Official news
On 16 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Frederick Starr, the chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute of the US Johns Hopkins University. They discussed on-going development in Azerbaijan, regional and international issues.
On 17 June, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received Minister of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia, Iyad Ibn Ameen Madani. During the meeting, the sides highlighted successful development of relations between the two countries and mentioned the significance of co-operation with regards to culture.
The sides stated that conducting Culture Days of Saudi Arabia in Azerbaijan plays an important role in future expansion of development in this sphere.
On 17 June, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received the Chairman of the France-Azerbaijan Friendship Group Jean-Louis Dumont, and his accompanying delegation.
Azerbaijani leader touched upon the subject of celebrations on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan Parliament to be attended by the French delegation. The President said Azerbaijan had achieved a tremendous progress in all spheres. He expressed his confidence that the Friendship Group would spare no efforts to expand the cooperation.
Dumont said he had fruitful meetings here with economic, political and energy bodies. He stressed that much work had been done here to develop the democracy. Dumont highlighted the importance of his current visit to Azerbaijan.
On 17 June, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received a delegation headed by the Energy Minister of Iran, Seid Parviz Fattah.
The Head of State highlighted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran in economic sphere, including energy sphere.
Touching upon the topic of discussions held on further expansion of energy co-operation, Seid Parviz Fattah mentioned the significance of the current visit to Azerbaijan.
Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received the delegation led by the chairman of the Supreme National Majlis of Turkey Koksal Toptan.
The dynamic development of relations between Azerbaijan and friendly and fraternal Turkey in all spheres was mentioned during the meeting.
The parties stressed the significance of inter-parliamentarian links in expansion of the bilateral relations, and also added that the parliaments of two countries closely cooperate within the international organizations and in a bilateral format.
On 17 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, issued an order awarding personal presidential pension of Azerbaijan President to Tofig Agabeyov, Alovsat Bakhishov, Sariyye Abilhasanov, Shamil Fatulayev, Arif Huseynov, Rafis Ismaylov, Salhab Mammadov, Adil Mukhtarov, Rufat Sharifov, Mirnadir Zeynalov for their services in cultural and public life of Azerbaijan. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan is in charge of resolving all issues arising from the order.
On 17 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, issued an order conducting an international conference 'Oil and gas potential of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan: energy, economy, ecology. Co-operation strategy'. According to the order, the conference will take place on 28 September in Baku. The Organizational Committee preparing and conducting the conference will be headed by the Vice Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov. The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of resolving other issues arising from the order.
Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received the delegation led by the Vice President of the company Total for Continental Europe and Central Asia Arno Breyak.
During the meeting, it was mentioned with great pleasure that recently Azerbaijan has successfully realized global energy projects.
The successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Total was mentioned, and further expansion of the cooperation was discussed during the meeting.
On 18 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met a delegation led by Chairman of the Belarusian House of Representatives Vladimir Popov.
They noted successful development of relations between the two countries, and stressed that mutual visits of both countries' Presidents play an important role for enhancement of further bilateral cooperation.
On 18 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Speaker of Kazakhstan's Senate Kasimjomard Tokayev.
The Speaker of Kazakhstan's Senate conveyed greetings of Kazakh President to Azerbaijani President.
The meeting focused on bilateral relations between the two countries in the political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres and inter-parliamentary ties to expand further cooperation between two nations.
Also stressed was the importance of cooperation of the legislative bodies of both countries. President Aliyev thanked for cordial greetings from Mr. Nazarbayev and asked to convey his greetings to him either.
On 18 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the delegation headed by the Polish Senate Speaker Bogdan Borusewicz.
Head of the Azerbaijani State noted successful development of bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields. President Aliyev reminded his last visit to Poland stressing its importance from the point of view of expansion of the relations in the years ahead. Speaking of the inter-parliamentary ties, President Aliyev said the visit of such large number delegation to Azerbaijan is a good example of importance the Polish government attaches to. Speaker Bogdan Borusewicz noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and Poland successfully develop. The visit of Azerbaijan President to Poland has created a good ground for further development of relations, Mr. Borusewicz said.
