Official news
On 23 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decreed to reconstruct and repair general schools which are currently in emergency condition, as well as to improve material and technical basis of higher schools. For this purpose, the Reserve Fund of the Azerbaijani President allotted AZN 25mln to the Education Ministry.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree 'On supplements and changes in item 3 of Decree 875 dated to 3 June 2003 of the President of Azerbaijan Republic on application of the Election Code of Azerbaijan (collection of laws of Azerbaijan Republic, 2003, №6, article 281)'. According to the decree, '46.4' shall be removed from the 9th paragraph and a dot at the end of the paragraph shall be replaced by a semicolon.
Moreover, a paragraph shall be added to the item - 'the authorities of adequate administration bodies shall be implemented by local administration jointly with the Interior Ministry and Justice Ministry of Azerbaijan stipulated in the first sentence of Article 46.4 of the Code'. The decree shall be enacted on the day of signing.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an order on effectiveness of the Law on approval of agreement on establishment of representation of the Commission of the European Communities in Azerbaijan Republic and its privileges and immunities, which was signed between Azerbaijan Republic and Commission of the European Communities on 23 January 2008 in Brussels. The law takes effect from the day of signing.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an order conferring honorable ranking 'Popular Artist of Azerbaijan Republic' upon Elza Ibrahimova, Ramiz Zohrabov, Agadadash Dadashov for their service in developing musical culture of Azerbaijan.
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an order conferring Medal 'For services before Native Land' upon Arif Aliyev, Nurumshah Mammadov and Mirhashim Seyidov, and Medal 'For distinction at State service' upon a group of persons for their useful activities at State service.
On 24 June, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev received ambassador of Bulgaria to the country Ivan Palchev on completion of his diplomatic mission. Head of the Azerbaijan State noted successful development of bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing strengthening of these ties during the tenure of Mr. Palchev. President Aliyev wished him further success in his diplomatic mission. Ivan Palchev thanked the President and government of Azerbaijan for attention and assistance he was rendered during his activity and underlined the notable progress in cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian and other fields.
On 24 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decreed to hold the 75th birthday of distinguished composer Arif Malikov. According to the decree, Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Ministry of Education and the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan must develop and implement arrangements dedicated to the 75th birthday of Arif Malikov, and the Cabinet of Minister must solve the issues emerging from the decree. In September, 2008, Arif Malikov, a distinguished composer of Azerbaijan, USSR popular artists, laureate of the State Award of Azerbaijan, will strike 75.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev presented his condolences to the President of Philippine Makapagal Appoio on the occasion of death of people in large numbers as a result of the disaster. President expressed his deep condolences to the president of Philippine, families and relatives of the dead and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
On 24 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Kuwaiti delegation led by Minister of Amiri Diwan Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the meeting was mentioned successful development of political relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait and expressed confidence for expansion of economic co-operation of the two countries.
On 24 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a letter of congratulation to his Slovenian counterpart Danilo Turk on the occasion of Statehood Day. In his message, the Azerbaijani leader said he believes friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will continue developing. President Ilham Aliyev also wished the Slovenian people peace and prosperity.
On 24 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulation message to the President of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic. Expressing peace and prosperity to the Croatian people in honor of declaration of State in Croatia, the President of Azerbaijan expressed confidence for onward comprehensive development of the relations between the two countries.
On 24 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to perpetuate the memory of a USSR Hero Malik Maharramov. For this purpose, a memorable table will be hung at the house in which Maharramov lived (6, Teymur Elchin Street).
On 24 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a message to Mozambique's leader Armando Emilio Guebuza to congratulate him and the people of his country on the Independence Day. The Azerbaijani leader expressed hope the developing Azerbaijan-Mozambique relations will continue to contribute to enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.
On 25 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to increase monthly salaries and compensations for food rations of servicemen, as well as monthly salaries of civil employees, of the Defence Ministry. According to the decree, monthly salaries of Defence Ministry's servicemen (except for servicemen who are serving compulsory military service) have been increased by average 50%, civil employees - by 25%. Pecuniary compensations for food rations of Defence Ministry's servicemen, which are financed from the public budget, will double. The decree will come into force since 1 July.
On 25 June, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attended the ceremony of opening of the newly reconstructed plant of the Azerbaijan Defense Industry Ministry and familiarized himself with the process of production in the enterprise.
The President viewed a film on the production process and familiarized himself with Heydar Aliyev Museum in the Plant.
Minister of Defense Industry Yavar Camalov highlighted on current feasibility of the enterprise, which was suspended since 1990. As stated, the Plant was reconstructed on the Presidential Decree dated December 16, 2005, and started production of optic devices and other observation accessories for shooting grounds.
Head of the Azerbaijan State toured the production shops, turner and milling machine processing centers, watched technical supervision branches. Further, the President took part at the ceremony of presentation of modern armored machines, gave his instructions on development of the production process.
On 25 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, approved amendments and additions to the Law on Freedom of Assembly.
According to amendments, in law, the word "Holding peaceful in the following places" should be substituted to the word "Conducted in the following places without bringing damages to the right of conducting meetings in the places, which relate to private property".
