Official chronicle
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation headed by Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini.
Mohammed Hussein conveyed greetings of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The successful development of bilateral cooperation in all spheres, including the cultural one was stressed at the meeting. The source of such successful cooperation were friendly and fraternal relations between peoples.
The issues related to culture play an important role. During the meeting, the importance of cultural ties between both countries was highlighted.
The President thanked President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the greetings and conveyed the greetings to the Iranian president.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen, Robert Bradtke (U.S), Bernard Fassier (France), Igor Popov (Russia) and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Views on the current situation and prospects of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were exchanged at the meeting.
President Ilham Aliyev has today received Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee David Allan Harris and his accompanying delegation.
The Head of State expressed hope that the visit of the delegation would be successful and provide opportunities to learn more about Azerbaijan.
David A. Harris noted Azerbaijan is an important country for the United States, saying "we, friends of Azerbaijan, realize this country`s political, strategic and cultural importance for the U.S". He pointed his visit comes after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton`s trip to Azerbaijan. According to Harris, these visits are the indicator of expanding US-Azerbaijan ties.
President Ilham Aliyev noted US-Azerbaijan relationship is developing successfully in a variety of fields. Both countries have built effective cooperation in the political, economic energy and other fields. Azerbaijan and the United States are partners in counterterrorism operations.
The Head of State underscored the importance of bilateral relations in terms of regional cooperation.
President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He told of Armenia`s military aggression against Azerbaijan, peace talks and country`s stance on the resolution of the dispute based on international legal principles.
Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijanis and Jews have lived in peace and harmony for centuries. Jews living in Azerbaijan contribute to development of the country and it is, according to the President, a good factor reflecting "our relations".
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Malawian counterpart Bingu wa Mutharika on the country's Independence Day, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
In the letter, the President expressed confident that relations between Azerbaijan and Malawi would continue to develop in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation for the welfare of the two countries` peoples.
The Head of State wished the Malawian leader robust health, successes in his activities and friendly people of Malawi peace and prosperity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated the central office of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan Republic here, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
President Ilham Aliyev cut a ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the building and toured it.
The President was informed that the newly-reconstructed four-storey building has been provided with all necessary facilities so that the personnel could work here effectively.
A bust to national leader Heydar Aliyev was mounted on the first floor.
President Ilham Aliyev saw the rooms, which were provided with information and communication technologies and furniture. The building houses a big conference hall and other meeting rooms.
The President made remarks at the ceremony.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on awarding the winners of "Best Teacher" contest conducted in 2009/2010 academic year. Upon the decree, 5,000 manat prize was awarded to winners.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on awarding the winners of "Best Secondary School" contest, held in 2009/2010 academic year.
Upon the decree, 10,000 manat prize was awarded to winners.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received BP executive director Tony Hayward, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The President stressed the successful long-term cooperation between BP and Azerbaijan. He expressed confidence that this partnership will expand more in future.
Tony Hayward stressed the successful cooperation between the Azerbaijani government, BP and SOCAR.
BP head once again noted the importance of oil and gas projects "Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli" and Shah Deniz, as well as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipelines and South Caucasus gas pipeline for Azerbaijan, the region and the global energy market.
It was stressed that the full development of Shah Deniz field is one of the important projects for Azerbaijan and BP.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order appointing Ali Alizadeh the consul general of Azerbaijan in Tabriz city of Iran.
Upon another decree by the President, Ali Alizadeh was conferred a diplomatic rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the first class.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to newly elected president of the Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski.
"I heartily congratulate You on your election as President of the Republic of Poland. We attach great importance to Azerbaijan-Poland inter-state relations. I am confident that our multilateral friendly ties, our cooperation has taken a strategic character, will continue to consistently develop and strengthen in a bilateral format as well and within international organizations for the benefit of our peoples," said the letter.
Ilham Aliyev wished Bronislaw Komorowski good health, happiness and success in upcoming activities for the benefit of the friendly people of Poland.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received credentials of incoming Iraqi ambassador Heydar Shiya Gubeysi al-Barrak.
The Iraqi ambassador reviewed a guard of honor before presenting his credentials to the Head of State.
The President and the ambassador had a conversation during which they discussed the bilateral relations and prospects of developing them.
President Ilham Aliyev has inaugurated the central office of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan Republic on July 6. President Ilham Aliyev cut a ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the building and toured it. The Head of State was informed that the newly-reconstructed four-storey building has been provided with all necessary facilities so that the personnel could work here effectively. A bust to national leader Heydar Aliyev was mounted on the first floor. President Ilham Aliyev saw the rooms, which were provided with information and communication technologies and furniture. The building houses a big conference hall and other meeting rooms. The Head of State made remarks at the ceremony.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today received Egypt`s Petroleum Minister Sameh Samir Fahmy.
