Official chronicle
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received outgoing Iraqi ambassador Arshad Omar Ismail.
The Head of State praised the ambassador`s contribution to developing relationship between "our countries." The President congratulated the ambassador on the successful parliamentary elections held in Iraq, and expressed hope for more intensive bilateral relations in future.
The Azerbaijani leader wished successes to the Ambassador.
He also expressed assurance that the ambassador would continue efforts to contribute to enhancing cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Iraqi peoples.
Ambassador Arshad Omar Ismaıl thanked President Ilham Aliyev for favorable conditions created for the embassy during his tenure.
He vowed to spare no efforts to contribute to developing relations between "our peoples."
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation headed by chairman of RWE company Jurgen Grossman.
The President congratulated the guest with signing of the memorandum of understanding between Germany's RWE and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev informed that Azerbaijan has more than 15 years of experience in international energy cooperation and stressed the successful implementation of all projects during this time.
Chairman of RWE board Juergen Grossman appreciated the memorandum of understanding signed with SOCAR as a good beginning for future cooperation and expressed hope for successful cooperation.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his accompanying delegation.
The Head of State stressed Azerbaijan-Poland relations are successfully developing. He noted economic cooperation between the two countries must be intensified in order to reach the level of political ties. The Azerbaijan leader said Azerbaijan is keen on expanding cooperation with Poland in a variety of fields. He expressed assurance that Prime Minister`s visit would help outline new areas for cooperation and allow to discuss additional measures to start joint projects.
Premier Tusk pointed out he visited the Alley of Honors and Alley of Martyrs, adding these places are very important for Azerbaijan from the historical point of view. Tusk expressed confidence that his visit would be useful for defining concrete economic projects to implement and enhancing bilateral relations even more. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance for expanding bilateral relations within the framework of the European Union.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Chung Jong-hwan, Korea`s Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs on March 11.
The Head of State expressed hope that the Korean minister would establish good relations with his Azerbaijani counterparts.
President Ilham Aliyev added the visit would be important in terms of determining additional events to expand bilateral cooperation.
The President pointed out Azerbaijan and Korea enjoy great potential to develop bilateral cooperation.
The Head of State expressed hope that the number of Korean companies in Azerbaijan will increase in the future.
Chung Jong-hwan, in turn, said he was impressed by the development process he witnessed in Azerbaijan.
The Minister underlined Azerbaijan had achieved rapid economic development under President Ilham Aliyev`s leadership.
He also stressed the importance of the fact that the Azerbaijani leader attaches significant importance to development of relations between the two countries.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Thursday Iran`s special representative for the Caspian Sea Affairs Mehdi Safari.
The talks focused on a number of issues including bilateral relationship and energy cooperation
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today attended a conference at the Baku Business Center on the first year of implementation of "State Program of socio-economic development of regions for 2009-2013,".
The Head of State cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the Baku Business Center located in the Seaside National Park.
Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev told the President the opening of the center would create opportunities to organize high-level international events, in particular business forums, as well as to promote local products and services.
President Ilham Aliyev viewed an exhibition launched as part of the conference.
Then, the Head of State made opening remarks, praising the results of the first year of the implementation of the Program.
The Azerbaijani leader highlighted the accomplishments in the first year of the Program`s implementation and outlined further priorities. The Head of State underlined Azerbaijan was the world`s most rapidly developing country.
Other speakers reported on the course of the implementation of the Program in the coutnry`s cities and regions.
President Ilham Aliyev delivered closing remarks at the event.
On March 9, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to award Ali Hasanov the Medal For Service to Motherland of the first degree for his effective activities in public service.
Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov was awarded the Russian President's Honorary Diploma.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree to award Hasanov the Russian President's Honorary Diploma for his merits in strengthening the socio-political ties between Azerbaijan and Russia.
On March 12, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on the assignment of the chairman of the National Council of Voluntary Military Patriotic Technical Sports Association of the Azerbaijan Republic Novruzali Orujev rank of Major General.