According to another change, person or persons, who organize meetings, must previously notify executive power of this in a written form. Notification must be represented, as a rule, minimum 5 days prior to conducting of meeting for the purpose of executive power's taking necessary measures to coordinate its place and time, and route - for the street procession. Presenting notification less than five days before the meeting must be substantiated by the organizers. If none of the organizers of meeting personally participates at the meeting, it cannot be carried out. In addition, the freedom of assembly can be limited in the cases, specified by the law and important in the democratic society, for the interests of national or public security, for averting the disorders or crimes, for the protection of health and culture, rights and freedoms of others.
According to another change, conducting meetings with the political purpose can be forbidden according to the decision of the corresponding bodies of the executive power due to importance of taking security measures on the eve of the important international events of State importance, on the days their conducting, in the territories of cities and regions, where they are conducted. According to the changes, conducting political meetings in the places of pilgrimage, temple and cemetery.
The amendments and additions to the Law on Freedom of Assembly were adopted by the Parliament of Azerbaijan on 30 May.
On 25 June the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, issued an order conferring rank of General Mayor upon Colonel Elshad Babayev, Rahim Jafarov, Huseyin Mahmudov and Chingiz Shafiyev.
Due to 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Republic, on 25 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to award a large group of servicemen of the Armed Forces for special services for protection and preservation of independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, for distinguished services whilst fulfilment of official duties and tasks.
According to the decree, 9 people were awarded with order 'Banner of Azerbaijan', 21 people with medal 'For Fatherland', 9 people with medal 'For Courage' and 37 people with medal 'For Military Services'.
There is progress in the talks on peaceable resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but simultaneously Azerbaijan will strengthen its Army in order to get prepared to liberate its occupied lands, Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, said on 26 June, addressing the military.
Military parade is being held at Azadlyg Square on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan.
The President recalled that as a result of armed conflict with Armenia, Azerbaijan had lost nearly 20% of its territory, while about one million people became refugees and internally displaced persons.
"Talks cannot be held permanently, and Azeri people have already been tired of them," Head of State said.
The talks on peaceful resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be continued as long as there is progress, whilst in parallel, the military potential of the country will be strengthened, Aliyev said. "Presently the Azerbaijani Army is the strongest in the region," he stated.
According to the President, the world recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, and it is testified by the history and documents accepted by the international organizations.
Officers and soldiers of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, comprised of 4,510 people, are participating in the parade. At the same time, 210 units of advanced battle technique, 19 helicopters, 25 aircrafts, 31 ships and cutters have been put for the parade.
On 27 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons.
In meeting, exchanged were views on the current level and prospects of cooperation between the NATO and Azerbaijan.
Mr. Robert Simmons noted high level of military parade in Baku and congratulated the head of the Azerbaijani state.
President Aliyev thanked for warm words, underlined that the country's military sphere, in particular, the army building would be further paid special attention.
On 27 June, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the US Assistant Secretary of State for democracy, human rights and labour affairs David Kramer.
In meeting, emphasized was successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, current level of cooperation. Also exchanged were views on issues related to development of democracy in the country.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Rafael Martinetti, President of the International Wrestling Federation on 27 June.
The importance to implement the International wrestling tournament Grand Prix in Baku was touched upon in the meeting. The sides stated that implementation of such tournaments enables the country to extend the cooperation in the sport world.
On 27 June, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov ( Russia), Bernard Fassier ( France), Matthew Bryza (US) and Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-In-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. Discussions at the meeting focused on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Elections
NATO is hopeful that the presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held in line with the democratic principles and will provide Azerbaijani people with an opportunity to make their free choice, Jean-Francois Bureau, assistant NATO Secretary General on the public policy said in a conference on Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation in Baku on 24 June.
Bureau also stated that ' Azerbaijan has achieved al lot' since it began to realize Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO.
Azerbaijan's integration to NATO is being discussed in Baku in the international conference Integration of Azerbaijan to Euro-Atlantic Space and Democratic Election.
The conference aims at discussing bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Euro-Atlantic bloc. The conference has been organized by NATO and Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan. More than 100 international experts and Azerbaijani officials are taking part in the conference.
" United States as a friend of Azerbaijan is interested in improvement of democratic institutes in the country," US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse said at the Central Election Committee (CEC) during her meeting with CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov on 25 June.
On 15 October, Azerbaijan will hold presidential elections. USA reported it intends to spend $3mln for the elections. The funds will be spent through different NGOs for education.
Derse said United States intends to implement a large-scale program due to the elections. She said free, just and democratic elections prove presence of democracy in the country. Derse said she was following preparations at CEC for the elections, adding that education programs carried out by CEC for lower election committees and specification of voters' lists should be appreciated. She inquired about CEC plans on preparations for the elections.
Panahov praised cooperation with the Ambassador of USA - Azerbaijan's strategic ally - and said the views of both countries' leaders coincide in the field of development of democracy in the country. CEC chairman said all required steps would be made to hold just, transparent and democratic presidential elections and the suffrage of Azerbaijani citizens would be completely ensured.
