Official chronicle
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received new UN resident-coordinator Fikret Akcura.
The President congratulated Akcura on his appointment as the UN resident-coordinator in Azerbaijan and wished him every success. Saying Azerbaijan-UN relations are developing rapidly, President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the cooperation would continue to expand.
Akcura said he is honored to serve as UN resident-coordinator in Azerbaijan. He assured the President that he would spare no efforts to expand UN-Azerbaijan cooperation.
Akcura presented UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's letter to President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today received credentials of newly-appointed Austrian Ambassador Sylvia Meier-Kajbic.
During the talk, they emphasized the necessity of expanding the two countries` cooperation in different areas.
Meier-Kajbic said developing the relations with Azerbaijan, in particular the economic and cultural ones would be key priorities during her tenure as the ambassador.
She expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government and personally President Ilham Aliyev for assisting Austria`s government in opening the embassy.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today attended the opening of the 35-th annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group in Baku, AzerTaj news agency reported.
The event kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Quran.
The meeting was opened by Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani economic development minister, chairman of the IDB's Board of Governors, who greeted President Ilham Aliyev and the event's participants.
President of the Islamic Development Bank Ahmed Mohammed Ali thanked the people of Azerbaijan and personally President Ilham Aliyev for the hospitality and support.
The meeting featured remarks by representatives of the IDB's groups for Africa, Arab world and Asia.
President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the event.
Holding the annual congress of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Azerbaijan is a very significant event for the country, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said today.
"I am confident that this meeting will be a success and its results will contribute to deepening relations among the IDB member-countries. Moreover, there will be an extensive exchange of views on the prospects of the bank," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said the IDB-Azerbaijan relations develop rapidly and successfully, as evidenced by the data presented today.
"We get more profit from this efficient cooperation for years and great credit belongs to the IDB in successful economic development of Azerbaijan. I am sure that these relations will deepen in subsequent years and we will continue the successful cooperation to solve economic and social issues that our country faces. Our cooperation has excellent prospects. Azerbaijan experiences a period of development and projects implemented in the country through the bank justify themselves," Aliyev added.
Aliyev said the government will continue economic reforms to ensure the overall development of Azerbaijan.
"In short, I want to emphasize that the IDB-Azerbaijan cooperation has so far been very successful. We are satisfied with them and believe in the continuation of joint efforts to deepen the relationship. I believe that today's meeting will also expand the ties among the bank's members and contribute to strengthening the Islamic unity," Aliyev said.
Aliyev believes Azerbaijan makes every effort on its part to strengthen Islamic solidarity. "Despite the fact that we, as an independent state, are relatively young, we have become a very active member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and Azerbaijan has successfully implemented many activities on this line," Aliyev noted.
"Consolidation of the Islamic unity is our common cause. We can strengthen this unity by providing political support to each other and by developing economic ties. There are possibilities for this and expansion of cooperation among the OIC member-countries is in our common interest. Azerbaijan will continue its efforts in this direction on its part, not only in economic and political sphere, but also in other fields, including culture and humanitarian sectors. We must strengthen our ties," Aliyev said.
"I can say with great pride that Baku was declared the capital of Islamic culture in 2009 and different activities were held throughout the year. In other words, we try in every way to contribute to the development of cooperation of the Muslim countries," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan was able to pass a long way during the period of independence.
"The situation was very complicated in Azerbaijan after it gained independence in 1991. However, thanks to Azerbaijani people's will and Great Leader Heydar Aliyev's activities, Azerbaijan could honorably overcome this crisis. Political and economic stability was established in the mid 90-ies and this gave us the opportunity for rapid development," Aliyev said.
He said the comprehensive development of Azerbaijan has created conditions for solving problems that the country faced. Over $80 billion was invested in the Azerbaijani economy in 1995- 2010 and as a result, various areas of the country's economy began to develop.
Azerbaijan in recent years is a rapidly developing country from an economic point of view, Aliyev said. "Growth in GDP, industrial production, foreign investment and, most importantly, cut in the poverty ratio by more than 4 times - these are the main results of the country's development," he added.
Aliyev said this indicates that Azerbaijan is on the right path. Some 85 percent of Azerbaijan's economy is formed by the private sector. "Private sector development is a priority for us. We implement measures to stimulate the private sector to create a powerful class of entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan and the results are already visible. We have always tried hard try to develop all areas of the country's economy, including non-oil sector, and significant results are achieved in this direction," Aliyev added.
Aliyev said the most vivid indicator of the country's economic development is that Azerbaijan's economy grew by more than 9 percent on the background of the financial crisis and the decline in oil prices by several times.
"This increase is the result of the undertaken work. Azerbaijan's economy develops comprehensively and does not depend on one sector. Azerbaijan is a very attractive country for investing. Both internal and foreign investments are protected at the state level in Azerbaijan and this contributes to the rapid development of the economy," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan closely cooperates with the international financial institutions. The country observes a political and economic stability. "I think the main reason for our success lies in this. Because there can be no question of economic development and investments, if there is no stability," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan has great hopes for its future. "We will not dwell on the progress achieved in strengthening of the country's economy. We have big goals such as Azerbaijan's joining the ranks of developed countries and we have already achieved excellent results in this direction," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan is ranked the first in terms of competitiveness in the CIS and 51st at a global level.
"We are still on the beginning of this path. The country will create additional opportunities thanks to continuing economic reforms and implementing major projects," Aliyev said.
Aliyev said successful implementation of major regional energy projects, which are initiated by Azerbaijan, are a clear example of the country's active participation in the international and regional cooperation. Oil and gas pipelines were laid in different directions upon Azerbaijan's initiative and these pipelines meet the economic interests of Azerbaijan and contribute to the development of the region, deepening of cooperation, and generally have a positive impact on the energy security of the continent.