On March 12, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to award Siddiga Rza qizi Mamedova the Order "Sharaf" for her merits in the development of country's agricultural science.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul over consequences of an earthquake which struck the country's Elazig province, the AzerTaj state news agency reported on Monday.
"The news of huge loss of life as a result of an earthquake which hit Elazig province has been a source of great sorrow to me," the President said in his message.
"I share your grief, and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, offer sincere condolences to you, families and relatives of the dead and all the people of Turkey, and wish the injured speedy recovery. May Allah rest the souls of the dead in peace!" the President said
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak.
The letter, in particular, says: "I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news on the death of outstanding religious figure, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr. Mohammad Sayyid Tantawi.
I share your sorrow over the bereavement and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on behalf of myself, I offer deep sympathies to Your, family and friends of the late, and all the people of Egypt.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev over consequences of natural disaster in Alma Ata province of Kazakhstan.
"The news of great human loss as a result of a natural disaster in the southern Kazakhstan was a source of great sorrow to me. 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 Kazakhstan. May Allah rest the souls of the dead in peace!", the President said
Parliament
The report on human rights by the U.S. Department of State is one of the tools of pressure on our country, said Azerbaijani MPs.
"I regret that a country like the United States, with its democratic image and objective policies, circulated such a report," a member of the Political Council of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Aydin Mirzazade, told Trend .
The U.S. Department of State issued a report on the situation with human rights in Azerbaijan in 2009. According to the report, during 2008 presidential election, a referendum in 2009 and municipal elections, the right of citizens to peacefully change their government was limited.
The U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan played certain role in the preparation of such a report by the U.S. Department of State. "As though the embassy of the country does not function inside Azerbaijan. In addition, it is felt that the report was based on the slogans of a party which is in radical opposition to the government of Azerbaijan. Absolutely the objectivity, comprehensive study of the issue, assessment of the real situation in Azerbaijan is not felt," said the MP.
This report is totally contrary to the statements by the U.S. government, the country's embassy to Azerbaijan and U.S. officials. "Without a doubt, the statements by U.S. officials, the U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan highlight the presence of democratic development in the country, respect for all elements of Azerbaijan's integration into the world community. However, this report does not correspond to any of these statements. On the other hand, it seems that the report was deliberately distorted, it deliberately exaggerated colors and Azerbaijan is presented as a very backward country, where even the understanding of democracy has been prohibited," said Mirzazade.
"Some of the shortages identified in the report by the U.S. Department of State exist in Azerbaijan, but not in such an exaggerated form," the head of Great Establishment Party (GEP), MP Fazil Mustafa told Trend on March 12. He said that some steps should be taken towards eliminating existing problems in the field of human rights.
Political movements
The union, in which a number of parties are represented, will take part in the parliamentary elections as a bloc.
"An initiative of organizing a bloc, due to the parliamentary elections, was supported at the meeting of the party chairmen March 6," Chairman of Great Azerbaijan Party, represented in the Union for Democracy, Elshad Musayev told Trend today.
An official announcement of the bloc is planned to be made after determining the full list of candidates. "The parties included in the union, determine the candidates for deputies from more than 80 constituencies. After choosing candidates for other constituencies, we will complete the formation of the bloc," he said.
Other parties, public organizations, scholars not represented in any parties but known in the community, are expected to participate in the bloc, which will be established by the Union. "At present we hold consultations in this direction. We try to participate in the elections with a wider coalition," Musayev said.
The culprits of the fact that the opposition has not united due to the parliamentary elections, are some party leaders, opposition deputy in the Azerbaijani parliament said.
"Separation of opposition is suitable for both leaders and functionaries of some parties," Musavat party parliamentary group member, represented in the Union for Democracy Panah Huseynov told Trend today.
This is the reason why the discussion about the participation of the opposition in the parliamentary elections as a single block does not give a positive result, Huseyn said.
MP supports proposals to create two blocks of the opposition to participate in the parliamentary elections. "It is easier to create unity between two blocs rather than among 10-12 parties," MP said said.