On 18 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Speaker of the Moldova Parliament Marian Lupu and his accompanying delegation. Marian Lupu passed Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin's greetings on to Azerbaijani Leader. Lupu congratulated President Aliyev on the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Parliament. Speaker said relationships between the two countries are successfully developing. The Head of State stressed Azerbaijan-Moldova bilateral relations are successfully developing in all spheres. President Aliyev hailed the fact that both countries support each other`s positions within international organizations. The President said he is confident that interparliamentary ties would continue to develop and bilateral relations would deepen even more. President Ilham Aliyev asked Lupu to convey greetings to his Moldavian counterpart Voronin.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Wednesday Georgia's Parliament Speaker David Bakradze and his accompanying delegation.
The talks focused on successful development of political, economic relations between the two countries and the role of the inter-parliamentary cooperation in this process was stressed. It was stressed that meetings at the level of Heads of States, cooperation within international organizations, as well as joint economic projects contribute to enhancing both countries' relations.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today received participants of the sixth Baku Conference of Ombudsmen.
After welcoming the conferees, Head of the Azerbaijan State spoke of the democratic reforms in the country which are necessary to ensure human rights in the country. In the 17 years of independence, President Aliyev noted, Azerbaijan has done a lot to protect the rights of citizens. The Republic in association with the international ombudsman organizations implemented numerous projects in this field.
President of Azerbaijan also noted the fact of violation of rights of over one million of Azerbaijanis who became refugees and IDPs as a result of Armenian aggression. "We hope the world community will increase appropriate efforts to ensure the rights of Azeri population and restore territorial integrity of the Republic. "This will promote the establishment of peace and tranquility in region," the President underlined.
Representatives of Conference participants shared their views on ensuring human rights over the world which are the integral part of every democratic society. President of Azerbaijan made final remarks at the reception.
"Unsettled Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict aggravates threats and tensions in the region," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said while addressing the Milli Majlis [Parliament] in connection with the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Parliament on 19 June.
Parliamentary representatives from over 40 countries are participating in the ceremony.
"The conflict regards not only Azerbaijan and Armenia, but a threat to security of the region and projects and is an obstacle for cooperation," President Aliyev said.
Aliyev mentioned UN Security Council had passed four resolutions on withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territory.
President also stressed that international organizations such as OSCE, Council of Europe, OIC and GUAM support Azerbaijan's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Aliyev voiced his disappointment that the conflict still remains unsolved in spite of the support of international community.
"For some reason international community indifferently treats the issue. We support peaceful settlement of the conflict, but international organizations must respect themselves and urge for liberation of Azerbaijani territory. Only in this case there will be peace in the region," he said.
President Aliyev informed foreign countries' parliamentary representatives of Azerbaijan's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored and Armenian military forces must be withdrawn from the occupied territory. Then measures must be taken to provide for co-existence of Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijanis who will return to their land. Thia region will be granted the highest status of self-government," he said.
Speakers and Vice-Speakers of the parliaments of Turkey, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Belarus, etc. are participating in the Baku meeting. A range of cultural events will take place during the celebration. The participants will go sight-seeing in Baku and visit cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijan.
On 19 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the Jordanian Parliamentary delegation led by Tahir al-Masri, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. President Aliyev underlined that the Azerbaijan-Jordan relations are developing successfully in various fields. Recalling with pleasure His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordanїs visit to Azerbaijan and his own one to Jordan, the Azerbaijani leader emphasized their great role in development of bilateral relations. He expressed confidence in further strengthening and deepening of the Azerbaijan-Jordan cooperation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Thursday Chairman of the Pakistani Senate Mohammedmian Soomro.
The Azerbaijani leader said relations between the two countries are developing successfully. President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the level of the bilateral political relations, and said there are good opportunities for enhancing the economic cooperation. He also praised the fact both countries support each other within international organizations.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence the current trip by the Pakistani Senate Chairman will contribute to further strengthening both bilateral interparliamentary cooperation and overall relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Mohammedmian Soomro expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani leader for inviting him to attend celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s Parliament.
The Chairman of the Pakistani Senate said his country places particular emphasis on the development of its relationships with Azerbaijan.
Mohammedmian Soomro stressed there are good opportunities to boost the bilateral economic relations.
He said the interparliamentary cooperation is very important in terms of strengthening the overall Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Turkmen Parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Ms. Akja Nurberdiyeva.
Ms. Nurberdiyeva passed on greetings from the President of Turkmenistan Gurbangulu Berdymukhammedov to the Azerbaijani leader. She extended her congratulations on the 90th Anniversary of the Azerbaijani Parliament to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of his country.