"We were able to use our energy resources very successfully and the revenues were directed to the development of non-oil sector. As a result, we have strengthened the Azerbaijani economy's desire for multi-directionality. Moreover, we apply the transparency principles in our entire financial system. The country achieved excellent results in this direction. The State Oil Fund is a very transparent organization, awarded by the UN. Being an active member of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, Azerbaijan demonstrates its leadership in this direction," Aliyev said.
The Azerbaijani energy resources will help to strengthen the country's economy for many years. "But our main task is to transform this capital into human capital, and important events in the social and humanitarian spheres are carried out in Azerbaijan for this end. Specific programs are conducted to strengthen the social and humanitarian fields. Education, medicine, culture, sports are the priority areas for us," Aliyev said.
"We carry out major infrastructure projects that strengthen our country and at the same time, are of international importance, especially in the transport sector. The railways and the corridors laid upon our initiative are of great importance for the region. Asia and Europe will be connected with the new railway by constructing the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route. We have expressed this initiative and mobilized the primary financial resources," Aliyev underscored.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan also expands thanks to the North-South Corridor.
"We have a favorable geographic position, but it is senseless without the infrastructure projects. We must use and we use our geographical position successfully," Aliyev said. "Azerbaijan revives the historical Silk Road thanks to its infrastructural projects and initiatives."
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger and his accompanying delegation.
The Austrian top diplomat delivered to the Azerbaijani Leader greetings and a letter from President of Austria Heinz Fischer.
The Minister said he is impressed by the monuments and amenities he saw in Baku. According to Spindelegger, the meetings he had here are effective in terms of discussing bilateral relations. He pointed out Austrian companies are interested in investing in and trading with Azerbaijan.
He expressed hope for high-level cooperation between the two countries.
President Ilham Aliyev underlined there is good potential to develop bilateral relations and implement economic, investment projects. He expressed assurance that Austria-Azerbaijan relations would continue to expand.
The Head of State asked the Minister to pass on his greetings to Austrian President Heinz Fischer.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development Kanayo Nwanze.
The Azerbaijani leader said developing the agricultural sector was among key priorities for his country. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan`s achievements in this regard.
Kanayo Nwanze praised Azerbaijan`s making great development in a short period of time since restoring its independence.
The Azerbaijani President and IFAD chief also discussed prospects for cooperation between the country and the organization.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Wednesday IRI Minister of Economy and Finance Shamsaddin Husseini and his accompanying delegation.
The Head of State underscored Iran-Azerbaijan economic relations are successfully developing and expressed confidence they would continue to develop.
The Minister offered Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad`s greetings to the Azerbaijani Leader. On behalf of his colleagues, he thanked the Head of State for making his remarks at the 35th annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group.
The Head of State asked the Minister to pass his greetings on to his Iranian counterpart Ahmedinejad.
President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev has today viewed the main part of joint large-scale battle exercises of units and formations of the Defense Ministry, State Frontier Service and Interior Troops on the occasion of 92nd anniversary of Azerbaijan Armed Forces.
President Ilham Aliyev saw demonstration of combat techniques and skills of commandos.
The Supreme Commander-in-Chief viewed the military equipment and weapons.
The President watched warfare exercises with deployment of units, sub-units and weapon systems.
The Commander-in-Chief presented keepsakes to a group of servicemen for their distinction in military service and on the occasion of 92nd anniversary of Azerbaijan Armed Forces.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has visited Lankaran.
Aliyev has visited the national leader Heydar Aliyev's monument and attended tea factory and tinned food factory.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has opened a completely overhauled Regional Boxing Training Center in Lankaran.
The facility, total area of which is 3 hectares, has 2 boxing rings, dressing rooms, training halls and offices for teachers and coaches. It also has basketball and mini-football grounds and a race-track.
The President viewed the boxing rings and basketball and football pitches, and also watched a training process.
In April a delegation of the International Boxing Association visited the facility to praise its conditions.
Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated a canning factory in Lankaran, AzerTAj State News Agency reported.
The President pushed the button starting the production process at the facility.
The Head of State then viewed the factory whose total area is 10 hectares. The facility consists of an office building, production shop and cold storage.
The factory is capable of receiving 30 tons of products per hour.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today officially opened a tea factory in Sutamurdov village as part of his visit to Lankaran, AzerTAj State News Agency reported.
The Head of State first viewed the facility`s model.
The factory`s total area is 1 hectare. It will process 100 tons of tea leafs per year. The factory will employ 60 workforce.
The President pressed the button to start the production process at the facility, and then viewed it.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has opened a completely overhauled Regional Boxing Training Center in Lankaran.
The facility, total area of which is 3 hectares, has 2 boxing rings, dressing rooms, training halls and offices for teachers and coaches. It also has basketball and mini-football grounds and a race-track.
The President viewed the boxing rings and basketball and football pitches, and also watched a training process.
In April a delegation of the International Boxing Association visited the facility to praise its conditions.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening of ice-cream factory LLC "Palfood", a member of the group of companies Palmali Holdinq, during a visit to Lankaran region June 25.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev familiarized with the company. Information was provided that the construction of a factory producing ice cream LLC "Palfood" began in 2008. Ice cream brand "Paldad" was produced in late 2009.
Total area of factory is 20,000 square meters. About 120 people will work here. About 28 varieties of ice cream "Turk usulu", "Palegriya", "Buz qelem" and others are produced here using high-quality milk.
Ice cream is made at the highest level as a part of an international system of food safety management İSO-22000 from the processing of raw materials to packaging.
Power production of the plant is 500,000 liters of ice cream a month.
President Ilham Aliyev has started production at the factory.
The factory, built on the latest technologies, got equipment imported from Denmark. Pack is Turkish.
At present, talks on the export of ice cream "Paldad" to Turkey, Georgia, Uzbekistan and other countries are held.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the center of Heydar Aliyev in Lerik.
Public representatives of the region warmly welcomed the president.
The President got acquainted with the center. A bust of national leader was placed in the center, built on a square of Heydar Aliyev.