If the opposition does not participate in the elections as a single block, cooperation in the election process is possible. "It's possible to cooperate on issues such as establishment of democratic electoral environment, changes in election laws, as well as the choice of a common position in regard to electoral commissions, to coordinate an electoral campaign, the joint organization of observation during the voting," Huseyn said.
We are interested in having MP candidates amongst intellectuals and respectable people of Western Azerbaijan, pro-opposition party leader of Azerbaijan said.
"As Coordinating Council of Western Azerbaijanis works together with us, we will jointly run for the parliamentary elections," Muasir Musavat Party (MMP) Chairman Hafiz Hajiyev told Trend .
The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2010. The previous elections were held in November 2005. The parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 constituencies in Azerbaijan.
Some forces are making efforts to own the voters of Western Azerbaijanis in the parliamentary elections.
"We often meet with the intellectuals, respectable people from Western Azerbaijan, they have always remained faithful to strengthen both our party and the state of the country, protect the country's stability. Therefore, we will jointly participate in parliamentary elections in accordance with the policy direction of our party," - MMP chairman said.
We will put forward more than 80 candidates. "Presently, 174 people's names are in the list. We must once again choose among them the most influential intellectuals, young people and women. We will not allow to put forward two people's candidacy from one district" he said.
Consultations on the creation of the largest electoral bloc of the Azerbaijani opposition are under way.
"We will continue consultations with the parties represented in the Azadliq bloc in order to establish the largest electoral bloc of the opposition in the parliamentary elections," Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP) head Sardar Jalaloglu told Trend today.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in fall 2010. Previous elections were held in November 2005. The elections are held according to the majority system in Azerbaijan's 125 constituencies.
"Our goal is to create a unity of the opposition and participate in the elections with a single candidate," he said.
If the idea fails, then only few parties will remain aside and consultations over the issue will continue, he said.
"I oppose the submission of any pre-requests for the creation of the block. Those who think they are part of the opposition must unite for the elections," he said.
"We discussed principles, associated with the creation of a new electoral bloc in the parliamentary elections, with the ADP chairman," Ali Aliyev, the Citizens and Development Party chairman, told Trend today.
Elections
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) at the 1079th meeting at Deputy level approved a pre-electoral assistance programme in view of the forthcoming Parliamentary elections, which will take place in Azerbaijan in November 2010, CoE's official website reported.
The Deputies encouraged the Azerbaijani authorities to take all appropriate measures to secure free and fair elections.
Foregn policy
Trend interviewed OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Mr. Goran Lennmarker in the run up to his Azerbaijan visit scheduled for March 13-16.
Trend : What is the objective of your visit to Baku in mid-March? Could you please highlight your agenda and the questions which will be on the limelight?
Lennmarker: I will be visiting the three countries of the Caucasus from March 9-16 together with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Joao Soares from Portugal. As you know, the OSCE PA has been engaged in the region in a number of ways. We have been discussing conflicts with the aim of enhancing parliamentary dialogue and we have observed many elections.
During the visit, President Soares and I hope to discuss the priorities, the political challenges that lie ahead and the possibilities for moving forward with regards to the unresolved conflicts.
Q: The recent Sochi meeting of the Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in January ended in statement that the parties agreed upon preamble of the document on basic principles for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What are your expectations of the next round of the peace process?
A: I remain optimistic about the possibility of solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict this year. To have a preamble is a good starting point. I have big expectations that there really is a political will in both Baku and Yerevan to move forward and find a peaceful and lasting solution.
I think both Azerbaijan and Armenia have realized that having an unresolved conflict is costly - not least when it comes to the human suffering. The short war in Georgia in 2008 reminded all of us that unresolved conflicts are very dangerous.
Q: What role could Kazakhstan play as the OSCE chairing country in resolving Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, given that Kazakhstan's presidency at the OSCE has declared settlement of the lingering conflicts as its priority.