The Turkmen Speaker underlined the importance of inter-parliamentary ties for development of relations between the two countries, expressing hope for their further expansion and deepening. President Ilham Aliyev described existing relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan as dynamically developing. Recalling Turkmen leader Gurbangulu Berdymukhammedov's recent visit to Azerbaijan, he expressed confidence that it will promote strengthening ties between the two countries.
President Ilham Aliyev asked Ms. Nurberdiyeva to pass on his greetings to his Turkmen counterpart Gurbangulu Berdymukhammedov.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today has received the Russian Parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Ms. Svetlana Orlova.
The common view expressed during the talk was that relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are developing successfully in various fields, and that the meetings of the two countries' leaders are of great importance for further expansion and deepening of these relations. The importance of reciprocal visits and regular meetings between representatives of legislative bodies of Azerbaijan and Russia for strengthening the two countries' inter-parliamentary relations was also emphasized during the conversation.
Pesident of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received on Friday US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ms Goli Ameri.
Ms Goli Ameri said the United States places a particular emphasis on its relationships with Azerbaijan.
She said during her current trip she held fruitful meetings with the country`s education officials. Ms Goli Ameri stressed the importance of further enhancing educational and cultural relations between the two countries.
President Ilham Aliyev said great job has been done in the field of education in his country. The Azerbaijani leader expressed confidence the overall relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, including educational and cultural ones, will continue developing steadily.
On 20 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Ms. Kristina Ojuland, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Estonia.
In meeting, stressed was the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation and importance of bilateral relations in the frame of European Union.
On 20 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Iranian parliament delegation led by Vice-Speaker of the Islamic Republic of Iran Muhammad Abu Turabi. In meeting, development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran was noted, and emphasized the role of inter-parliamentary ties in expansion of co-operation.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a message of congratulation to the Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on country`s national holiday - Grand Duke`s Birthday. President Aliyev expressed hope the relations will continue developing in atmosphere of friendship and cooperation in line with interests of both peoples. President of Azerbaijan wished Grand Duke Henri robust health, success in activity and the people of Luxembourg - welfare and tranquility.
Foreign policy
Ankara hosted the first meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkey Historical Research Fund, which is intended to research the 'Armenian' issue, to prove groundlessness of Armenians' claims to recognize the 'Armenian genocide' and to popularize the truth about the issue amongst the international community. The meeting approved of the administration and structure of the Fund.
By the decision of the Fund's trusteeship council, new members were admitted to the Fund to increase their number from 13 to 52. Turkey's 9th President Suleyman Demirel was elected the Chairman of the Trusteeship Council. World-known scientist Ihsan Dogramac, Deputy Chairman of PACE Samad Seyidov and Chairman of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Businessmen Association (ATIB) Ahmet Erentok were elected his deputies.
It was decided at the meeting to confer the title of Honorary Chairman of the Fund to the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
Speakers of Azerbaijani and Turkish Parliaments Ogtay Asadov and Koksal Toptan were elected as co-chairmen of the Fund's Supreme Consultative Council. Yusuf Halacoglu was elected Chairman of the Supreme Scientific Council of the Fund; Director of the History Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan Yagub Mammadov, chancellor of the Baku State University Abel Maharramov and head of the Azerbaijan State Archive Atakhan Pashayev were elected his deputies. Turkey's former Culture Minister Namik Kamal Zaybek was elected chairman of the board.
The Ankara meeting also adopted the Charter of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Historical Research Fund, determined composition of the financial commission and approved the budget for 2008.
"The first meeting of Azerbaijan-Turkey Historical Research Fund, which took place in Ankara on 16 June, determined its further strategy. Azerbaijan-Turkey Historical Research Fund has been established to research the 'Armenian issue', to prove groundlessness of Armenians' claims to recognize the 'Armenian genocide' and to popularize the truth about this issue amongst the international community," chairman of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Businessmen Association (ATIB) Ahmet Erentok, who is one of the active initiators of the Fund, said in a press conference after the meeting.
Erentok said to journalists that Fund's main efforts would be intended to provide the truth about the Turkic history to international community. He said one of the main problems of diasporas worldwide is that many of their representatives do not know the history of the Turkic nations. Therefore, the first thing the Fund will do is publish books about the historical events, to be distributed amongst diasporas' representatives. The work will be carried out within the program 'Conception of Compulsory Work' of the Fund's new strategy.
Erentok said the Fund would have offices in the United States, Russia and other European countries, and will closely cooperate with local archives, universities and scientific organizations.