The exhibits that reflect the life of national leader, documents and photographs from the archive are placed in the center with the total area of 420 square meters.
The center was created to promote the political heritage of outstanding statesman Heydar Aliyev. The library contains books about national leader.
There are also computers here. Documentary films about the life of national leader were collected.
After getting acquainted with the center, President Ilham Aliyev left a note in the book of the center.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has familiarized with reconstruction work carried out in the district central hospital within the visit to Lerik.
The information was provided that the total area of a four-storey building is 2,100 square meters. A hospital, designed for 90 beds, is equipped with modern medical equipment, centralized heating and ventilation systems. About 200 physicians and other health employees render public services.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited a monumental complex "Martyrs" in Lerik today, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The President laid flowers at the Eternal Flame.
While familiarizing with the monumental complex, people say that Lerik as other regions of the republic always honor the memory of those killed in Karabakh and the Great Patriotic War. The complex "Martyrs", built in 2008, is the example of this reverence. More than 130 people from Lerik region became martyrs in the Karabakh war. Five of them were awarded with the title National Hero for courage. The names of all these martyrs are inscribed on a granite slab of the memorial. Currently, about 80 invalids of Karabakh war live in the region. Families of martyrs and disabled are supported by the state.
Residents of Lerik region have shown their courage during the Great Patriotic War. About 6,500 Lerik people took part in the struggle against fascism, of which 1,584 people died heroically. Now about 34 participants of WWII live in the region.
Total area is 650 square meters. There is a fountain. Trees were planted.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, who is visiting Lerik, attended the opening ceremony of Longevity Museum on June 25.
After cutting the symbolic red ribbon, the head of state got familiarized with the museum. The President was informed that Lerik is famous as Land of Longevity. The number of Lerik residents living more than 100 years is 20.
It was mentioned that opening this museum in Lerik is not accidental. This region is famous worldwide for its long-livers. Located in the mountains, Lerik had more than 500 long-livers. Currently 20 people, whose age is over 100, live in Lerik.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev inspected reconstruction of the Culture Center here on June 25.
The reconstruction gave a modern look to the center built in 1973.
President Ilham Aliyev saw a photo stand featuring rebuilding activities and tourism potential in the region.
Tens of new recreation centers and tourism facilities have been built in the region over the last years.
President Ilham Aliyev viewed the exhibition featuring schoolchildren`s handicrafts, decorative artworks and paintings.
The Head of State also saw the exhibition of agricultural products and wide range of other goods produced here. The exhibition showcased mineral waters, products from beekeeping, musical instruments, furniture, drugs and other items.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the work done and gave instructions and recommendations.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an Executive Order to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Togrul Narimanbayov, an outstanding representative of Azerbaijan`s fine arts, people`s painter of the USSR, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Under the presidential Order, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is instructed to prepare a relevant plan of action in collaboration with the Artists` Union.
On Thursday, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed decrees appointing Azerbaijan's new ambassadors to Kuwait, Egypt, Turkey and Kazakhstan.
In particular, Tural Anar oglu Rzayev was given a diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan in the State of Kuwait.
Shahin Shakir oglu Abdullayev recalled as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan in the State of Kuwait and was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Faig Nusret oglu Bagirov withdrawn as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Arab Republic of Egypt and as the Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States and was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Turkey.
Zakir Arif oglu Hashimov, recalled as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Turkish Republic and the Republic of Macedonia, and was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan.
Latif Seifaddin oglu Gandilov withdrawn as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated his Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on the country`s national holiday, the AzerTaj sate news agency reported.
In his congratulatory letter, the Azerbaijani leader said: "I cordially congratulate you and the people of Luxemburg on the occasion of the national holiday of your country - the Grand Duke`s Official Birthday."
The President expressed confidence "Azerbaijan and Luxemburg will continue developing friendship and cooperation for the prosperity of their peoples".
President Ilham Aliyev wished Grand Duke Henri "robust health and successes in his activities", and "the friendly people of Luxembourg peace and prosperity".
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to his Slovenian counterpart Danilo Turk on the country`s national holiday, Statehood Day
The President expressed confidence "Azerbaijan and Slovenia will continue developing friendship and cooperation for the prosperity of their peoples".
President Ilham Aliyev wished the Slovenian leader strong health and successes in his activities, and the people of Slovenia peace and prosperity.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to his Croatian counterpart Ivo Josipovic on the country`s Independence Day.
"On behalf of the Azerbaijani people and on my own behalf, I cordially congratulate you and the people of Croatia on the national holiday - Independence Day."
The President expressed confidence "Azerbaijan and Croatia will continue developing friendship and cooperation for the prosperity of their peoples".
President Ilham Aliyev wished the Croatian leader "robust health and successes" in his activities, and the people of his country peace and prosperity.
Parliament
The PACE summer session began in Strasbourg today.
The agenda includes discussions on democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe's website reported.
The council's bureau and political groups, which will consider the organization's budget for 2011, will attend the first day of the session.
Judges will also be elected to the European Court from Germany and Malta during the session. The session will also address "Human Rights Violations in the North Caucasus," "Kosovo and the Council of Europe's Role," and "Romanians in Europe."
U.N. High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Jorge Sampaio, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Macedonian President Georgi Ivanov are expected to speak at the session.
Azerbaijan will be represented by PACE Vice President Samad Seyidov.
The law on amendments to the Law of the Azerbaijan Republic "Courts and Judges" and "Legal and judicial council" were made at an extraordinary meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament.
Detailed information about the bill was given to parliamentarians by chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Policy and State Building Ali Huseynov.
"The changes include the expansion of powers of the Judicial Legal Council", Huseynov said.
He said that the item, not allowing judges of the Council to be elected to this position more than two times has been removed from the law.
Chairman of the parliamentary committee said that according to changes the regional offices of heinous crimes courts will be established.
"The regional offices of heinous crimes courts will be opened in the regions where appeal courts operate. Moreover, heinous crimes courts in the regions will also exercise the powers of military heinous crimes courts," Huseynov said.