Head of Azerbaijan said relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt were successfully developing. President Aliyev said fruitful discussions were held during a recent visit of Egypt`s FM to Azerbaijan.
He stressed the necessity to further boost cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields. The Azerbaijani leader said visit of Egypt`s Petroleum Minister Sameh Fahmy to Azerbaijan gave a good opportunity to develop relations in energy field. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence the joint activity would be discussed during the next visits of the guest to Baku.
Egypt`s Petroleum Minister praised Azerbaijan`s development, saying he was impressed by what he had seen here. He said there were interesting plans to expand relations between the two countries expressing confidence these initiative would be realized.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today received Georgia`s Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze.
The President expressed confidence the Georgian FM`s visit would be fruitful and successful. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan and Georgia were actively cooperating in all fields, adding he believes the bilateral cooperation would be continued.
Vashadze stressed the importance of discussing with the Azerbaijani leader the ways of developing the bilateral relations, and cooperation, in particular within international organizations, on the issue of territorial integrity, which, he said, was of particular significance for both Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The Azerbaijani leader emphasized the importance of continuous consultations for expanding the bilateral cooperation.
Azerbaijan's first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva inaugurated a culture center in Turkan settlement in Baku on July 7, AzerTAj state news agency reported..
First lady Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Center.
They were informed that the construction of the Center was started in 2009 at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The Center covers 1500 square meters, and necessary conditions have been created here for various events to be held.
A photo stand has been launched in the Center`s foyer featuring national leader Heydar Aliyev`s participation in various cultural events held during both the soviet period and the country`s independence years. The Center`s library has a collection of books in Azerbaijani, English and Russian languages.
Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva became familiar with a computer class operating in the Center. All computers have internet access.
A photo stand on the Center`s second floor features the workings of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Azerbaijan`s first lady saw workings of little artists in a painting circle.
Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva toured a park built around the Center.
The first lady praised the work done here.
Then, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met members of Khazar region`s general public
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on July 8 visited Balakan region where the head of state honored Heydar Aliyev's monument erected.
In term of solving socio-economic problems, the region's accomplishments attract attention. Many educational and public health institutes have been built here in the latest years. In comparison with 2003, total production volume in region has increased by 21 percent. The President has visited Balakan in 2006 and 2008.
After the head of state laid flowers on the monument of the National Leader, he was told that there is Heydar Aliyev Museum to propagate the Great Leader's heritage.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the Zagatala house of culture after reconstruction.
The President reviewed the photo-stand featuring reconstruction works of the house of culture, built still in 1959.
The House became a modern cultural center after overhaul and reconstruction works.
The refurbished 3-storey culture house with the monuments of famous Azerbaijani figures of art and culture erected in front covers about thousand sqm.
The Culture House is equipped with update technological devices.
The President expressed consent and gave his instructions.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Zagatala Dairy Plant.
Gilan Ltd. constructed the plant to facilitate regional development. It is one of only five dairy plants in Azerbaijan. The plant boasts modern equipment with a processing capacity of 30 tons per day, and a laboratory meeting modern requirements.
Milk will be brought from various villages in the Zagatala region to promote agricultural and animal husbandry development.
Azerbaijani President today took part at the ceremony of groundbreaking of the Balakan-1 hydroelectric power station.
President of Azrenergy Etibar Pirverdiyev informed the president on parameters of the facility, built under the order of Azerbaijan president dated November 16, 2009. It is also a part of the program on construction of small hydroelectric power stations.
The station will produce 10 mln kwh energy annually, which makes up 25 percent of the region's electricity consumption.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated Mazimchay border check point in Balakan.
The President cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the facility, and then viewed it.
Deputy chief of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev told the President that the total area of the border check point was 4 hectares.
The facility will employ about 60 people. Some 190 cars and 500-600 travelers are inspected at the check point on a daily basis.
The President viewed a conference hall and lounge here. The Head of State also viewed an automated control system of an anti-smuggling center.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated Balakan Olympic and Sport Complex.
The President cut the ribbon symbolizing official opening of the Complex.
A photo exhibition has been created at the foyer of the complex featuring national leader Heydar Aliyev`s and President Ilham Aliyev`s services in development of sport in the country.
The President toured the facility and viewed performances of sportsmen.
President Ilham Aliyev highly praised condition of the complex.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated the "Qubek" Hotel here.
The Head of State cut the ribbon symbolizing official opening of the hotel.
The construction of the 4-star hotel, located near the Heydar Aliyev Culture and Rest Park started in 2007.
The hotel has 63 rooms, 80-seat conference hall, restaurants, boiling room and parking garage.
80 people will work in the hotel.
President Ilham Aliyev praised the conditions of the hotel.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has inspected a completely-overhauled building of the Health Ministry.
The 3-storied building has a total area of 12,000 square meters. The building has an e-library, 200-seat hall and museum. It also features the offices of the Baku Central Health Department and Crisis Center.