"On 27 June, PACE Bureau discussed presidential elections in Azerbaijan, as well as formation of a watchdog mission to observe the elections," PACE Secretariat reported.
Outline list of the watchdog mission's members has been approved. Since the meeting was a closed one, details about the list, head of the mission, as well as date of the visit, are not available. It was decided at the meeting to send a watchdog mission to Azerbaijan to observe pre-election situation in the country.
Foreign policy
PACE summer session began in Strasbourg on 23 June.
Co-rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for Azerbaijan Andres Herkel thinks it is impossible to appoint a PACE special rapporteur for political prisoners in South Caucasus. "That is an unreal and very complicated process, as situation in the South Caucasus countries is not identical," Herkel said to Azerbaijani journalists in Strasburg on 23 June. Azerbaijani human rights activists applied to the PACE administration to appoint a special rapporteur for political prisoners in South Caucasus.
Herkel thinks first of all it is necessary to determine which South Caucasus countries have political prisoners. "That is a new idea. I think it will not add to solving of all the problems we are facing. Certainly, other ways may be found. The very idea may be expanded. It is PACE Political Affairs Committee to take final decision on the issue," he said.
PACE Co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan, Andreas Herkel, considers that it needs to seek ways of creating favorable situation in Azerbaijan on the eve of Presidential elections in the Country. "At the current stage, it is necessary to think of creation of favorable pre-election situation in the Country," PACE Co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan, Andreas Herkel, briefed Azerbaijani journalists in Strasburg on 23 June.
Herkel said that it is seen from the previous and current reports by the co-rapporteurs that still there are certain problems in the Country.
According to him, the report devised by the co-rapporteurs regarding Azerbaijan's fulfillment of its obligations undertaken before the Council of Europe, as well as regarding the situation in the Country reflects the situation both with the political prisoners and freedom of expression. "Several journalists are still in prison. One of the key issues in the report deals with the Electoral Code and other laws. I think that unfortunately, several recommendations of the Venice Commission concerning Electoral Code have not been taken into consideration," he said.
Chairman of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Sergey Golovatiy believes that next year there will be no need in Azerbaijan to discuss any problems regarding human rights and superiority of law. "We are hopeful that in 2009 there will be no need to add these issues to the PACE agenda," Golovatiy said in PACE session on 24 June.
According to Golovatiy, the development of reports by the co-reporters on the activities of the democratic institutes in Azerbaijan has caused some problems. "For instance, why the report was discussed only four months prior to the presidential elections? All these issues were discussed in the Monitoring Committee. If 7 to 8 reports are developed on Azerbaijan, it is not our fault. The democracy, jural state, superiority of law and human rights should be respected in the country," Golovatiy said. He said he is hopeful that next year there will be no discussions on Azerbaijan, even if there are violations of law during the elections, they will not be discussed. "It depends on the wish of the Azerbaijani government," the PACE official said.
Gultakin Hajiyeva, the deputy chairman of the Azerbaijani Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE), considers that the Council of Europe (CE) treats the developments in the post Soviet region with dual standards. "There are serious problems in the fields of democracy and corruption in most post Soviet regions," Hajiyeva said at a PACE meeting during the discussion of issues on fulfillment of obligations undertaken by Azerbaijan.
The deputy chairman of the Azerbaijani delegation said that many post-Soviet countries had difficulties in holding free and democratic elections even after the CE membership. "It is important to create an atmosphere of confidence in the post-Soviet countries and to be objective while speaking about them," Hajiyeva said. The occupation of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia counteracts the CE principles, she said. She voiced her hope that the Parliamentary delegation and representatives of the Armenian opposition recognize the occupation of the Azerbaijani territory by Armenia," Hajiyeva said.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) passed a Resolution No 11627 on Azerbaijan during its meeting on 24 June. Some 22 suggestions were made to make changes to the Resolution and of them, 9 were adopted.
The members of the Armenian delegation to the PACE made suggestions to make changes to the Resolution's articles on Armenia's occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan. However, during the voting, none of the suggestions made by the Armenian delegation was adopted.
Edward O'Hara, British MP and PACE Culture, Education and Science Committee Rapporteur on the studying of cultural heritage in South Caucasus, suggested to make additions to the article 14, which deals with PACE mission on studying of cultural heritage in South Caucasus. O'Hara and MPs signing their additions stated that Azerbaijan presents obstacles to the realization of this mission.
However, the Deputy Head of Azerbaijan's delegation to the PACE, Gultakin Hajiyeva, protested against the additions. She said that the mission should visit occupied territories of Azerbaijan as well. "This visit should be made via the territory of Azerbaijan," Hajiyeva said. PACE did not approved additions suggested by O'Hara.
All suggestions of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) were included in the report of the PACE Monitoring Committee's co-rapporteurs on Azerbaijan.
"It is possible to say that all suggestions that we planned to include in the report were adopted," the Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE, Samad Seyidov, briefed the media in Strasburg on 24 June.