Azerbaijan approved the judges of the Supreme Court of the Republic, the Supreme Court of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic and the appellate courts.
The issue of appointing judges to the Supreme Court, Baku, Shirvan, Sheki, Sumgait and Ganja appellate courts and the Supreme Court of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic was discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the Azerbaijani parliament.
Detailed information about the bill was given to the parliamentarians by chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Policy and State Building Ali Huseynov.
"I can say that all of the judges are highly disciplined," Huseynov said.
"I propose the Parliament to discuss the issue concerning raising the salaries of judges," MP Aydin Mirzazade said.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent recommendations to the above-mentioned courts in connection with the nominations for judges.
The Azerbaijani Parliament approved the judges of the Constitutional Court of the country at an extraordinary meeting today.
The Parliament approved candidates Fikret Babayev, Rovshan Ismayilov, Jeyhun Garachayev, Raphael Gvaladze, Sona Salmanova and Kamran Shafiyev for judges of the Constitutional Court nominated by President Ilham Aliyev.
Newly appointed judges took the oath of allegiance to the Law of the Azerbaijan Republic.
The Azerbaijani parliament's extraordinary meeting held June 22 adopted a law on amendments and changes to the country's laws "On Advertising", "On Broadcasting" and "On medicines".
Parliamentary Social Policy Committee Chairman Hadi Rajabli provided extend information about the bill to the MPs.
"The bill provides stipulated the advertising of prescription drugs. Previously, such drugs could not be advertised on television and radio," Rajabli said.
MP Azay Guliyev proposed further changes to the law on advertising, according to which the rules for broadcasting social advertising will be set.
The Azerbaijani parliament's extraordinary meeting held June 22 adopted a law on amendments and changes to the country's law "On the rules of the traffic movement".
Parliamentary Legal Policy and State Building Committee Head Ali Huseynov provided extend information about the bill to the MPs.
The Azerbaijani Parliament has concluded its spring session with the adoption of several laws. The parliament's extraordinary meeting held June 22 adopted a law on amendments and changes to the country's laws "On the customs tariff" and "On the rules of the traffic movement", and adopted the Laws "On approval of the agreement signed between the Azerbaijani and the Vietnam Socialist Republic on visa-free travel of persons with diplomatic, service or official passports," on the accession to the Treaty on the Protection of Olympic Symbols ", signed in Nairobi, on the approval of the agreement on cooperation with CIS countries in combating terrorism, on the accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement on the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
Law "On the service in the emergency situations services" and law "On the prevention of domestic violence adopted" also was adopted by the parliament on the second and third reading, respectively.
In addition, the parliament amended the administrative division of Gakh and Zagatala regions.
The parliament also adopted the law "On Investment Funds" on the first reading.
Political movements
The Azerbaijani and Chinese ruling parties discussed possible cooperation this week.
New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary Ali Ahmedov met with Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zhang Yannian. The sides discussed cooperation between the NAP and the Chinese Communist Party, the NAP official website reported.
The officials also discussed the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani opposition can change the situation through the elections, chairman of the Azerbaijani opposition Great Creation party said.
"If Azerbaijani opposition parties want to demonstrate their power, they must choose different tactics. Otherwise, they must recognize their weakness, openly stating that they conduct the action to attract attention. It will be more logical," Great Creation Party chairman, MP Fazil Gazanfaroglu said.
MP said that it is impossible to come to power with such a little social basis and affect the current government.
"Opposition parties hold a meeting in the central squares. What are these meetings for? Are they conducted for the sake of showing off their strength and zeal to power or to attract attention? In our society, only more original, nationalist, ultra-radical parties are able to turn these meetings into a significant event," Gazanfaroglu said.
Dissociation of the Azerbaijani opposition will have a negative impact on its results in the upcoming elections, MP from opposition Musavat Party Panah Huseyn said.
"The opposition's unity is important for the proper management of the election materials and other resources. If the opposition fails to unite, it will negatively affect the outcome of elections," Huseyn said.
The question of creation of a united front and consolidation of the opposition in the elections has been delayed, Azerbaijani opposition Umid party Leader Igbal Agazade said earlier. This process can be considered as closed," Agazade said.
Huseyn said it is wrong to voice a premature decision on this matter and unification of the opposition is still possible. "The election campaign has not yet begun. There is another three months. There may be a model of joint participation even after the election campaign and registration of candidates begins," he said.
Separately taken candidates can gain enough votes in the the majoritarian system of elections, he added.
"Practice of the 2005 election showed that at high overall political activity in the country, people, outside the Azadlig block and the party, could get votes. I think that even in today's circumstances, the opposition may get half of the votes," Huseynov said.
Leader of the opposition party - Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP) Sardar Jalaloglu today has held a meeting with representatives of the mission assessing the situation before the elections - OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which are on visit in our country, ADP told Trend.
The meeting discussed the socio-political situation in the country before the elections, electoral law and the latest changes and additions made to it, the Party said.
The discussions highlighted the importance of holding free, fair and equitable elections for Azerbaijan's national interests in terms of democracy and our country's integration into the European space.
The meeting also discussed a number of questions of mutual interest on the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
The Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA) and the Azadlig Union started initial discussions on the participation in a single electoral bloc, the DPA reported.
DPA Chairman DPA Sardar Jalaloglu and Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) Ali Karimli met in the DPA headquarters June 24, the party reported.
The sides highlighted the joint participation of opposition parties in the upcoming parliamentary elections and the decision to continue the discussions in terms of national interests of Azerbaijan.
The meeting was also attended by DPA Supreme Council Chairman Vagif Shirinov and DPA Deputy Chairman Taliyat Aliyev.
Azerbaijan's ruling party will prepare a list of candidates, who will be supported by voters, the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) deputy chairman Ali Ahmadov told Trend today.