The President praised the reconstruction work here.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbayeva today on making a successful transition into the office.
"I am confident that friendly and partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan will continue to expand and develop according to the will of our people," he said. "I wish you health and success, and also prosperity for the Kyrgyz people."
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Polish ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski who has completed his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan.
The President underlined Azerbaijan-Poland bilateral relations have developed rapidly during Krajewski`s tenure. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the role of late President Lech Kaczynski in expanding bilateral relationship.
The President pointed out dynamic development of ties is manifestation of attention leaders of both states pay to bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev praised the role of ambassadors in developing bilateral relationship.
President Ilham Aliyev noted Krajewski has done much to expand bilateral ties and took an active part in many processes in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani leader wished every success to outgoing Polish ambassador and awarded him with a "Dostlug" (Friendship) order.
Krajewski underlined he is honored to receive the Dostlug order. The diplomat pointed out he is impressed with Azerbaijan President's assessing his diplomatic activity so high, adding it is important for his country as well.
The ambassador expressed his satisfaction with how much relationship between the two countries has developed. He thanked President of Azerbaijan for supporting the embassy's activity.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree awarding Krzysztof Krajewski the Order "Dostlug" ("Friendship").
Krzysztof Krajewski was awarded the Order "Dostlug" for his special merits in strengthening cooperation and mutual relations between Azerbaijan and Poland," the order says.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has today headed to Ukraine for a working visit.
At the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the Head of State was seen off by Prime Minister Artur Rasizadeh and Baku Mayor Hajibala Abutalybov.
Elections
Polish citizens residing in Azerbaijan cast their ballots for Bronislaw Komorowski in the second round of presidential elections, the Second Secretary of Embassy Jan Brodovsky told Trend.
According to Brodovsky, out of 52 Polish citizens who were voting, 38 voted Komorowski, 12 for Jaroslaw Kaczynski. Two ballots were filled incorrectly and are void.
The Polish embassy has established a polling station number 22 and all citizens of Poland, who are in Azerbaijan during elections, had the opportunity to vote at that polling station
Voting at the polling station ended at 23:00 Baku time.
10 candidates run for the first round of elections. None of the candidates gained the necessary to win half of the votes. Presidential candidate of the ruling Civic Platform Party, the Speaker of the Sejm Bronislaw Komorowski and leader of the Party Law and Justice Jaroslaw Kaczynski run for the second round of the elections.
Azerbaijani CEC will participate in a joint training workshop with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. CEC will hold another event to educate the grassroots committees in conjunction with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe July 7. Trainings devoted to the consideration of complaints and appeals are envisaged for members of expert groups. They consider complaints and appeals of district election commissions, the press-office of the Central Election Commission said. Activities will continue for two days. Training will be conducted by specialists of the Central Election Commission and the Venice Commission of Council of Europe. The holding of parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for the first week of November. The Electoral Staff of the Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan (ACSDA) completed the first phase of the program for the forthcoming parliamentary elections. "The staff stepped up its activities in the regions under the first phase of the program and in connection with the parliamentary elections," ACSDA Electoral Staff Head Maharram Zulfugarli said at the news briefing held in Trend conference center.
Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan scheduled for Nov.7.
ACSDA implements a program to promote the improvement of legislation and electoral practices to achieve greater transparency and democratic elections. The Association plans to monitor the parliamentary elections this year.
Zulfugarli said the program will be conducted in three phases.
"First, the organization plans to hold workshops in the regions to align the work of the ACSDA regional offices in the run up to the parliamentary elections and gain the electoral activity in the regions at a later stage. In the third phase, the ACSDA will provide training for observers," Zulfugarli added.
The ACSDA completed the first phase of the program providing for the implementation of measures to harmonize the work of regional offices in Khachmaz, Shirvan, Lankaran, Oguz, Zagatala, Ujar, Goranboy and Ganja regions. The organisation held meetings with the coordinators of 27 districts. So far, the Association has issued a number of manuals and 14 brochures on elections.
Zulfugarli said that the parliamentary elections expected high activity of women and youth.
The ACSDA has launched a second phase of the program since early July.
The aim of the Council of Europe and other international organizations, as well as the Azerbaijani government is holding transparent, open and democratic elections in Azerbaijan, Council of Europe Baku Representative Office head Veronika Kotek said at the seminar organized by the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Venice Commission.
"The upcoming parliamentary elections will be a kind of test for democracy in Azerbaijan and will identify what the electoral commission had learned from previous elections," Kotek said.
Kotek commended the work of the CEC in preparation for the elections.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan Nov. 7, 2010.
The Venice Commission and the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) conducts two-day training seminar on the principle of considering complaints and appeals received by the election commissions during the elections.