On 17 June the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, received representative of UNICEF in Azerbaijan, Hanaa Singer, due to completion of her activity term in the Country, a source at Ministry's press-service reported to Trend .
It was stated during the meeting that human capital is an important factor for development of society and the government pays special attention to it. Furthermore, the sides stated that great importance is attached to education and social reforms as well. In addition, the sides spoke about problems resulted from Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, appreciated UNICEF work with refugees.
On 18 June, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, received Austrian parliamentarians headed by the Chair of the Inter-Governmental friendly group of Austria - South Caucasus and Middle Asia, Carl Ollinger.
The head of the Austrian delegation said that the conflicts that exist in Caucasus present threats and obstacles for development and co-operation. Furthermore, Carl Ollinger was interested in possibilities of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
Mammadyarov said that the international community, especially European institution, may play an important role in settling the conflict and convince the Armenian side of giving up aggression policy.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on mutually interesting issues.
On 18 June, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, received Canadian-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group headed by David Smite, the Foreign Ministry reported.
The meeting focused on several mutually interested issues, as well as exchange of experience was held on technologies with regards to energy, prospects of agricultural co-operation, food security, education and other directions.
The standing representative from Azerbaijan in the UN Department and other international organizations based in Geneva has been elected the Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council.
Elchin Amirbayov, the Azerbaijani diplomat, has been elected a member of the bureau from the East-European regional group.
Amirbayov will act as the UN Human Rights Council Vice President and Reporter. The Azerbaijani diplomat was elected to this position in the meeting in Geneva on 19 June.
The standing representatives from Canada, Philippines and Argentina have been also elected the members of the bureau from their regional groups.
Nigerian ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi has been elected to head the United Nations Human Rights Council . Uhomoibhi replaced the Romanian ambassador Doru Costea, who was elected to the post in June 2007.
Elshad Iskandarov, Secretary General of the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation (ICYF-DC), stated that the resolution proposed by ICYF-DC, had been considered within the framework of the 35th session of the organization.
This resolution envisages marking the Day of Memory of victims of humanitarian disasters in the OIC countries. The resolution also includes a campaign to spread the true information about humanitarian disasters , aggressions and ethnic cleanings, which the Muslim nations underwent in the 20th century.
The campaign's priority for 2009 and 2010 was proposed as the initiative by Leyla Aliyeva, the Coordinator General of OIC Youth Forum for Intercivilized and Intercultural Dialogue -"Justice of Khojali is Liberation of Karabakh".
The campaign aimed to release the true information in 57 OIC countries about bloodshed, committed by Armenian formations against the peaceful Azerbaijani residents, as well as to create the information web-site to place the image reflects of the campaign.
It is expected that within the framework of the campaign the Khojali tragedy to be recognized as a mass slaughter.
According to the OIC Youth Forum's initiative, the Khojali tragedy was given a political evaluation during the previous session of the organization in Islamabad in May 2007.
"Railway station Angoya in the Baikal-Amur Mainline /BAM/ will be named after outstanding state figure of the USSR and Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev," East Siberian Railway, a branch of Russian Railways company, reported to ITAR-TASS on 20 June.
Angoya station is located in Transbaikalia at the 1,181st km of the mainline. The settlement was constructed by Azerbaijani youth messengers over 25 years ago. The station building was constructed with Azerbaijani national elements and decorated with white South Caucasian marble. In 1984, before opening of traffic through the BAM, Heydar Aliyev, then First Deputy Chairman of the USSR Ministerial Council, visited the station.
"Celebration in Angoya will be held in mid July and preparation is currently being implemented. A square near to the station is being reconstructed and railway workers' settlement is being accomplished. Guests will come from Moscow, Baku, Severobaikalsk, Ulan-Ude, Irkuts, and other cities," East Siberian Railway reported.
On 20 June the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, received Chairman of Senate of Pakistan, Muhammedmyan Sumro, the Foreign Ministry's press service reported.
During the meeting, was stated the high level of the bilateral political relations, positively assessed the existing mutual understanding, mentioned presence of wide potential for strengthening humanitarian relations.
The sides discussed opening air lines between the two countries, organizing visits of entrepreneurs, developing relations in the financial and banking and other issues.
On 20 June the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, received Ms Kristina Ojuland, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Estonia, the Foreign Ministry's press service reported.
Expressing satisfaction with her participation in the events dedicated to 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan Parliament, Ms Ojuland highly appreciated the dynamic development and economic achievements which she observed in Azerbaijan.