"Now, works on preparing a list of candidates are underway. Our party will include in the list the candidates who will be supported by voters, and it will contribute to the successful implementation of our electoral concept," Ahmadov said.
The party adheres in its activity to position to provide wide opportunities for youth and women to participate in the country's political life, he said.
"This issue will be reflected in the parliamentary elections. But now, talking about it is difficult. In order to be elected one must first earn the voters' favor. We will be very glad if the representatives of youth and women correspond with necessary parameters," Ahmadov said.
The last ten years can be considered as the period of formation of conceptual frameworks in the relations between the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the state in Azerbaijan, Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov said in his speech on the discussion of the annual report by the State NGO Support Fund under the Azerbaijani President.
"Today we can talk about the development of the NGO movement in the Azerbaijani society. The Azerbaijani government considered NGOs as its rivals and saw the opposition in them. Starting from 2000, the Azerbaijani state started to form policy based on the international practice towards NGOs, on the other hand, NGOs mainly clarified their position," Hasanov said.
Hasanov said despite the lack of aid allocated to NGOs, it can be considered satisfactory, given the current situation in Azerbaijan.
Vahdat party supporting the political course of Azerbaijan holds unofficial talks with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party about non-nomination of candidates from the same constituencies and their mutual support, chairman of Vahdat party Tahir Karimli told Trend.
As a party supporting the strategy of the President, Vahdat can get support from New Azerbaijan party while electing its candidates, Karimli said.
He said that his party is ready to protect the candidates from New Azerbaijan party in other districts.
Vahdat party led by ex-chairman of the Supreme Court, ex-MP Tahir Karimli was in the ranks of the opposition till 2006. Now the party supports the political course of Azerbaijan.
Elections
PACE decided to send a 30-person mission to Azerbaijan to observe the parliamentary elections at a meeting today, President Mevlud Cavusoglu said at a news conference dedicated to the organization's summer session.
"We received an invitation from the Azerbaijani government to take part in the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan as observers," he said. "Today, the bureau decided at a meeting to send an observer mission consisting of 30 individuals to Azerbaijan to monitor the parliamentary elections. In this connection, a commission will be established to observe the elections. In addition, we will establish an observer mission consisting of five people that will arrive in Azerbaijan a month before the election. Fair, transparent and democratic parliamentary elections would mark a decade of Azerbaijan's membership in the structure."
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in fall 2010. Previous elections were held in November 2005. Elections are held according to the majority system in Azerbaijan's 125 constituencies.
Pre-election assessment mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) studies the pre-election situation in Azerbaijan on the eve of parliamentary elections.
The mission headed by Nicholas Kacharovski met with Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Mazahir Panahov today, the CEC told Trend.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in November 2010.
Panahov informed the mission about the process of preparing for elections and cooperation with the international organizations in this field.
The mission also interested in the organization and principles of the electoral commissions. The sides discussed prospects for further cooperation.
GUAM plans to monitor the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
"If the Azerbaijani side sends an invitation for participation in the parliamentary elections, the GUAM delegation will surely come and participate as observers," GUAM Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili told Trend today.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in November 2010.
The international organizations prepare to send observer delegation to Azerbaijan to monitor the electoral process. Council of Europe has already decided to send a 30-person mission to Azerbaijan to observe the parliamentary elections.
The OSCE Baku Office will continue the dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities and the opposition on the eve of parliamentary elections in the country, Office Head Ali Bilge Cankorel told journalists today.
"We all understand how the parliamentary elections are important for Azerbaijan and intend to continue to work towards improving the pre-election situation in the country," Cankorel said.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in November 2010.
Cankorel sees no need to amend the Electoral Code of the country shortly before the election. But the dialogue with the authorities on the subject, as well as on the right of freedom of assembly will continue, he said.
Cankorel noted that OSCE pays special attention to opportunities of using media resources provided for the candidates.
The changes made to the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan will not negatively impact the election process, Central Election Commission (CEC) Head Mazahir Panahov said.
"The changes will not affect the transparent and democratic elections. The main points related to the elections meet the international standards. Compared to similar steps of the democratic countries, the changes are mainly positive in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan might the only country in the world, which had the practice of the allocation of funds to candidates participating in the electoral process. No country applies this practice today," Panahov told journalists today.
The Azerbaijani Parliament adopted a bill on additions and amendments to the Electoral Code at its extraordinary meeting June 18. Thirty three additions and changes were proposed to the Electoral Code. The changes include the cancellation of the practice for allocating funds from public budget to candidates, changing the period of announcement of date of elections from 75 to 60 days before polling day, confirming lists of constituencies 55 days before the election, and their publication for 50 days.
There are no problems with the organization of elections, Panahov said.
"We are busy with defining the lists of voters since January. The preparation for the elections and educational work of constituencies were launched in parallel in May. There is no problem even in the nomination and campaigning of candidates," Panahov said.
Regarding the participation of the international observers in the parliamentary elections, he said these issues will be implemented according to the law after the announcement of elections.
"We have informed the international organizations that the CEC is interested in the extensive observation mission, promoting transparent and democratic elections. We will accept with joy the organizations that will express such a desire and create all necessary conditions for them," Panahov added.
Foreign policy
The restoration of the activity of the Subcommittee on Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed in the PACE Bureau, PACE chairman Movlud Chavushoglu told Trend.
"Today I gave a report on the Sub-committee on Nagorno-Karabakh to the Bureau. As you know, I met with the heads and members of Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations June 23. No decision concerning the activity of the sub-committee was made at this meeting of the Bureau. I informed members of the Bureau about details of meetings with the delegations of both countries. Discussions on the activity of the Sub-committee will continue at the next meeting of the Bureau, " PACE President said.
PACE Sub-Committee on Nagorno-Karabakh has suspended its activity about a year ago in connection with the death of its chairman, Lord Russell Johnston.