"The CEC cooperates with all interested parties to improve the electoral process. The purpose of the event [the training-seminar] is to involve all experts acting in the lower election commissions, review the rules for considering complaints, and review and improve the knowledge of participants," CEC Secretary Natig Mammadov told journalists today.
The two-day seminar is attended by members of district election commissions.
Mammadov said the CEC attaches great importance to education, to realize which uses the opportunities of the media and the Internet.
Support for civil society must be strengthened in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, For Azerbaijan Public Forum Chairman Eldar Namazov told Trend.
"If civil society is not active, then no candidates can succeed," he said. "There are two ways to enhance civil society. Candidates need to campaign in a particular district, or support like-minded people participating actively in their campaign in some districts."
Special training sessions are also being held for representatives of civil society and youth organizations, Namazov said.
"We have conducted several trainings on organizing successful campaigns," he said. "We use international experience, but local experience is also taken into account."
The Baku Central Police Department will issue ID cards to Azerbaijani citizens who have yet to receive identification documents before the parliamentary elections, Deputy Chief of the department's Passports and Identity Cards Registration Service Ali Aliyev said at a news conference today.
"The service is working to provide citizens with ID cards," he said.
Aliyev stressed that the service has upped its activities in the run-up to the elections.
The department's Public Security Service head Dashgin Mehdiyev added that district police departments are also working hard to ensure public safety at unauthorized political rallies.
Azerbaijan invited all international organizations to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections, Deputy Foreign Minister Vagif Sadikhov said today.
"The Foreign Ministry invited the representatives of the UN, OSCE, EU, CoE, the CIS Parliamentary Assembly and other organizations," Sadikhov said.
Sadikhov said Azerbaijan now awaiting a response from the organizations. "We hope that they will participate in monitoring the elections," he added.
Parliament
The NGO Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan (ACSDA) proposed increasing the number of seats in parliament today.
"The number of voters has increased compared to previous years," ACSDA Electoral Staff Chief Maharram Zulfugarli said at a news briefing. "Therefore, it would be advisable to increase the number of deputies to meet the number of voters in the regions."
Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for Nov. 7.
The ACSDA is implementing a program to improve electoral legislation and practices to achieve greater transparency. The association plans to monitor the parliamentary elections this year.
The ACSDA has already completed the program's first phase.
Foreign policy
The NATO international school's five-day summer session opened in Baku today. Participants will discuss financial security during the global crisis.
Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation began with the signing of a program document within the Partnership for Peace Program May 4, 1994. Azerbaijan was one of 27 OSCE member countries to join the program. An official document envisaging concrete directions of cooperation was signed in April 1996. Azerbaijan is now fulfilling roughly 50 tasks in conformity with the program. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving an action plan to forge an individual partnership with NATO Aug. 3, 2005. Azerbaijan is currently in the second phase of the program.
An EU delegation, which will arrive in Baku in mid-July to discuss the association agreement with Azerbaijan, will be headed by Director of the EU Department for South Caucasus countries John Kjaer, the EU Baku office told Trend. The Azerbaijani government's negotiations with the European Commission to conclude the association agreement will begin July 16. The negotiations will be held in connection with the provision of mandate to negotiate with the three South Caucasus countries by the EU Council May 10, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev said earlier. According to him, the talks will last a year or so. The department headed by Kjaer operates under the European Neighborhood Policy, and covers the countries of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus, particularly Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine. So far, Azerbaijan has been cooperating with the EU on the basis of a partnership agreement and cooperation. Signing of such an agreement with Europe will become for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia means of establishing free trade and movement of people. According to the requirements of the European Union, the pretender country must be a member of the WTO for participation in the zone. Azerbaijan still has observer status in the organization, he said. Foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia participated in the annual session of the European Council for Cooperation with South Caucasus countries in Brussels Sept.30, 2009. A decision was made about a prospect of the association membership of the Caucasus countries into the EU. It is the most effective stimulus for conflict resolution and internal reforms in these countries.
Azerbaijan seeks to develop cooperation with the European Union and NATO, but is not going to join them, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. Azerbaijan seeks to develop cooperation with the European Union and NATO, but is not going to join them, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, ITAR-TASS reported. Mammadyarov said "integration into Euro-Atlantic structures remains a priority for Azerbaijan's foreign policy, but we must clearly understand that integration does not mean membership". "Our cooperation with NATO and EU will continue in the interest of reform that we need," Mammadyarov noted. He recalled that Azerbaijan tries to adopt European standards in many different areas of life. Mammadyarov said "integration into Euro-Atlantic structures remains a priority for Azerbaijan's foreign policy, but we must clearly understand that integration does not mean membership". "Our cooperation with NATO and EU will continue in the interest of reform that we need," Mammadyarov noted. He recalled that Azerbaijan tries to adopt European standards in many different areas of life.