Minister Mammadyarov mentioned interest of Azerbaijan in integration into Europe, establishment of democracy, as well as said that the reforms implemented in the country are directed towards development and welfare of society.
During the meeting, were considered the development prospects of the relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan, co-operation in new directions, search of new business opportunities in Estonia for the Azerbaijani investors.
Political parties
The oppositional Civil Solidarity Party has divulged the name of the candidate that it will support in the presidential elections. "The party does not have its own candidate, therefore we will support government candidate Ilham Aliyev," Sabir Hajiyev, chairman of the Civil Solidarity Party of Azerbaijan and MP said to Trend on 17 June.
According to Hajiyev, the party will hold its meeting next meeting. "The candidate from the government is supported in the regional branches of the party as well. The political party who holds power today is working for the interests of the people," MP said.
On 17 June, the pro-government Ana Vatan (Motherland) Party nominated Ilham Aliyev, head of the state and chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), for the presidential elections in a party meeting. "The party also proposed my nomination for the presidency; therefore I thank them for this nice gesture. But I think that there is no alternative to Heydar Aliyev in the political scene," the chairman of Ana Vatan party Fazail Agamali said.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October 2008.
The nomination of Ilham Aliyev was unanimously supported in the meeting of Ana Vatan party.
Ana Vatan party was established in 1990. The party supports the governmental policy and it had nominated Ilham Aliyev for 2003 presidential elections as well.
The Azerbaijani Unified Popular Front Party (AUPFP) is not sure that they will win the presidential elections. "Ilham Aliyev is the favorite of the current elections", Gudrat Hasanguliyev, a MP and chairman of the AUPFP, told Trend on 17 June.
Hasanguliyev said that the AUPFP would try to win the elections. "Our opportunities are more restricted than the candidate from the ruling party. Nevertheless, we will struggle and present alternative projects," Hasanguliyev said. He thinks that it is necessary to participate in the elections despite Aliyev's high rating. "Our participation in the elections will greatly benefit Azerbaijani public. If we do not participate in the elections, the democratic situation will become the worst. It is necessary to join the elections and to speak about shortages," the AUPFP chairman said. He noted that the opportunities of the oppositional parties are low to win. "They participated in the elections several times and they have not realized their promises," Hasanguliyev said.
On 18 June, the Social Welfare Party of Azerbaijan (SWPA) nominated the current head of state Ilham Aliyev for the presidential election in the 6th meeting of the party. "We rely on goals contributing to the realization of sacred ideas and it coincides with the political course of the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. Therefore party believes that it is expedient to support the current head of state Ilham Aliyev in the presidential elections, to be held in 2008 autumn," the chairman of SWPA and MP Khanhuseyn Kazimli said during the meeting.
The pro-government Ana Vatan (Motherland) party also nominated Ilham Aliyev for the presidential election in the 5th meeting of the party on 17 June.
According to Kazimli, the decision of the party concerning the presidential elections will be officially approved by the Supreme Majlis of the party in line with the Election Code, because the elections have not yet officially started. SWPA supported Ilham Aliyev in the 2003 presidential elections as well, Kazimli added.
The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) has started search regarding the funds allocated by the US Embassy for the upcomings presidential elections in Azerbaijan. "We believe that every country should use its domestic capabilities to develop democracy," Ali Ahmadov, the Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of NAP, stated to journalists on 18 June.
The US Embassy in Azerbaijan allocated $3mln due to the upcomin presidential elections.
Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections on 15 October.
Ahmadov said that NAP sent a request to the US Embassy regarding the expediency of allocated funds and to finalize which organizations will be using this sum. "The Embassy responded that those funds would be allocated for BGOs to develop democracy," NAP's offical representtaive said. Ahmadov said that population must benefit from the development of democracy rather than certain persons living abroad. "Democracy canno be developed with an inteference of foreign forces," Ahmadov said.
Intellectuals accused opposition leaders of mutual accusations during the roundtable on 'Elchibey with clear eyes' dedicated to the former Azerbaijani President Elchibey's 70th anniversary. "The conflict between Isa Gambar and Ali Kerimli should be put to an end," Ramiz Rovshan, a national writer, said.
Kerimli, chairman of the Azerbaijani National Front Party, and Gambar, the head of Musavat party sounded accusations towards each-other to the media, blaming about the works of authorities.