Issues of Azerbaijani-Polish economic cooperation will be discussed in Baku. The talks will be held within the Polish delegation's visit to Azerbaijan, which is scheduled for June 29. The delegation will be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Wojciechowski, the Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Krzysztof Krajewski told Trend today.
The delegation will include representatives of business circles of Poland, who will discuss opportunities of trade and economic relations in Baku, the ambassador said
Within the visit Azerbaijan will host business forum with participation of businessmen of the two countries.
Azerbaijan and Indonesia expect mutual state visits.
Organization of mutual visits of the two countries' presidents, as well as the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov's visits to Indonesia are planned, the Azerbaijani ambassador to this country Ibrahim Hajiyev told Trend.
The delegations of the Parliament and the Indonesian Foreign Ministry have already been in Azerbaijan with official visits, and now the Azerbaijani officials' visits to Indonesia are on the agenda, the diplomat said.
Indonesia will open embassy in Azerbaijan.
Opening of the Indonesian Embassy in Azerbaijan has been solved at the official level. At present, the financial side of the issue is under consideration, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in this country Ibrahim Hajiyev said over telephone from Jakarta.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry now assesses the possibilities of the budget and will soon apply to the country's parliament. The Indonesian Foreign Minister confirmed at a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart.
After that, the technical aspects of the issue will be addressed, Hajiyev said.
Azerbaijan is a very important country in the region for the United States, Director of the Division of the South Caucasus for the U.S National Security Council Bridget Brink said at the meeting with chairman of Democratic Reforms Party Asim Mollazade in Washington.
Azerbaijan-U.S relations, the situation in the South Caucasus region, local conflicts, including Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Azerbaijan's role in ensuring energy security in the Caspian Sea were discussed, the party said.
Mollazade stressed the need for more intensive development of relations between the two countries, as well as U.S. greater involvement in conflict settlement processes that impede peace and development in the region.
Mollazade discussed Karabakh conflict and regional security issues in the White House. Armenia impedes the process of establishing peace, thus excluding itself from the general development of the region and the important energy projects," chairman of the party said.
Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria always had deep roots. Now it moves to a new level, Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Shpindelegger said at a joint press-conference with Azerbaijani counterpart in Baku.
"Austria considers cooperation with the countries of South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, as a priority," minister said.
He said that political cooperation with Azerbaijan is as important as economic for Austria.
Austrian minister invited his Azerbaijani counterpart to visit Austria in the nearest future.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that Austria and Azerbaijan sign the agreement on visa-free regime for people with diplomatic passports.
Minister said that Azerbaijan also considers important the cooperation with Austria. "Today cooperation in energy, humanitarian field has been discussed today.
The cooperation between the Diplomatic Academies of the two countries has been also discussed. The decisions to hold Cultural Days of the two countries in Vienna and Baku next year were made," Mammadyarov said.
The Austrian Embassy in Azerbaijan was opened in Baku. The ceremony was attended by the Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger, Minister of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan Ali Abbasov, as well as officials of both countries.
The opening of the Embassy was held within the Austrian Foreign Minister and Economy Minister's visit to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received copies of Iraqi new ambassador to Azerbaijan Heydar Shiya Gubeyshi al-Berraki's credentials, the foreign ministry said.
Noting the vast potential of cooperation between the two countries, ambassador said that he would spare no effort in this direction.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister congratulated ambassador on his appointment and stressed the importance of efficient use of existing possibilities for the intensification of ties between the two countries.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received member of the Austria-Azerbaijan Commerce Chamber Gabriela Lansky and PACE ex-president and now International Institute Peace Director Peter Schieder today, the ministry reported.
The meeting discussed the current state of the Azerbaijani-Austrian relations and prospects for their development and marked the contribution of the opening of the Austrian Embassy in Baku in the development of economic, cultural and other ties.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) appointed new co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
Spanish MP Pedro Agramunt Font De Mora was appointed new PACE co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan at the fourth working day of the PACE summer session, Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov told Trend.
"The PACE Monitoring Committee held a meeting, which is important for us. Today, Andres Herkel will speak at the PACE as co-rapporteur for the last time. The Monitoring Committee shall suspend Herkel's powers as co-rapporteur. The committee discussed candidacy of new co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan and European People's Party member, Spanish MP, Pedro Agramunt Font De Mora was appointed new co-rapporteur. He is one of the most authoritative members of the Council of Europe," Seyidov said.
Seyidov considers that the activities of the new co-rapporteur will be objective.
"I am confident that Mr. Font de Mora, as a person having an objective image, will organize his activities related to Azerbaijan, correctly, objectively and in line with mutual respect. Our relations with two co-rapporteurs Joseph Debono Grech and
Font De Mora will serve to even greater development of the relations between Azerbaijan and Council of Europe and the whole Azerbaijan-European relations at the highest level," he added.
Forum of GUAM Youth Leaders started in Baku on June 25. The main purpose of the forum is to discuss future directions of the international youth cooperation within GUAM and coordination of joint activities.
According to the organization's Secretary General Valeri Chechelashvili, young people's communication within GUAM will help to develop promising projects and programs that will be implemented both in the GUAM, and "GUAM+" format
"GUAM has good relations with our partners - Japan, USA and the Czech Republic, which will promote to implement youth programs within GUAM," Chechelashvili told journalists today.
According to the Azerbaijani Deputy Youth and Sport Minister Intigam Babayev, within the Forum working groups will discuss prospects of cooperation for more effective implementation of programs.
"The forum will discuss the role of youth of the GUAM countries in resolving frozen conflicts, including Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Babayev said.
Discussions will be held between state agencies, and youth organizations, Babayev said.
The first summit of the Forum was held March 9-12, 2006 in the capital of Moldova.
Azerbaijan is interested in deepening cooperation with the international organizations, Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov said.
"We expect the arrival of PACE Monitoring Committee co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan. The issue of conformity of the processes ongoing in Azerbaijan with European standards, as well as their assessment is one of immediate tasks of the Azerbaijani government. We are and will continue to pursue dialogue with the Council of Europe, OSCE and others international organizations," Hasanov said.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
The Armenian armed forces attacked the Azerbaijani troops today.