Chief executive of U.S Karabakh Foundation, located in Washington, Diana Cohen Altman is on a visit to Baku. She met with Khazar University rector Hamlet Isakhanli within the visit. She also met with students and exchanged views. She plans to meet with Azerbaijani public figures and representatives of culture one of these days.
Hardijs Baumanis will lead the Latvian Embassy in Azerbaijan. Latvian President Valdis Zatlers is expected to receive Baumanis and hand over his credentials for service in Azerbaijan today. Prior to his appointment to Azerbaijan, Baumanis led Latvia's diplomatic mission to Lithuania, the Latvian Embassy in Baku told Trend. Baumanis will replace Michael Popkovs, who has worked in Azerbaijan since 2006.
Georgia establishes a joint governmental and parliamentary group to study the situation of the Georgian Diaspora in Azerbaijan. The decision was taken after a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on relations with compatriots living abroad, the parliament told Trend. The committee addressed the issue of the Georgian-Azerbaijani relations in relation to the problems of Georgians living in Azerbaijan. The committee hearings were closed on the basis of "specific subject matter". The Georgian Foreign Ministry presented a report on the situation of Georgians in Azerbaijan. The discussion was attended by MPs and representatives of the ministries and departments of the Georgian government.
Georgia establishes a joint governmental and parliamentary group to study the situation of the Georgian Diaspora in Azerbaijan. The decision was taken after a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on relations with compatriots living abroad, the parliament told Trend. The committee addressed the issue of the Georgian-Azerbaijani relations in relation to the problems of Georgians living in Azerbaijan. The committee hearings were closed on the basis of "specific subject matter". The Georgian Foreign Ministry presented a report on the situation of Georgians in Azerbaijan. The discussion was attended by MPs and representatives of the ministries and departments of the Georgian government.
The Consular Section of the Latvian Embassy in Azerbaijan has changed the procedures for applying for Schengen visas, the embassy told Trend. According to information provided by the embassy, Schengen visa applicaions for Latvia, Estonia, Hungary and Slovenia can be submitted by appointment only. Applicants may register weekdays Monday to Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. by calling 436-6778. Applicants must note their full name and passport number. A list of the documents required to receive a Schengen visa is available at the embassy. The application form can be printed from the Latvian Foreign Ministry's website: www.mfa.gov.lv. The Consular Section accepts applications weekdays except Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
On July 7, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, who is on a working visit in our country, the press service of the Foreign Ministry reported. The sides discussed the current state of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, regional processes, energy and infrastructure projects, as well as other issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.
Azerbaijan seeks to establish cooperative, symbiotic relations with both its neighboring countries and the international community, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Fakhraddin Gurbanov told Cherwell edition. An important objective of our foreign policy is to integrate within Euro-Atlantic structures of which Azerbaijan is already a member of Council of Europe, OSCE and NATO Peace for Partnership. Our single largest priority, however, is the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan continues to positively engage with the international efforts aimed at resolving our territorial dispute with Armenia. Through the OSCE Minsk group, we hope to achieve a long lasting and comprehensive solution on this issue, Gurbanov said. He said the United Kingdom was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijani independence and continues to maintain the positive dynamic tone that our bilateral relations started with. The United Kingdom is the largest investor in Azerbaijan with over half of all Foreign Direct Investment in Azerbaijan coming from British companies. Today, there are over 170 British companies and 5000 British expatriates who live and work in Azerbaijan, Gurbanov added. Azerbaijan supports the UK on a variety of fronts from preserving human security in the Balkans to peace building operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, he said. "Azerbaijan's strategic location as a gateway between Europe and Central Asia has played a huge role in our economic relations," Gurbanov said. "Our oil and gas resources form the backbone of our economy. Responsible and reliable suppliers back our principal export of energy commodities. Furthermore, we cooperate with the United Kingdom to implement energy projects across the region."
Political movements
Pretenders for the post of chairman of the opposition Azerbaijan National Independence Party must take into account their potential, the party secretary on propaganda and press, Ali Orujov told Trend.
"Until now, unsuccessful elections of the chairman damage the party. This has damaged the party's work, its authority. I believe that everyone who decides to nominate his candidacy, especially, should take into account his capacity and capability," he said. The congress of the party will be held at the hotel "Europe" July 10. The party chairman will be elected there. About 300 representatives will take part in the congress. After the presidential elections in 2003, chairman of the party Etibar Mammadov resigned from his post. Since that time chairmen of the party were elected Ali Aliyev and Ayaz Rustamov. "None of the contenders for the post of party chairman has not officially nominated his candidacy yet. It would be nice if these people made statements. The public and party members would know them. They would have an opportunity to engage in propaganda. But each has chosen the tactic. Perhaps, they will make their nominations during the Congress, " Ali Orujov said.