Rovshan called both leaders to stop mutual accusations. Gambar accepted writer's critical notes as an old friend's rebuke and said that he would not continue these discussions.
During the meeting participants spoke about Elchibey's political activities.
The Azerbaijani opposition Azadlig bloc considers that the participation of other opposition parties in the upcoming presidential elections will not reduce the effectiveness of boycott. "Boycott of elections by all opposition parties would be much better. In spite of this, the decision by Azadlig bloc will affect the legitimacy of the authorities," Ali Karimli, the Co-founder of Azadlig and Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), stated to journalists on 18 June.
Karimli believes that the decision by the Council of Chairmen to boycott the elections will be supported by the members of the Assembly. "We will not change our decision regarding boycott of the upcoming presidential elections," Karimli said.
Azadlig has proposed to form the election commissions on parity basis, to provide opposition with the right of freedom of assemble and to democratize the election atmosphere.
There is serious uncertainty in the Azerbaijani oppositional Musavat party on its participation in the upcoming presidential elections. "I cannot determine whether I am for or against participation in the elections in this situation," Arif Hajili, head of the Central Executive Administration of Musavat, told to journalists.
According to Hajili, the situation inside the party is seriously being examined. "However, the issue on Azerbaijan will be discussed during the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. We will also analyze the results of discussions," he said. Hajili said that final decision is expected to be taken by the end of this month.
The chairmen of three regional organizations of the pro-governmental Democratic World of Azerbaijan party (DWAP) were dismissed. "These chairmen committed serious infringement in their activities," Mammad Alizade, Chairman of DWAP, told Trend .
DWAP was planning to hold a meeting in the early June. However, the meeting was postponed due to delay of conferences by range of organizations of the party.
According to Alizade, the chairmen from Agdash, Binagadi and Sabirabad regional organizations were dismissed. "Some opposition newspapers want to connect our party with certain persons. The chairmen of aforesaid organizations attempted to use of this opportunity and committed undisciplined actions," Alizade said.
Alizade stated that there was a serious blackmail against the party. "There were taken steps to worsen the relations of the party with the ruling New Azerbaijan party. We will support the candidature of the incumbent President Ilham Aliyev in the forthcoming presidential elections," Alizade stated.
Azerbaijan's Muasir Musavat political party believes it will win the elections. "I think the main rivalry during the upcoming presidential elections will be between me and the authorities' candidate," Chairman of Muasir Musavat Hafiz Hajiyev said to Trend on 19 June.
Hajiyev said for the time being no party can rival with Muasir Musavat, except for governing New Azerbaijan Party. "If the governing party wins the elections, we will shake hands with them. We will take either first or the second place. We are real opposition. As to other parties calling themselves opposition, several of them avoid the elections because they are afraid. As to IsaGambar, who is also intending to participate in the elections, I blocked him at the presidential elections of 2003. If he again runs for presidency, he will get his response again," Hajiyev said.
Hafiz Hajiyev was chairman of the State Concern Azarbalig in 1992-93. He was a member of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Musavat party. In 2000, Hajiyev established Muasir Musavat party, which was registered in 2002. Muasir Musavat considers itself a constructive opposition party.
"The election situation in Azerbaijan is normal and we have a great confidence that Ilham Aliyev will win in the forthcoming presidential elections," Terri Mariani, member of French National Assembly, stated in the meeting with Ali Ahmadov, the Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), on 19 June.
The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held in October 2008.
The French Senator was informed about the current election situation on the threshold of the presidential elections. Furthermore, the Senator was informed about the work done by NAP regarding the elections, including the attitude of the rulig party to the negotiation process directed to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ahmadov said that the presidential elections 2008 would be democratic and transparent in complianec with the west standards.
The Azerbaijani pro-oppositional party Taraggi considers weak the parties which want to boycott the forthcoming presidential elections. "The thrust task of political parties is to participate in the elections and increase the population's activity,' Chingiz Damiroglu, Chairman of the Taraggi, told Trend .
Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections on 15 October.
Damirgolu said that the fact that one opposition party want to boycott the elections while other want to participate in the elections, would not affect the results of the elections.
"The recent within opposition parties decreases their chance to affect the results of the elections. If opposition parties want to reach anything it should joined and to participate in the elections or should jointly boycott it," the Chairman said.
Opposition parties reinforced their arguments after the recent changes into the Election Code and Bill on 'Freedom of Assemble'.