A: I think the Kazakh Chairmanship is very important. The Kazakhs have themselves come out of the Soviet Union and they might have fresh ideas and be ready to take a look at this conflict from a new angle. I know that the Chairman-in-Office has made settlements of the unresolved conflicts one of his priorities, and I think this is excellent. The timing is right, and with the push from the leadership of the OSCE, progress could really be made.
Q: Taking into account the last developments around the Turkish-Armenian protocols, don't you think it was a mistake to separate restoration of diplomatic relations between these two countries from the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process? What are your views on perspectives of restoring ties between Turkey and Armenia?
A: I find the contact between Turkey and Armenia and the protocols they signed very important, and I think a real breakthrough is possible. Of course, now it is up to the Parliaments of Armenia and Turkey to take this a step further. I think this entire process can provide positive prospects, not only for Armenia and Turkey, but for the entire region of Caucasus and beyond.
I see no reason why the peoples of Armenia and Turkey should not interact; on the contrary, contact is necessary to build good neighborly relations. One natural goal would be to open borders in the region - so that people and goods can move freely. Closed borders only hinder growth.
Q: Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani territory have resulted in over 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis, while more than one million people have become refugees and internally displaced persons in their native lands. What mechanisms could the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly apply to restore their rights?
A: South Caucasus has seen enough victims and destruction - now is the time to show courage to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This is not easy, but the alternative is simply too costly. There can be no military solution - since it would only lead to more devastation, more casualties, and more refugees. This conflict is not frozen - people die on the line-of-contact every month, and this simply cannot go on.
It is up to the Governments to negotiate a solution, and they are well supported by the OSCE Minsk Group. What we as Parliamentarians can do is to enhance dialogue and prepare ourselves and the public for a solution. This is what we are working on and also why President Joao Soares and I are visiting Baku.
***
If Azerbaijan is interested in NATO membership, we could work on it, U.S. representative to NATO, Jennifer Davis told Trend .
"Of course, we are also willing to get acquainted with what Azerbaijan wants, because our partnership depends on what a partner wants," Davis said, commenting on Azerbaijan's possible joining the alliance.
According to her, NATO works evenly and closely with all countries in the region, including Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. "We want to conduct democratic reforms, reforms in the defense sector through our partnership. Azerbaijan's contribution in these programs means that Azerbaijan is making its contribution to regional peace," Davis said. "Azerbaijan is a very important strategic partner for NATO. NATO helps everyone for partnership and membership. Our doors are open for membership", she said.
According to her, a stable and democratic state is already a peace-loving one. "I would like to add that the program of General euroatlantic integration is a positive event for the South Caucasus. So, we want to work closely with all our partners in the field of military cooperation in Afghanistan. We also believe that this partnership is very beneficial for the political dialogue," the U.S representative said.
The United States want the OSCE Minsk Group to be able to achieve success in establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Davis said. "But NATO is not involved in this process. But we fully support the actions of the Minsk Group. We want it to be successful, especially given that the United States is one of the Minsk Group's co-chairing countries," Davis said.
NATO is holding discussions with Azerbaijan in the defense sector, democratic reforms and the preparation of military doctrine, U.S. representative to NATO Jennifer Davis told media in Baku.
Another topic of talks between NATO and Azerbaijan is cooperation in the field of democracy. "We have close cooperation with Azerbaijan. One of the main goals is to create stable democracy that will lead to security in the region", Davis said.
Azerbaijan has already increased its contingent in NATO from 45 to 90 soldiers. Moreover, we continue the political dialogue, Davis said. The more countries will contribute to solving the issues in Afghanistan, the better results for the region, she said.
NATO has no problems with the provision of Azerbaijan with air corridor for delivery of goods to Afghanistan, Davis said. "Currently, we have no problems on this issue. It demonstrates the level of our cooperation with Azerbaijan", the U.S. representative to the alliance said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Parliament of Germany, Chairman of the Political Committee of NATO Parliamentary Assembly Karl Lamers.
During the meeting, was expressed satisfaction with the level of relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, as well as an exchange of views was conducted on prospects of development of relations.