The Armenian armed forces once again violated the ceasefire near the Ashaghi Abdulrahmanli village in the Fizuli region and went on the offensive June 21 at 1:45 a.m., the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani armed forces answered the attack strengthening their military positions. The Armenian military suffered losses as a result and was forced to retreat, the report said.
Nineteen-year-old Azerbaijani soldier Elgun Shukurov, who was enlisted to military service in January 2009 from the Jalilabad Military Commissariat, was killed in the crossfire.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and OSCE Chairman, Kazakh Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Astana today.
"We discussed the efforts that must be made to reduce tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Davutoglu told journalists after the meeting.
June 21, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights in the territory in the Khojaven region at 16.30-16.40, 21.30-21.35, and 23.00-23.15; from positions in the nameless heights in the territory of Goranboy region at 19.05-19.10; from positions outside the Sarijali village in the Agdam region at 23.35-23.50; from positions outside the village Ashagi Abdulrahmanli, Ashagi Veysalli, Garakhanbeyli, Ashagi Seyidahmedli villages and nameless heights in the region Fuzuli region at 17.40:17.50, 21.40-21.45, 23.35-23.50 and 00.10-00.15, 00.30-00.50, 04.15-04.30 June 22, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions near the Giziloba village in the Terter region at 04.00-04.20.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported
The declaration, entitled "Necessity of intensifying the activities of the subcommittee on Nagorno-Karabakh", prepared by a member of the Azerbaijani delegation Rafael Huseynov, was circulated at the PACE on the first day of organization's summer session. Declaration was signed by 40 MPs from 20 countries. The declaration was declared open for signature.
"Failure to comply with resolutions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the lack of control over their use leads to criticism of the Council of Europe. Despite this, we must applaud the efforts of the new leadership of PACE on the revitalization of the subcommittees set up to monitor implementation of the resolutions," says the declaration .
The document also notes the constructive activities of the subcommittee during the presidency of Lord Russell Johnston.
"OSCE Minsk Group which was created for the peaceful settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a substitute for the subcommittee in question. Of course, both entities have the same goals, but their activity is different and each seeks to contribute to the resolution of the conflict", states the declaration.
"This resolution, as the position of one of the most credible organization - the Council of Europe, clearly demonstrates the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia, Armenia's policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis, the existence of the separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. The presence and activity of such a committee in the PACE is success by itself, because it always keeps on the agenda the Armenian occupation, Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Of course, this by no means suits the Armenians ", said Rafael Huseynov.
The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Igor Popov of Russia, Bernard Fassier of France, and Robert Bradtke of the United States strongly condemn the use of force on Azerbaijani-Armenian troops contact line and regret the senseless loss of life, says the Co-Chairs' statement released on Monday.
"According to reports of the Ministries of Defense of Armenia and Azerbaijan, an armed incident took place during the night of June 18-19, 2010, in the northern part of the Line of Contact, resulting in casualties. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassadors Bernard Fassier of France, Robert Bradtke of the United States of America, and Igor Popov of the Russian Federation strongly condemn the use of force and regret the senseless loss of life. Such an incident is an unacceptable violation of the 1994 Ceasefire Agreement and is contrary to the stated commitment of the sides to refrain from the use of force or the threat of the use of force", says the statement.
Statement notes that the incident took place immediately after the meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, held in St. Petersburg on June 17 at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation to pursue the negotiation of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"The use of military force, particularly at this moment, can only be seen as an attempt to damage the peace process", the statement
Co-Chairs call upon the sides to exercise restraint on the terrain as well as in their public communications and prepare their population for peace and not for war.
According to the statement, Co-Chairs reiterate that there is no alternative to a peaceful negotiation solution of the conflict and that war is not an option.
The Armenian delegation is preparing a statement on the possible re-establishment of the PACE Committee on Nagorno-Karabakh, Mediamax agency reported.
"We are categorically against this decision, because the Council of Europe has nothing to do in this matter. One should not create an organization similar with the OSCE Minsk Group," member of the Armenian delegation to PACE, Armen Rustamyan said in an interview with Mediamax.
He also noted that members of the Armenian delegation have been registered to speak at the PACE session, where the implementation of Azerbaijani commitments will be discussed.
"I am going to raise the issue of sabotage perpetrated by Azerbaijan on the border with Nagorno-Karabakh at a meeting. It resulted in the deaths of several Armenian servicemen", Rustamyan said.
Baku's refusal from the military rhetoric will be possible only after deoccupation of the Azerbaijani lands by Armenians, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at the joint press conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Shpindelegger.
Mammadyarov said perhaps, Armenia believes the solution to this conflict is possible without the use of force, but the force is applied, as the Azerbaijani territory is occupied.
"I believe if Armenia would relate to the process without the hysterical rhetoric and approach the issue seriously, the conflict will be resolved," Mammadyarov said.
First of all, the occupied territories should be released and the Armenian armed forces should be withdrawn from Azerbaijani lands, he said.
"Armenia said neither "yes" or "no" on the updated Madrid principles in St. Petersburg and this creates great difficulties for the continuation of peace talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Mammadyarov said.
Mammadyarov said on the one hand, Armenia said that it is ready to continue work on the Madrid principles, on the other hand, does not agree on certain points in the updated document. "Armenia call the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as frozen, but we do not agree with this wording, while the clashes that lead to fatalities is observed on the frontline," Mammadyarov said.
On June 22, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions of nameless heights in the territory of Geranboy region at 11.30-11.45 and 18.10-18.25, from the positions in the territory of Hojavand region at 21.10-21.30, from the positions in Terter region at 18.00-18.25, 18.25-19.00 and June 23 at 01.15-01.30, 01.10-01.45 and 02.00-02.20, the positions near Chayli, Giziloba, Goyarkh and Seysulan villages, the positions near Sarijali, Yusifjanli and Javakhirli villages of Agdam region at 22.30-23.00, 22.40-23.00 and June 23 at 00.10-00.20, the positions near Garakhanbayli village of Fizuli region at 01.10-01.25.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations met in Strasbourg on Tuesday in the framework of summer session of PACE, told journalists the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov.