Today the first theme of the PACE summer session, which commenced in Strasburg on 23 June, was dedicated to the discussions over the report 'Activities of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan'. The PACE Monitoring Committee's co-rapporteurs on Azerbaijan, Andreas Herkel and Yevgenia Zhivkova, touched upon key moments in the report. They expressed concerns about arrest of journalists, freedom of press, situation with human rights. Positive assessment was made on parliamentary discussions in Azerbaijan with regards to laws on combating money laundering and terrorism, and the changes being made to the Law on Freedom of Assembly.
According to Seyidov, the changes that the Armenian delegation tried to make to the report on Azerbaijan categorically did not correspond with reality, and therefore, they could not achieve their goal. "They tried to achieve their goals at two levels - Monitoring Committee and Parliamentary Assembly. However, the Monitoring Committee opposed their suggestion. The Parliamentary Assembly also voted against the suggestions of the Armenian delegation," Seyidov added.
He considers that it is a rather balanced report. "Because there are certain moments that correspond with reality and moments that will naturally be taken into consideration. However, we approach the issues, which do not correspond with the national interests of Azerbaijan, within the interests of out Country," Seyidov said.
PACE summer session commenced on 23 June and will last up to 27 June.
Nearly 30 delegates signed the document being devised by the member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the author of document, Ganira Pashayeva said on 24 June.
The document on increasing role of women in intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue, which was prepared by the member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE, Ganira Pashayeva, was positively assessed in PACE on 24 June.
Pashayeva said that during discussions on topic 'Strengthening independence of women in multicultural and contemporary community' on 24 June at the plenary session of the PACE, the British MP Gumfrai Malins set an example of the works done in Azerbaijan in this regard and said that Azerbaijan plays a great role in the inter-civilization dialogue.
International Forum 'Increasing role of women in intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue' was held in Baku on 10 June.
The Government of Azerbaijan will consider the issue of releasing the prisoners named in the Resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). "It is not a requirement, but this issue takes a character of recommendation. The Government of Azerbaijan will discuss implementation of these recommendations and the issue of pre-term release of these people," Aydin Mirzazade, member of Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE, told Trend on 24 June.
The PACE passed a Resolution No 11627 'Situation with democratic institutions in Azerbaijan on the eve of elections' on Azerbaijan.
The report being devised by the co-rapporteurs includes issues of improvement of the Electoral Code, elimination of limitations with regards to freedom of assembly, immediate release of the jailed journalists. In the Resolution being passed, the PACE calls on the Azerbaijani Government to discuss the issue of freeing Natig Efendiyev, Rasim Alekperov, Ruslan Beshirli, Akif Huseynov and Telman Ismaylov on human basis.
Mirzazade said that there are not five, but thousands of prisoners in Azerbaijan and each of them has the right to be freed. "Disregarding rights of thousands of prisoners and paying attention to five prisoners is not a democratic case".
The member of the delegation said that the President of Azerbaijan often sign pardoning orders and frees hundreds of prisoners and this process will be continuing. "It is not excluded that the persons named in the PACE Resolution will also be described in the pardoning list," he said.
Mirzazade said that the opinion in the report with regards to deterioration in the freedom of expressions and press in Azerbaijan does not correspond to reality. "Andreas Herkel said that organizing discussions on Azerbaijan is linked with the deterioration of the situation in the country. But it is not so. Holding discussions in PACE is an ordinary procedure rule. The issue of fulfillment of the obligations by the countries who are under monitoring is discussed once a year irrespective of the situation in the country," he said.
Mirzazade stated that the situation in Azerbaijan has not worsened because the Constitution and laws in the country work, there is democracy in the country, the State bodies productively function, it is possible to openly speak about problems, express various opinions.
The member of the delegation said that there are certain problems in Azerbaijan. However, casting shadow of these problems on other issues and describing the situation in the country as hard does not give us an opportunity to highly assess the activities of the PACE co-rapporteurs.
"There are problems with press in Azerbaijan. However, these are internal problems of the press. Part of people who presents themselves as a journalist violate principles of the journalism or engage in non-journalistic activities. Three jailed journalists are demanded to be released. But let us look if they have been arrested due to journalistic activities. Why did not Andreas Herkel want to give information on it in the PACE," Mirzazade said. According to him, the Government of Azerbaijan takes all measures to improve activities of press. Mirzazade considers that the freedom of assembly is not limited in Azerbaijan.
During PACE discussions over Resolution on Armenia on 25 June, several deputies backed extension of the period which was given to the country to admit recommendations reflected in the document. Parliamentarians said the period was not enough for Armenia and called on PACE to extend the term to January 2009. As a result, the Resolution was passed with several changes and the time given to Armenia was extended to January 2009. During discussions over the resolution, Azerbaijani parliamentarians voiced their views on the issue.
During his speech, a member of Azerbaijan's PACE delegation Rafael Huseynov informed the MPs of the fact that for 16 years Armenia had been violating the international law and CE principles and 20% of Azerbaijani territory is still under occupation of the country. He said Armenia's sovereignty is conditional. "Because Armenia is governed by outer forces. When joining the Council of Europe, Armenia undertook an obligation to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but did not fulfil that. On the other hand, Armenia is a hearth of instability for neighbouring countries. The country is governed by a criminal regime. Armenia needs creation of a special commission on human rights.