Art contest "Fenomen" organized by the Azerbaijani Youth and Sport Ministry jointly with the Organization of Integration of Azerbaijani Youth in Europe completed. The contest was held to study and promote the heritage of National Leader Heydar Aliyev among creative young people living in Azerbaijan, Organization President Gulsel Safarova. "The contest was launched a month ago. It was attended by representatives from various national communities living in Azerbaijan. The contest awarded four people with special prizes and four national communities awarded prizes for their active participation in the contest," Safarova said.
The situation inside the Azerbaijani opposition Azadlyg bloc overshadowed the election issues, chairman of Citizen and Development Party, member of the Azadlyg bloc, Ali Aliyev, told Trend. "Over recent days, the situation formed inside Azadlyg bloc overshadowed the question of the establishment of an election bloc," said Aliyev. Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for early November 7. Previous parliamentary elections were held in November 2005. Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are held through the majority system in 125 electoral districts. Opponents of the Azadlyg bloc launched a campaign against the bloc, said the chairman of the party said. "The credibility of the Azadlyg bloc, its place in society, disturb the opponents of the bloc. The press, under the control of the political circles, has been distributing an exaggerated information about events inside the bloc for a long time. They try to collapse Azadlyg bloc, want to strain relations between the organizations within the bloc," said Aliyev.
In Azerbaijan, some intellectuals appealed to the opposition parties to support their candidates in the parliamentary elections, chairman of the opposition Azerbaijan National Democratic Party (ANDP) Tufan Kerimli told Trend on July 7. "The party will be able to support the candidacies of several representatives of intellectuals well known in the Azerbaijani society. No final decision has been made on this issue, so I can not say anything about their names," said Kerimli. Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2010. Previous parliamentary elections were held in November 2005. The parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are held by the majority system in 125 electoral districts. According to party chairman, talks are held with the Azadlyg Party, a member of the Union for Democracy. "We held talks with chairman of the Azadlyg Party Ahmed Orujov. An initial decision has been made to cooperate. According to this decision, ANDP and Azadlyg Party will jointly support candidates in the constituencies," said Kerimli. ANDP will nominate 62 candidates for parliamentary elections, the party chairman said.
Azerbaijani opposition Musavat party has accused fictitious opposition of a campaign against the party. "There are some fictitious opposition forces, which remain due to false allegations against the Musavat Party and its leadership. But I do not think that statements of such people may be harmful to the credibility of our Party. Azerbaijani society knows these people," head of the central office of the Musavat Party, Arif Hajili said. Recently, several opposition press bodies got a lot of information about the differences in the block Azadliq, the possibility of the collapse of the bloc. Some opposition leaders accuse the Musavat Party of destructive activity. Azadliq bloc is represented by three opposition parties: the Party of Popular Front of Azerbaijan, Liberal Party of Azerbaijan and the Citizens and Development Party. He said that Musavat party has no rivals in the opposition camp. We are not going to compete with anybody. Regarding the tense situation in Azadliq bloc, Hajili said it was an internal affair of the bloc. Musavat has never acted with the specific claims in this bloc. "If the situation calms down within a bloc or if it was tense, we will not interfere," Hajili said.
Azerbaijani opposition does not want to hold rallies in authorized sites due to lack of the social base, deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, MP Siyavush Novruzov told Trend. "The participants of the rallies are employees of newspapers, defending the opposition parties, representatives of several non-governmental organizations funded by various foreign organizations and functionaries of the same parties," Novruzov said. Several Azerbaijani opposition parties made attempts of unsanctioned protest in the central squares of Baku. Executive Power of Baku called the stadium in Sahil settlement of Garadagh district, the stadium in front of the trust "Azneftgeofizik" in Sabunchi district, the stadium named after Tofig Ismayilov in Surakhani district, the stadium of 3155 block in Yasamal district, settlement Turkan in Azizbayov district, the territory in front of the cinema "Tabriz" in Nizami district and in front of the metro station "Ulduz" in Narimanov district as sites to conduct public meetings. Novruzov said that at the last rally the opposition tried but could attract enough people to the rally. "They attract activists and members of city and district organizations of the republic to hold any rally in Baku. About 30-40 people participated in last rallies. They were chairmen of organizations, who came from the villages, their deputies or party activists. They have no social base. They do not hold rallies in authorized sites because if they hold rallies there, they will disgrace themselves, and everyone will see that they have no social support ", MP said. Novruzov touched on the failed meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the opposition. "U.S. Secretary of State during the visit met with opposition parties of all countries except Azerbaijan. They know that Azerbaijan does not have a sufficiently strong opposition party, Novruzov said.
