villages in the Agdam region at 16.40-17.20 and 19.40-19.50, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions outside the Jojugmarjanli village in the Jabrayil region at 21.25-21.45 and from nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 21.25- 21.45, as well as at 00.30-00.45 and 02.00- 02.10 Feb.20, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.