The head of Azerbaijani PACE delegation Samad Seyidov voiced his perplexity about articles on Azerbaijan which were published on 25 June: "Not only Armenia's problems must be concerned, but also the problems persisting in CE. A view was voiced here that our approach to countries is surrealistic. Although PACE members noted positive progress in Azerbaijan and passing of election legislation as a result of cooperation with the Venice Commission, the articles are rather strict," he said.
Seyidov drew attention of the attendees to double standards policy. "Human rights are openly infringed in Armenia, there are political prisoners. But for some reason advancement is mentioned in the report. That is application of double standards. In the report on Armenia along with advancements, attention should be paid to fulfilment of requirements and to the events going on in the country," he stressed.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a written Declaration on 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE, Ganira Pashayeva, who devised the Declaration, told Trend on 27 June. According to the procedure, for being adopted, the written Declaration at PACE should be signed by at least 20 MPs from five countries.
Pashayeva stated that more than 20 MPs from five countries signed the Declaration, and document was adopted. The Declaration " Azerbaijan as the first Democratic Republic of the East" recalls that this year 90th anniversary of ADR will be celebrated. "ADR was the first democratic parliamentary republic in the East, and it was created in 1918. Until occupation of Azerbaijan by the Red Army, ADR lived 23 months, but it gave many rights to people. Amongst them there are right of women to vote, freedom of press and others, while neither in the East nor in the West the women had the right to elect and to be elected, but in 1918 women was given the right to elect and to be elected," the Declaration says.
The document says that ADR and its Parliament that realized in 1918 the values, which are today realized in Europe, provided all freedoms to people. The declaration says that considering all these, the Council of Europe highly assesses the role of ADR.
NATO considers establishing democratic control on armed forces as one of the important targets facing the Government of Azerbaijan, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for South Caucasus, Robert Simmons, said to a press-conference in Baku on 27 June.
"It may be appointing a civil man to the post of Minister of Defence or strengthening parliamentary control on the armed forces," he said.
Democratic control on the armed forces also envisages taking anti-corruption measures at the Ministry of Defence. In this regard, NATO plans to carry out a special Alliance Trust Fund project in Azerbaijan.
According to Simmons, in general NATO is satisfied with the co-operation with Azerbaijan. He discussed the current situation of co-operation and its prospects at the meeting in Baku with Azerbaijan President, Ilham Aliyev and Defence Minister, Safar Abiyev.
According to Simmons, the conformity of the Azerbaijani armed forces with the NATO standards is going on successfully, and Azerbaijan has obtained significant successes in this regard.
Azerbaijan wants to increase number of its peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative, Robert Simmons, briefed the media in Baku on 27 June.
"NATO supports this initiative of Azerbaijan and is prepared to assist the Country in implementing all technical procedures linked with this issue," he said.
At present, as part of the peacekeeping forces of NATO, 50 Azerbaijan peacekeepers serve in Afghanistan. The issue of increasing their number was discussed today at Simmons's meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Besides Afghanistan, the peacekeeping forces of Azerbaijan serve in Iraq, and before the declaration of Kosovo's independence, they served also in this country. However, Azerbaijan recalled its forces it in a view of not recognizing Kosovo's independence.
A NATO office has been opened in Baku. "The office will enable Azerbaijani students to learn more about relationships between Azerbaijan and NATO. Moreover, they will be able to add to their diplomatic knowledge," Jean-Francois Bureau, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, said at the opening ceremony on 24 June. The office was opened during the week of NATO in Azerbaijan and is equipped with ICT and NATO-related literature.
Azerbaijan has been cooperating with NATO since 1994 within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program and is actively implementing military reforms to switch to NATO standards. Experts think Azerbaijan will be the next after Georgia and Ukraine to nominate for NATO membership.
Political movements
Differences regarding participation in the upcoming presidential elections occurred amongst the oppositional MP group of Musavat party, represented in the Azerbaijani Parliament. "I believe that we should participate in the elections even in very difficult conditions," MP Nasib Nasibli, a member of Musavat, told Trend .
Nasibli said that he do not participate in the discussions of Musavat regarding the elections. "I think that one can use of boycott as a political tactics only through believe in its successful result. At present, there are not such conditions. The possible boycott of the elections may have lead to worse results," Nasibli said.
The Azerbaijani ruling New Azerbaijani Party (NAP) has sent a letter of protest to a group of congressmen because of their positions during the hearings on Caucasus: Frozen Conflicts and Closed Borders held in the Foreign Relations Committee of the Chamber of Representatives of the US Congress, the press service of NAP said to Trend on 23 June.
Last week, the Foreign Relations Committee of the Chamber of Representatives of the US Congress held hearings on Caucasus: Frozen Conflicts and Closed Borders. It was mentioned during the hearings that Armenia is in blockade.