The Azerbaijani Umid Party does not exclude the possibility of joining the broad coalition of opposition if it is created, Umid Party Chairman Igbal Agazade told Trend. "If the broad coalition of opposition created, we will consider joining it," Agazade said. Umid party was established in 1993. In 2002, the Civil Solidarity Party united with Umid party. Civil Solidarity Party Chairman Igbal Aghazade was elected chairman of Umid party. Agazade is the member of the Azerbaijani parliament. The party refrains from commenting on the situation around the Azadlig bloc, but continues to cooperate with the parties included in the association. Umid Party is able to compete with all the blocs separately, Agazade said. "We have repeatedly made the initiative to create a broad association, but the parties have not yet decided on this step. We are open for cooperation in the name of democratization of society," - Agazade said.
Azerbaijan can create a new opposition bloc, the Party of Citizens and Development chairman, Azadliq bloc member, Ali Aliyev said. "Our goal is to keep Azadliq bloc. We want to protect this bloc. It is unknown whether we will manage or fail. Time will tell how events will develop. If something happens, establishment of a new bloc is likely to be discussed. If it deals with establishment of the electoral bloc in future, it can happen only after the situation will be clarified within the bloc, " Aliyev said. There was the information about split in Azadliq bloc. Azadliq bloc is represented by three opposition parties - Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, Liberal Party of Azerbaijan and the Party of Citizens and Development. "We prefer not to talk about problems within the bloc. We try to resolve all issues within the bloc itself. If the press is discussing the matter so thoroughly, it means that there is something here. It must be eliminated," Aliyev said.
The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) declared on its position on the participation of its candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections. "Nomination of his/her candidacy is a right of every citizen. But, the nomination of the NAP members not entering the -single list is contrary to the party's will and policy. For this reason, we can not stay in one party with such persons. One of the fundamental issues at the meetings in organizations is that the party will nominate only one candidate to each of the constituencies and other party members will support this candidate, providing the necessary assistance," NAP Deputy Executive Secretary Siyavush Novruzov told Trend. Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan Nov. 7, 2010. Previous elections were held in November 2005. The elections are held according to the majority system in Azerbaijan's 125 constituencies. According to Novruzov, if so, these people's relations with the party will be reviewed. "If any NAP member intends to nominate himself then it must do so as a citizen, but he will not receive any support from the party and his relations with the party will be reviewed," Novruzov said. Novruzov also spoke about preparations of a list of candidates from the ruling party in parliamentary elections. "Now the process is underway. The NAP holds final meeting with representatives of regional and municipal organizations. This process is studied thoroughly in accordance with pre-election program. That is, we study which candidates being MPs will be nominated for. There will also be studied extension of alternative, etc. This process is already nearing completion in relation to Baku. This process will continue in the regions and villages until the elections. After receiving all the information and assess the capacity of our candidates, of course, will be issued a list of candidates and constituencies in which they will nominate their candidates," Novruzov said.
The Azerbaijani National Independence Party (ANIP) intends to cooperate with the government, the party's statement on Nagorno-Karabakh problem adopted at its 10th congress says. "The party is going to cooperate with the government to protect Azerbaijan from pressure, eliminate heavy consequences of the Armenian aggression and ensure returning of one million refugees to their homes in the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The solution of these problems is possible only in conditions of national unity and mutual trust," the statement says. The party estimates maintaining of the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as an obstacle in preservation of the international security and peace, and as promotion to establishment of wide separatism and terrorism. The party regards acceptable settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by military means and considers it necessary to suspend the talks in this direction within the OSCE. The ANIP does not make a distinction between national minorities in Azerbaijan and is a strict opponent of granting exclusive rights to any of the national community. The party believes the updated Madrid principles are contrary to national interests and security of Azerbaijan, as well as to the generally accepted norms of the international conventions. The Azerbaijani State must protect the rights and safety of all citizens, regardless of nationality, religion, race, culture and language. It should create favorable conditions for their future development and prevent outside interference under any pretext.
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
July 5, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights and areas and positions outside the Gorgan and Ashagi Abdulrahmanli villages in the Fizuli region at 06:30- 06:50 and 22:45-23:00, and 00:45- 01:10 July 6, as well as from nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 12:30- 12:35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from nameless heights in the Goygol region at 13:40-13:45 July 5, as well as from nameless heights and areas and positions outside the Tapgaragoyunlu and Gulustan villages in the Goranboy region at 00:30- 00:45 July 6, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh believes that the community members will be able to return to their homes soon, the community head Bayram Safarov said today at a press conference after a meeting with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairmen.
"We believe that the significant statements of three presidents in Toronto and Hillary Clinton's visit to the region will lead to a just solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict", Safarov said.
The presidents of Russia, the United States and France, Dmitry Medvedev, Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy approved a joint statement within G-8 summit in Canada.
They called for the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to accelerate work on the basic principles of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to begin the development of draft peace agreementin later.
Safarov said that determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is out of question till Azerbaijani community returns to Nagorno-Karabakh and occupied territories of Azerbaijan are released.
"Refugees' return to Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed at the negotiations with the co-chairmen", Safarov said.