Given the interest of the German MP, Mammadyarov told the guest about the role of the country in the region, cooperation with the Euro-Atlantic institutions, the negotiation process over the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Elmar Mammadyarov received the Executive Director of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Ambassador Dulat Bakishev.
Stressing the important role of Azerbaijan in establishing this organization and its contribution to its activities, the Ambassador Bakishev provided detailed information about the activities of the organization and its plans.
Appreciating the work done by the CICA in the sphere of mutual confidence and the intensification of contacts in Asia, Mammadyarov stressed the importance of strengthening efforts in this regard, as well as touched upon the issue of Azerbaijan's cooperation with this organization.
Later, the sides held discussions on regional issues and other issues of mutual interest.
Azerbaijan and Libya have signed the memorandum of understanding on the abolition of visas for people with diplomatic, official and special passports. The document was signed during the second meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Libya, which was held recently in Tripoli, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry press-center said.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and Secretary on Asian affairs of the National Committee on External Ties and International Cooperation of Lybia Mohammad Omer al-Barrani.
During the meeting, Libya has expressed its intention to develop cooperation with Azerbaijan in such fields as economy, trade, energy, industry, security, agriculture, construction, culture, tourism and others.
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister stressed the successful development of cooperation between the two countries for a period after the first meeting of the commission. He expressed the hope that the second meeting of the committee will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries.
The protocol of the meeting and the memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the two countries were also signed as a result of the meeting.
A decision was made to hold the next meeting of the commission in Baku in 2011.
During his visit to Tripoli Khalafov also met with Prime Minister of Libya, Mahmoud Baghdadi. They discussed prospects of bilateral cooperation at the meeting.
Besides the meeting of the Commission in Tripoli, a business forum with participation of business people from the two countries, including representatives of Azerbaijani companies specializing in construction and transport was held. The economic opportunities of Azerbaijan were also presented.
Azerbaijan has developed a draft agreement given the approach of the Caspian countries and presented it to the delegations of those countries at the 23rd meeting of the Caspian countries' deputy foreign ministers' meting held in Baku, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said.
"The convergence of the Caspian countries' positions on key points in the process of agreeing on a draft convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea has created the basis for the next Caspian States' Heads' Summit to be held in Baku," the minister said at a meeting on harmonization of the draft agreement on cooperation through the customs border services and departments of the interior agencies in the field of security in the Caspian Sea held in Baku.
The Caspian countries' second summit held in Tehran in 2007 identified specific areas for future work to finalize and adopt the draft convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, Mammadyarov said.
"At the summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that from the perspective of further development of the region, an understanding and agreement on ways of defining the legal status of the Caspian Sea will further strengthen mutual trust, peace and security in the Caspian region and provide the basis for closer cooperation," he added.
All the Caspian littoral states should intensify their efforts to ensure holding of the successful Summit in Baku, he said.
"The meetings organized in the past have contributed to the process of negotiations on the final status of the Caspian Sea," the minister said. "However, the recent Baku meeting of deputy foreign ministers demonstrated that many important elements still remain open."
Mammadyarov said the important questions on the Caspian Sea status such as use of the water surface, completing the delimitation of the seabed, fishing, boating and safety issues - the demilitarization of the movement of warships and so on, have not yet been agreed. "It is hoped that a convergence will form the basis for a decision on the delimitation of the water surface, which is one of the important issues," he added.
"Azerbaijan is convinced that improve of the investment climate, development of energy resources and establishment of peace and stability in the region reflect the interests of the region. The pipelines Baku-Supsa, Baku-Novorossiysk and Baku Tbilisi-Ceyhan, as well as the implementation of projects on the Baku - Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline and construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway serve economic development and prosperity of the region and strengthening global energy security," the minister said.
According to the minister, if the sides agree on the draft project provided by Azerbaijan, then preparations for the Third Caspian States' Heads' Summit in Baku may be launched.
"Azerbaijan has always been a supporter of activities of the Caspian littoral states on the basis of the principles of respect sovereignty of states' equality, non-use of force and threat of force. Azerbaijan is convinced that the establishment of the Caspian Sea equal security conditions will create fully peaceful conditions to use the sea and turning it into a zone of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation ", he added.