The meeting, attended by the head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov and member of the delegation Sabir Hajiyev, held on the initiative of President of the PACE Movlud Chavushoglu. On the part of Armenia the head of Armenian delegation David Harutunyan and his deputy Armen Rustamyan attended the meeting. PACE Secretary General Matthias Sorinas also attended the meeting.
According to Seyidov, the sides have jointly agreed to continue holding such meetings.
"Representatives of the Azerbaijani delegation noted the importance of resuming active work of the PACE Sub-committee during the meeting. But, unfortunately, the Armenian side refuses to cooperate in this issue, including in the framework of Sub-committee. Despite that, as result of our efforts, it was decided to continue the interaction, negotiation and exchange of views and the Armenian side has recognized the need to continue such interaction. As you see, is expanding the format of meetings from session to session, and we plan to hold similar meetings in an even broader format next session, "- he said.
According to the head of Azerbaijani delegation, the Armenians claimed that the existence of the PACE Sub-committee does not suit them, while the Azerbaijani side considers essential to maintain these ties, and discuss the realities in the subcommittee framework.
"We even had a proposal to hold a further meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh. As you know, this item is contained in the PACE resolution under the number 1416," said Seyidov.
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will continue to support Azerbaijan's efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's victims," IDB President Ahmed Mohamed Ali said at the 35-th Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors, held under the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's leadership in Baku today.
"The Bank will continue to support the country's efforts to alleviate the suffering of your people, victims of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict", Mohamed Ali said.
"I urge all human rights organizations and all peace-loving nations to support Azerbaijan in order to allow these people to return to their homes and put an end to their suffering," he said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said she "regrets the armed incident resulting in the loss of human life that took place during the night between 18-19 June along the Line of Contact in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, EU reported.
In a statement, she called on both sides "to respect the ceasefire, restrain from the use of force or any threat thereof, and continue efforts for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict". "The EU reiterates its full support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and the work of the three co-chairs, "Ashton said.
The Armenian armed forces intensively violate the ceasefire in recent days and both sides suffered losses as a result of skirmishes in the conflict zone.
Monitoring on the contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops took place without incident.
The monitoring was held under a mandate of the OSCE chairman special envoy on the contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces in the south of the Borsunlu village in the Goranboy region of Azerbaijan June 24, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
June 23, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions of nameless heights in the territory of Khojavend region at 13.10-13.25, from positions in the nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 12.55-13.20, 15.05-15.20, and 15.05-15.40, from the positions in the nameless heights in the Fuzuli region at 10.00-10.35, 21.50-22.10, 22.50-23.10 and 01.00-01.30 June 24, from the positions in Kengerli and Sarijali villages in the Agdam region at 02.05-02.25, 02.20-02.30, 02.00-02.20, from positions near the, Giziloba and Seysulan villages in the Terter region at 03.45-04.20 and 03.40-04.15, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
June 24, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions of nameless heights and near the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 08:10-08:20, 13:00-13:30; 02:05-02:25 and 08:05-08:35 June 25, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported.
Further the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the positions in the nameless heights and near the village of Ashaghi Abdulrahmanli in the Fizuli region at 11:10-11:20, 21:05-21:15 June 24; 06:00-06:15 and 07:50-08:30 June 25; from positions in the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 22:30-22:40, from positions near the village Yusifjanli and Javahirli villages in the Agdam region at 00:25-00:50 June 25, and from positions near the Chayli village in the Terter region at 01:30-01:45.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The Armenian armed forces broke the ceasefire again on the Day of the Armed Forces of the Azerbaijan Republic.
June 25, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights and areas and position outside the Gulustan and Tapgaragoyunlu villages in the Goranboy region at 08:05-08:35, 14:05-14:25 and 16:15-16:45, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights and areas and position outside the Ashagi Abdulrahmanli and Ashagi Sayidahmadli villages in the Fizuli region at 17:05-17:15, 21:30-21:45 and 23:50-00:15, as well as at 00:23-00:45 June 26.
The Azerbaijani troops were also fired from nameless heights in the Jabrayil region at 09:40-09:55 and from nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 01:30- 01:48, as well as from areas and positions outside the Tagibayli village in the Agdam region at 04:20-05:10 and from areas and positions outside the Chayli, Hasangaya, Yarimja, Giziloba and Seysulam villages in the Tartar region at 00:40- 01:40 June 26, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The presidents of Russia, the United States and France during G 8 summit in Canada issued a joint statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which called on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to accelerate work on the Main principles of settlement of the conflict in order to begin drafting a Peace agreement, RIA Novosti reported.
"Currently, the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan should make one more step and finalize the Main principles in order to be able to begin peace agreement draft", - said in the statement of Dmitry Medvedev, Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy, which they took as heads of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states.
The three presidents instructed the ministers and the mediators to "continue actively promote Armenia and Azerbaijan, to overcome the existing differences in preparation for a joint meeting on the margins of the informal ministerial forum of OSCE in Almaty."
The leaders of Russia, the USA and France reaffirmed their commitment to support the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to finish reconcilement on the Main principles of the settlement.
The statement noted that the heads of states - co-chairs of the Minsk Group have been considered as an important step towards the recognition by both parties of the fact that the settlement must be based on several principles, among which, returning of the occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, an interim status for Nagorno-Karabakh providing guarantees of security and self-government; corridor linking Armenia with Nagorno- Karabakh.
The final legal determination of future status of Nagorno Karabakh "by a legally binding will of people, the right of all refugees and internal displaced persons to return to their former homes, international guarantees of security, including peacekeeping operations" is among these principles.