He said that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan can not be a topic of the talks.
Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev called on countries - the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen to take more effective measures to stop the occupation policy of the aggressor.
First, Armenia must withdraw its occupying forces from Azerbaijani territory to resolve the conflict peacefully, the minister said at a meeting with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairmen, the press-service of the Defense Ministry said.
Recalling that it is stipulated by decisions and resolutions adopted by the international organizations, the minister said that otherwise serious problems can occur.
Today mediators in Baku have held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, head of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh Bajram Safarov.
The mediators arrived in Baku on Saturday after a visit to Khankendi and Yerevan. They discussed the process of resolving of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict there.
July 6, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 17.50- 18.30 and positions in the nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 00.10 to 00.20 July 7, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions outside the Yarimja village in the Tartar region at 00.35-00.47, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The Ireli Public Association's IT Center launched a new website today dedicated to the city of Agder, which is currently occupied by Armenia.
The website can be found at the following address: www.myaghdara.wordpress.com
The center implements projects dedicated to the occupied areas of Azerbaijan.
The website has been launched out under the slogan "My Karabakh! My Azerbaijan!"
Websites dedicated to Shusha and Lachin were also created under the project.
July 7, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights and outside the Horadiz village in the Fizuli region at 14.00-14.10, 14.45-15.00 and 21.50- 22.30, as well as from positions in the nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 18:05- 18:40 and positions in the nameless heights in the Goygol region at 18:30- 18:35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 20:40- 20:44, as well as from areas and positions outside the Kangarli village in the Agdam region at 18:30- 18:35 and areas and positions outside the Gizil Oba and Seysulan villages in the Tartar region at 03:30- 03:35 July 8, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers will discuss the release of the Lachin and Kalbajar regions to Azerbaijan as part of the first stage of the OSCE Foreign Ministerial Council in Almaty, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told journalists today.
"The meeting will be held July 16 or 17. The OSCE co-chairs have not given any specific dates," he added.
Mammadyarov said talks are underway with Armenia on the basis of the updated Madrid principles.
"We have repeatedly discussed some of these principles in the past six years and now it makes no sense to get back to them," Mammadyarov said.
At a meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan in January in Sochi, the OSCE Minsk Group presented the parties with an updated version of the Madrid document, which is the basis for today's talks.
Having already adopted the Madrid principles, Baku has yet to receive information from the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on Yerevan's position.
According to Mammadyarov, the talks will focus on returning the Lachin and Kalbajar regions to Azerbaijan.
"Historically the Lachin and Kalbajar regions were never part of Nagorno Karabakh. Today, the issue is the return of these two regions," Mammadyarov said.
He added that the issue of returning the remaining five regions has already been resolved and will be no longer be discussed.
Regarding status of the Nagorno-Karabakh, Mammadyarov noted that the Armenian side stand for holding a referendum, but Azerbaijan's position is that the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh must take part in the voting together with the Armenians.
Mammadyarov said a special committee of representatives from Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries will be established under the principles that are now being discussed between the parties. The committee will develop questions of the referendum ballots. However, this is possible only after the return of IDPs to the Nagorno-Karabakh, he said.
Russia actively promotes the settlement of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, Itar-Tass quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying in an interview with the Mir television channel this week.
"Separate conflicts remain in the CIS," he said. "Above all, this is the Karabakh conflict, which Russia is actively working on settling. We have come a long way in this conflict. Most recently, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan held their sixth meeting in St. Petersburg at an economic forum. Additional instructions were given as a result of this meeting. We expect to meet with the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers, as well as with other representatives of the Minsk Group co-chair countries, at the OSCE Foreign Ministerial Council in Almaty in mid-July."
Referring to the settlement of the Transdnestr conflict, Lavrov said the current Moldovan authorities have not yet been able to agree on a position.
"Who is calling the shots in Chisinau?" he said. "The alliance that came to the power after the elections has not been able to formulate a common position."
After the government puts forward a united proposal, concrete steps can be made, Lavror stresed.
July 8, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights and outside the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 11.30-12.00, 14.45-15.00 , as well as from positions in the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 21.05 -21.10, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 21.40- 21.55 July 8, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
July 9, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights and outside the Ashagi Abdulrahmanli and Gorgan villages in the Fizuli region at 10.30-10.50 and 12.35-12.55, as well as from positions in the nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 12.15-12.35 and 18.50- 19.20 and from positions in the nameless heights in the Goygol region at14.20- 14.30 and 15.00- 15.15, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions in the nameless heights in the Khojavand region at 15.30-15.40, as well as from areas and position outside the Gizil Oba village in the Tartar region at 01.20- 02.10 July 10 and outside the Kangarli, Sarijali, Javahirli and Tagibayli villages in the Agdam region at 23.30- 23.35 July 9 and 03:15-03:45 July 10, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.