The minister noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the basis of universally recognized principles and norms of international law in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, illicit drugs and weapons.
Azerbaijan considers that the subject of the draft agreement should address issues of cooperation of border and customs authorities, the ministries of interior, emergency situations and transport, and maritime administration, Mammadyarov noted.
Military and political aspects of security in the Caspian Sea should be discussed and resolved within the framework of the draft convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, he said.
"We hope that the two-day meeting will develop a final document based on the current draft and in the future it will act as the legal framework for cooperation between littoral countries in the field of security," he added.
Azerbaijani Republic and Republic of the Marshall Islands signed on Wednesday a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations between the two states, the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations reported.
The communique was signed by the permanent representative, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UN Agshin Mehdiyev and permanent representative, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Marshall Islands Phillip Muller.
As a founder of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to the CICA, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Nurlan Yermekbayev said.
"We are grateful to Azerbaijan, which was the first country after Kazakhstan in terms of allocated funds for the organization's budget," he said at the conference in Baku.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev proposed establishing the CICA in 1992, he said.
"Then the continent needed such a forum as the CICA for dialogue," he added.
Over the years, the CICA has held two successful summits and two meetings at the ministerial level, he said.
According to the official, the organization will accept Vietnam and one or two more states in June.
"The organization covers a vast area, from the Middle East to Asia. Its main purpose is to allow different states to sit at the negotiating table and reach a consensus," the official said.
He added that the organization's principle is moving from simple to complex and addressing simple questions about contradictory issues.
"In June, Kazakhstan will transfer the chairmanship to Turkey at the CICA meeting in Istanbul. The event is also expected to organize a meeting with OSCE representatives which Kazakhstan currently presides," he added.
He said the CICA's chief instrument is a directory of confidence-building measures in various areas, including the military and political sphere, confronting challenges and environmental issues.
Yet the scope of the discussions about this structure does not include conflict issues on the territory of the CICA, he said.
"We discuss many issues in the military and political sphere and will work toward a unified approach to these issues based on a consensus," he noted.
Azerbaijan and Saint Lucia signed a Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations on Thursday, says the press release of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN.
Communiqué was signed by the Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the UN Agshin Mehdiyev and Saint Lucia 's
Ambassador to the UN Donatus Keith St. Aimee.
The Caspian littoral countries have agreed on basic principles for security cooperation in the Caspian Sea.
"We succeeded to reach agreement on all basic principles of security cooperation in the Caspian Sea and during the third meeting we will determine the list of agencies that will be involved in this cooperation," Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov said at a briefing after the 23rd meeting of deputy foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral countries, held March.11-12 in Baku.
"The Caspian littoral countries are ready to cooperate in the field of security," Khalafov said.
After several meetings, we can fully come to an agreement and proceed with realization of this work, Khalafov said. The most important thing is to design a cooperation mechanism so that ongoing security work could proceed in a particular system, Khalafov said.
The harmonization of the draft agreement on cooperation through the customs border services and departments of the Interior in the field of security in the Caspian Sea were discussed at the Baku meeting.
It is a golden time to establish a peace and security in the South Caucasus region, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) President Joao Soares believes.
"We are here to promote peace and cooperation in the Caucasus at the parliamentary level," he told journalists at the airport. "We have long cooperated on the political issues and it is time to make decisions."
The negotiations for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been held for many years with the OSCE Minsk Group's support. It is time to make decisions, Special Representative on the Nagorno-Karabakh Goran Lennmarker said.
Lennmarker expressed believe in possibility of a peace agreement. He cited numerous meetings of the Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia over the past year to move closer to an agreement to resolve the conflict as an example.
Soares said the establishment of peace and cooperation was the main purpose of the visits to Armenia and Georgia, and the OSCE PA delegation hopes to continue these discussions in Azerbaijan.
Soares reiterated that a military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is unacceptable. "War and violence should be completely excluded," he said.