Nagorno-Karabakh
NATO supports peace settlement process of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. "NATO supports Minsk Group's efforts to peacefully settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict," NATO representative Diego Ruiz-Palmer said to journalists in Baku on 16 June.
"NATO does not directly participate in the settling, but we watch the peace process and support OSCE and UN efforts to settle the conflict," he said.
The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since 1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful negotiations.
The Armenian Armed Forces from the positions located in the Chinarli village in the Berd region of Armenia violated the ceasefire regime by firing at the Azerbaijani National Army's positions located in the Kokha Nabi village in the Tovuz region from 5.35pm to 6.25pm and from 9.00pm to 9.20pm on 16 June; from nearby of Ashagi Abdurahmanli village the Fuzuli region from 11.45pm to 11.55pm; from nearby of Kuropatkino village in the Khojavand region from 11.50pm to 11.58pm, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported.
The Armenian Armed Forces from the positions located in the Chinarli and Mosesgah villages in the Berd region and Doveh village in the Noyembern region of Armenia violated the ceasefire regime by firing at the Azerbaijani National Army's positions located in the Kokha Nabi village in the Tovuz region and Kazakh region on 17 June; from nearby of Garvand village and Fuzuli region from 9.35pm to 11.00pm; from nearby Khojavand region from 1-.40pm to 1-.55pm; from nearby of Yusifjanli and Marzali villages in the Agdam region on 18 June from 00.50a.m to 01.10a.m, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported.
" Azerbaijan will achieve restoration of infringed rights of over 1mln refugees and IDPs who have suffered form Armenian aggression," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the Baku Ombudsmen Conference, which began in Baku on 18 June.
"In contemporary world, in which special attention is paid to human rights, Azerbaijan faced a genocide policy and ethnic cleansing from Armenia, as a result of which the rights of a million citizens were infringed," address says.
"Given the millennium challenges, Azerbaijan has purposed to mobilize its force to ensure the rights of its citizens," President said.
According to President Aliyev, protection of human rights and improvement of citizens' role in the society are amongst the crucial tasks of the State, which makes all efforts to create a new strategy in response to the challenges of humankind and to establish a closer communication between society and State.
The United States hopes that the Azerbaijani Government will be able to 'resist the view that the restoration of military operations' is 'practical option of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict', ITAR-TASS quoted Daniel Fried, the US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, as saying.
Addressing the hearings at the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Fried stated that ' Washington has already expressed its anxiety over bellicose rhetoric by some Azerbaijani leaders'. 'We called on the Azerbaijani Government to focus on the peaceful settlement of the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh," he said.
According to Fried, 'looking for the ways of the peaceful settlement of this dispute is one of the key problems of Azerbaijan'. "The United States, as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, is actively striving for the peaceful settlement of this problem," he said. Though we support territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, we believe that the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined by means of talks and compromises including international judicial and political principles".
According to Fried, 'an important step for moving forward talks was made by the Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serj Sarkisan during their first meeting in St. Petersburg on 6 June which aimed at discussing ways of settlement of the conflict". "Both parties confirmed their commitment to continue work within the Minsk Group and expressed their preparedness to continue discussions over 'basic principles' - the document worked out with the assistance of the Minsk Group which sets forth peaceful settlement conception".
On 19 June, the Armenian Armed Forces from the positions located in the Chinarli village in the Berd region of the Armenian Republic fired at the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the territories in Kokha Nabi village in Tovuz region from 7.20pm to 11.50p.m and 10.00p.m to 10.35p.m, as well as from the Fuzuli region and Goradiz village from 2.50p.m to 3.15p.m and 11.15p.m to 11.35pm, and on 20 June, from Kuropatkino village in Khojavand region from 00.40a.m to 00.56a.m , from the positions nearby of Geyarkh and Gizil Oba villages in the Terter region from 5.40a.m to 7.10a.m and from Goranboy region, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported.
A range of socio-political organizations in Azerbaijan demand to suspend peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on peace settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Pro-Armenian position of the OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairs mediating between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as international organizations' pressure on Azerbaijan impede the negotiations," says declaration which was passed after meeting of the socio-political organizations which was held on 20 June through the mediation of the Karabakh Liberation Organization (KLO).
Declaration says the negotiations being held through the mediation of the Minsk Group co-chairs are intended to make Azerbaijan to strike a compromising peace.
KLO Chairman Akif Nagi thinks the period of negotiations must be determined, after expiration of which Azerbaijan must commence liberation of its territory in a military way.