The letter addressed to the US congressmen Mr Horwad Berman, Joe Clenberg, Brad Shermon, Adim Shiph and Frank Pellon, says that the developing strategic partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan was commented on largely and comprehensively during the hearings and the Party highly appreciates it. "However, unfortunately, your speeches and speeches of some of your counterparts during the hearings caused protest of the Azerbaijani public and ruling New Azerbaijan Party as well. The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict was not assessed impartially and there were statements which do not correspond to reality," a letter said.
The letter of protest of NAP said that Armenia is not in blockade. On the contrary, this country has isolated itself from all regional projects by its ongoing aggressive policy. "If you protest against blockade, it would be right and expedient to express your protest to Armenia. Because, a part of Azerbaijan Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is in blockade and there is no land communication with Azerbaijan due to the aggressive policy of Armenia. There is only air transport between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan at present," the letter said.
The letter expressed hope that US congressmen will demonstrate more fair position while discussing conflicts in the future. "We are hopeful that you will take into consideration the protest by the Azerbaijani people and ruling NAP as well and you will have more impartial position concerning Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the letter said.
NAP was established by the chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Heydar Aliyev in 1992. The current President Ilham Aliyev is the chairman of the Party which has been ruling for already 14 years.
Azerbaijani opposition hopes that repeated changes to be made into the Election Code. Opposition parties will hold a meeting to discuss the possibilities to take steps to make changes into Code and to democratize the atmosphere on the threshold of presidential elections. "Opposition must make its proposals regarding the Code, as the Election Code accepted by the Parliament has not been approved yet, the Council of Europe continues discussions on Azerbaijan and Venice Commission is not satisfied with the final Code," Ahmad Oruj, Chairman of the Azadlig party, represented in the Democratic Election Centre (DEC), told Trend .
The Parliament of Azerbaijan passed the Bill on Supplements and Changes into the Election Code on 2 June. According to the Bill, the presidential candidates are prohibited to conduct election campaign in the state-owned TV channels, radios and newspapers, to stick agitation papers on walls and private enterprises, with the term of election campaign being shortened from four months to 75 days. Furthermore, the number of signatures required for the registration of the presidential candidates has been decreased from 45,000 to 40,000. Candidates do not have to make deposits for election campaign. They will only collect signatures. Opposition remained dissatisfied with the supplements and changes.
Azerbaijani political forces did not express one opinion regarding the elections after the supplements and changes into the Elections Code were approved. "Hesitation occurred within some opposition parties, as they considered that the supplements and changes into the Code would not be approved. However, I made statement that no changes are expected into the Code by the President. From this point of view, I take it normal that President will approve the draft," Eldar Namazov, Leader of the Public Forum For Azerbaijan and candidate for presidential post, told TrendNws.
On 24 June, the opposition parties Musavat, Popular Front of Unified Azerbaijan, Classical Popular Front and Azadlig bloc visited the grave of Abulfaz Elchibay, ex-President of Azerbaijan and former Chairman of the Popular Front party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), due to his 70th birthday.
Elchibay was born in the Keleki village in Ordubad region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in June 1938. He graduated from the oriental studies faculty in the Baku State University. For some time he worked as a translator in Egypt. Later he worked in the Baku State University and National Academy of Science. In 1975, Elchibey was arrested by the Azerbaijani State Security Committee and blamed with nationalism. On 7 June 1992, Elchibay was elected the President of Azerbaijan. In 2000, Elchibay was diagnosed with a prostate cancer and died in a military hospital in Ankara, Turkey in August 2000. Before visiting Elchibay'a grave, PFPA held procession from the Azizbayov monument to the Cemetery of Honors. No incident took place.
The Azerbaijani opposition bloc Azadlig will not change its decision to boycott the upcoming presidential elections. "Recently approved supplements and changes into the Election Code do not have any significance for us. We stated to boycott the elections before approving of the draft," Ali Karimli, Co-founder of Azadlig and Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), told Trend on 24 June. The final decision to boycott the elections by Azadlig will be made in the Assembly in the near future.
On 25 June, Sabail District Court in Baku made a verdict on Musavat party's lawsuit against Baku Administration. Attorney Tofig Yagublu said to Trend on 25 June that Judge Famil Nasibov rejected the lawsuit.
Musavat demanded to announce illegitimate Baku Administration's decision regarding allocation of an area for a demonstration which Musavat intended to hold on 4 May. Musavat postponed two demonstrations (4 and 18 May) not agreeing to hold them in a stadium in Bibi Heybat settlement which Baku Administration proposed. The party wanted to hold pickets in several places - Ukrainian Circle, the square in front of former Galaba Cinema, the area nearby Narimanov subway station, in the Fuzuli Square, or in front of Tabriz Cinema (former Sevinj).
Yagublu said Musavat would apply to the next court instance. "Anyway, we do not expect anything from local instances. Therefore, we will try to bring our lawsuit to the European Court," he said.
The Azerbaijani leading opposition Adalat party has stated that the party would not boycott the upcoming presidential elections. "Every party has its own strategy, and therefore one should understand the position of others. We do not support the idea to boycott the elections," MP Ilyas Ismayilov, Chairman of Adalat, told Trend .