All will lose in case of war, Lennmarker added. One has to think about those people, who need peace. They want to return home, see the graves of their ancestors, and they have the right to return, he said.
Human rights
Several MPs from the opposition parties will submit a bill on Amnesty Act to the Azerbaijani Parliament after the Novruz holiday.
"The bill on amnesty act is ready and we will submit it to the parliament after the Novruz holiday," MP from Musavat Party Panah Huseynov told Trend .
In 2009, prior to Novruz holiday the parliament was submitted a draft bill on the amnesty act initiated by Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva. This act, approved by Parliament, covered about 9,564 prisoners.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to pardon a number of persons in custody Dec.25, 2009. Order referred to 99 prisoners.
According to 46 pardon orders, signed since 1994, 4,957 people were freed from punishment. 14 of them were signed by Ilham Aliyev and 32 by the late President Heydar Aliyev. Eight acts of amnesty, signed until now, covered 40,000 prisoners.
If other MPs do not submit such a bill to the parliament earlier, then MPs from Musavat party will try to submit their bill to the parliamentary discussion before May 28 - Republic Day. "The bill on an amnesty may be prepared by other deputies. If such a draft would be submitted to the parliament on the initiative of other members, we would only support this project," he added.
The Ministers Committee of the Council of Europe (CE) published the decision taken on the basis of discussions on the implementation of resolutions of the European Court of Human Rights by Azerbaijan and other countries March 10, CE reported.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe concluded its first special human rights meeting devoted to the supervision of the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights March 4.
The U.S. Department of State remains true to its position of non-recognition of the development and success of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, the head of Azerbaijani parliamentary committee said. "Remaining true to this position, the Department of State sharply criticizes the situation with human rights in Azerbaijan," chairperson of the committee on human rights of Azerbaijan Parliament Rabiyat Aslanova told Trend on March 12.
"Therefore, before dissemination of such reports, we know that they will demonstrate their partial and biased position. It is clear and once again repeated. The report is even much more objective than the old ones," she said.
According to the chairperson of the committee, this once again confirms that the experts who prepared the report have no idea about the situation in Azerbaijan.
"For example, according to the report, despite that political parties can publish their own newspapers, human rights activists continue their activities and do not fear reprisals, in some cases the government punish people who criticize government officials and people from the government. Opposition parties themselves confirm that they publish their own newspapers. Human rights activists also conduct their activities. The freedom of the press has been fully realized in Azerbaijan," said Aslanova.
She said that despite that the officials have been criticized, the activities of any newspaper have not been limited.
"When were newspapers criticizing the officials punished in Azerbaijan?" If today to monitor the opposition newspapers, it becomes clear that despite their many years activity, none of them has been punished. Both we and the society have got accustomed to spread of lies about us. We know that they do not even have the moral censorship," said Aslanova.
According to the head of the committee, in Azerbaijan there is only a moral censorship. "But despite this, their activities are never limited. We believe that whenever the moral law will gain victory inside them and they will stop writing lies and slander," she said. According to Aslanova, Azerbaijan does not close any organ of the press.
"If a press agency finds its reader, it continues to function, but if is not sold, then closes itself. The State does not interfere in this process. Despite all these, the report stresses that the government has provided budget support to the opposition newspapers as well. What else can you say about this, what needs to comment? This means that we attach importance to our freedom of expression and pluralism," said the MP.
Chairperson of the committee also expressed her attitude to the facts of the death of some people in prisons and police stations as reflected in the report. "If people would know that they will not die being in prison, then all would be sitting in prison. Everyone has his/her own destiny. No one can determine the place where life will end. If 70-year-old Togrul Mammadzadeh died at the medical institution of the Ministry of Justice, who is the true source of the information that he has died from the beatings? These are the reliable sources that slander against Azerbaijan. Who are the reliable sources to which the Department of State attaches special importance,"said Aslanova.
She said that unlike this reliable source, the leading experts of the world, arriving in Azerbaijan, witness the ongoing reforms at the Penal Service and the successes achieved by this service.
"At present, a special public committee functions, which frequently meets with Azerbaijani prisoners and the members of the committee are representatives of the opposition as well. We call the names of concrete structures. But the Department of State, referring to the reliable sources, implied people who hate Azerbaijan, and based on their biased opinion, prepares such reports," said the MP.
The head of the committee believes that the information contained in the report regarding presidential elections, referendums and municipal elections does not correspond to reality.
"The report notes that as though the right of citizens to peaceful change of power is limited in Azerbaijan. What a ridiculous argument! People express their will in the presidential elections." Such a report violates the rights of every citizen of Azerbaijan. Because the citizens of Azerbaijan exercised their right to vote. If a citizen does not want to change the existing power, so he/she chose the president as desired. I personally consider such thoughts as insulting to myself as a citizen of the country," said Aslanova.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
March 8, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Gedabek region and from the positions in the Armenian Krasnoselskaya region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions in the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 12.40- 12.45 and 14.23-14.38, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported
March 9, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions in the Kangarli village in Agdam region at 20:15-20:20, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions in the Mehdili village in the Jabrayil region at 20:00-20:40, as well as from areas in the Ashagi Abdurahmanli village in the Fizuli region at 20:40-20:55, the Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
European Union, being the most authoritative organization in Europe, is interested in ensuring peace and security in EU. Azerbaijan is a part of Europe. The conflicts in the South Caucasus region, including Nagorno-Karabakh, have a direct impact on European security," Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmedov said, the party's official website reported. He was commenting on EU's role that it could play in resolving the Armenian -Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Azerbaijan that is located in the South Caucasus region plays an important role in European energy security and the country's significance is increasing every day. Therefore, the question of stability in the region becomes more apparent," he added.
"In this sense, EU began to openly speak about its interest in the rapid resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In particular, a number of problems that have arisen over the past years in ensuring Europe's energy security greatly increased the role of Azerbaijan from this point of view. I believe that European Union has mechanisms to influence the settlement of the conflicts in South Caucasus. However, this structure should consider the forms of these mechanisms," he added.
According to him, today's reality is that the OSCE Minsk Group is involved in the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
"Most of the OSCE Minsk Group's representatives are members of EU. In this case, it is clear that European Union has leverage to influence the process. But the question is how states are ready to restore justice. I think that if the organization's member-states are interested in this, then problem can be solved quickly, "Ahmadov noted.
The international community intends to assist to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the nearest term, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said today.
"We approve the updated version of the Madrid principles. They give an opportunity for broad discussion of the question. But the Armenian side claims that there are points which are necessary to coordinate", minister told media.
Minister said that the last visit to the region of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly special representative on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Goran Lennmarker and the OSCE PA President Joao Soares testifies that the international community intends to assist to solve this conflict as soon as possible.
"The documents have been already prepared both at the level of co-chairmen, and OSCE new chairman - Kazakhstan. There is the only question for Armenia to agree all this," minister said.
The world community has stated that the Azerbaijani lands must be liberated and refugees must return home, he said.
March 10, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the Mosesgerkh village in the Armenian Berd region to the Alibayli village in the Tovuz region at 11.45-12.30, and from areas in the Voskepar village in the Armenian Noyanberyan region to the Ashagi Askipara village in the Azerbaijani Gazakh region at 19.20-19.30, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Jabrayil region at 23.00-23.15, as well as from nameless heights in the Tartar region at 00.10 -00.15 March 11, the Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The work with the OSCE Minsk Group (MG) co-chairs is underway and they met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Next week they will meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said at a briefing in Moscow today, Vesti television channel reported.
"After the talks, the OSCE MG co-chairs plan to visit Baku and Yerevan in late March - early April to try to bring the sides' positions together on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution," he added.
According to him, Russia assesses the negotiations progress as normal. The parties discuss the updated version of the Madrid principles - the main points of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement submitted by the co-chairs.
March 11, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions in the Marzili village in Agdam region at 18.30- 18.45 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 20.25-20.35, the Ministry reported. The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.