Ismayilov said that the issues regarding participation in the elections were planned to discuss in the Political council several days ago, but failed. The next political council will meet soon again. "There are different opinions regarding the upcoming presidential elections within the party. Touching upon the persons who want to support the candidate from the authorities, Ismayilov did deny this fact. We respect different opinions towards the elections. However, the party has not made its final decision regarding the elections yet. First we should specify our position. The election process is held secretly and every person can vote for its favorite. One says that he will support this candidate, but he votes for quite another candidate in real. The democratic elections are possible even with the current Election Code. I believe that the relevant issue is a will to hold democratic elections. I think the main is a political will," Ismayilov said.
The meeting of the opposition Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party (DRP) on 25 June determined the date of Party's next congress. "The second congress of the DRP will take place on 19 July," Asim Mollazade, the Chairman of the Party, reported to Trend after the meeting on 25 July.
Mollazade said that the congress will focus on the organizational issues, as well as will elect a chairman. Furthermore, Control and Inspection Commission will be re-formed. A decision on presidential elections will be made during the congress. "The form of attending elections will be determined at the congress," he added. Azerbaijan Democratic Reforms Party was established in 2005. Party's program and activity direction are to realize liberal values. The Chairman of the Party is Asim Mollazade.
On 27 June, David Cremer, the United States Deputy Secretary of State on Democracy, Human Rights and Labour issues, discussed the election situation in Azerbaijan in the meeting with opposition leaders.
"The meeting was focused on the current democratic processes development in the region and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," MP Igbal Agazade, Chairman of the opposition Umid party, told Trend .
The dialogue regarding democracy was launched between Azerbaijan and the United States today. The delegation from the United States is headed by Deputy Secretary of State on Democracy, Human Rights and Labour issues. The key topic of the discussions is the situation in election and media spheres in the country.
According to Agazade, development of democracy in Azerbaijan is a priority issue for the United State. Azerbaijani opposition representatives proposed the United State to follow carefully over the election situation in the country. Participation of Azerbaijani opposition in the presidential elections issue was not touched upon in the meeting.
Opposition bloc Azadlig took a final decision on participation in presidential elections. "We resolutely intend to boycott the elections and the decision will be announced at the Parliament," Lala Shovkat Hajiyeva, co-founder of Azadlig, leader of the National Unity Movement, said on 27 June.
According to Hajiyeva, Azadlig has been waiting for completion of the PACE June session, however it is not content with the discussions over Azerbaijan. Hajiyeva said the bloc had not agreed with the statements in the resolution that Nagorno-Karabakh problem impedes development of democracy in the country. "So, Moldova and Georgia must be undemocratic countries. These countries are also experiencing conflicts. We have often heard the argument driven by PACE from authorities at several meetings," she said.
The election situation in Azerbaijan was discussed in the first citizen forum on the topic 'The election democratic freedom in Azerbaijan'.
Musavat party has already nominated its Chairman Isa Gambar, Azerbaijan Democratic Party - Sardar Jalaloglu, the Greens Party nominated Mais Gulaliyev, the Popular Front Party of Unified Azerbaijan nominated Gudrat Hasanguliyev and Musair Musavat nominated Hafiz Hajiyev. The head of the public forum For Azerbaijan Eldar Namazov stands for presidency as an independent candidate. The governing New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) will nominate country's current President Ilham Aliyev. Pro-governmental parties Ana Vatan and Social Prosperity Party intend to support Ilham Aliyev at the elections. Bloc Azadlig uniting three opposition parties (Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Citizen and Development Party, Liberal Party) intends to boycott the elections.
The Forum was implemented by the Peace and Democratic Institute. Intigam Aliyev, said that the situation in the judicial system in the country on the threshold of presidential election was not satisfying. In spite of the hundreds of claims by citizens, nether appeal has been approved by court. Furthermore, the number of appeals to the European Court increases.
Annani Hajibayli, a lawyer, said that there was non-democratic statute in the Azerbaijani election legislation. At the same time, the situation around the freedom of assemble has become worsening.
MP Panah Huseyn stated that the election situation in the country became worsening. MP said that he support to boycott the upcoming presidential elections.
Ali Karimli, Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), also does not satisfied with the current situation of the Election Code. "NGOs do not express their relations to the current situations in the country. Karimli supports to boycott the elections, as well.
MP Igbal Agazade, Chairman of the Umid Party, called the political will as the main condition to hold the democratic elections. Agazade supports participation in the elections. According to Agazade, there was not a will for democratic elections in the country during the parliamentary elections in 2000, 2005 and presidential elections in 2003, however, the opposition struggled.
Isa Gambar, Leader of the Musavat party, said that opposition should not stand apart in the current situation. Opposition must involve the population to the process.
MP Nasib Nasibli, Chairman of the Adalat party, aslo supportts to boycott the elections.
Lala Shovkat, co-chairman of the Azadlig bloc, stated that the current legislation hinder to hold the democratic elections. Boycott is the highest form of protest, and the West was concerned with the situation of democracy in the country.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Azerbaijani citizen was wounded as a result of violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Armenian Armed Forces. According to the regional correspondent of Trend , Yegana Mammadova, the resident of the Chiragli village in Agdam region, was wounded by the opposite side, working in the harvest field on 22 June.
In 2008, three Azerbaijani citizens have died as a result of violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Armenian Armed Forces.
According to the Central Hospital in Agdam, Mamadova received wound into her right hand, and she is still in the state of medium sever.
The official Baku calls on Russia to explain Armenia that its aggressor policy in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is inadmissible.
" Russia as one of the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group should explain Armenia that its aggressor policy is inadmissible," Khazar Ibrahim, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan said to journalists on 23 June.
Baku calls on Russia not to render military support for the occupier country. " Armenia and Russia actively cooperate in military sphere and it is not a secret for anyone. Both states are members of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), it is a question of whether Russia renders military support to the occupier country," Ibrahim said.
According to Ibrahim, Russia should contribute to the settlement of the Armenian -Azerbaijani conflict and urge Armenia to take more constructive position.
Solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is out of the Council of Europe competence. This was said by Carl Bildt, Sweden's Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, while answering to Azerbaijani MP Ganira Pashayeva's question why the Council of Europe did not demand from Armenia to liberate the Azerbaijani lands.
"The negotiations to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict underway. We should continue to hold meetings of the two Presidents, who are able to speed up settlement of the conflict," Bildt said.
According to Bildt, the Southern Caucasus is one of the regions to cause concern in the Council of Europe. Acceptance of three countries of the region to the Council of Europe resulted to reach a considerable success in human rights, supremacy of law and performance of democratic institutions.
"Solution of conflicts will be the way to prosperous and economically developed region. I feel regret that conflicts take dominion in the political life of these countries. These conflicts are out of our competence. I would like to say that we pay a significant meaning to Georgia's territorial integrity, and there must not be a doubt that Abkhazia will gain a broad autonomy. As, this may negatively affect the situation in the region," Bildt stated.
On 24 June, the Armenian Armed Forces located nearby the Kuropatkino village in Khojavand region from 4.10p.m to 4.30p.m and on 25 June, from 1.55a.m to 2.07a.m fired at the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, reported.
The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported
The destiny of the Azerbaijani captives in Armenia has not been determined yet, the member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and MP Ganira Pashayeva said on 26 June during the discussions in PACE on the activities of the International Red Cross Committee (IRCC).
At the beginning of her speech Pashayeva gave brief information about the history of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and informed about the number of dead, missing people and wounded from Azerbaijan as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. According to Pashayeva, though State Commission of Azerbaijan on Work with Hostages, POVs and Missing People and IRCC have signed a framework agreement on collection of personal data about the missing people of the Karabakh war, the attitude to Armenia and our captives has not changed yet.
"Unfortunately, the captives are still used for political purposes and they are recruited by the special services of Armenia," she said.
"Such attitude to the prisoners not only contradicts human rights, but also international law and it shows that Armenia does not want to cooperate in the humanitarian sphere," MP said.
Later Pashayeva introduced PACE MPs a book on captives Save us from Captivity. "This appeal is made to PACE and IRCC President Mr Jacob Kellenberger. We expect from you more decisive moves to save these people from the captivity. We are hopeful that IRCC will deal with this issue more fairly and impartially," Pashayeva said.
The head of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh Nizami Bahmanov calls on OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairmen to impact Armenia to settle Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group must direct Armenia to fulfil the requirements of the Resolution on the situation in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan which was passed at the UN General Assembly," Bahmanov said to Trend on 27 June.
On 14 March, 2008, UN General Assembly passed an Azerbaijan-presented Resolution on the situation in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan. The document urges for immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of Armenia's forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
On 26 June, Minsk Group co-chairmen's visit to the region began. On 27 June, they met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. They will visit Armenia and onwards Nagorno-Karabakh.
OSCE Minsk Group, co-chairmen of which are USA, Russia and France, is mediating in peace settlement of the conflict.
Bahmanov said the limit to extent time by Minsk Group has expired. He said Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh opposes Minks Group co-chairmen's visit to Nagorno-Karabakh. "Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh has no lever to impact the negotiation process. Therefore, Minks Group co-chairs' visit to the occupied territory of Azerbaijan has no importance. These visits show that Russia is still sticking to its former position and they are of manipulation character," said Bahmanov.
G8 Foreign Ministers called Azerbaijan and Armenia to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It was mentioned in one of the items of the statement by the Foreign Minister of Japan, Masahiko Komura, as the chairman of the two-day ministerial meeting, which was completed today in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto, ITAR-TASS reports.
The Foreign Ministers of Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Canada, France, USA, Japan stated their support for the efforts of the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group, directed toward prompt solution of the conflict. Ministers noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan must "demonstrate restraint" and take "serious steps" to reach an agreement.
At the same time, the Press Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Japan, Kadzuo Kodama, reported to the correspondent of ITAR-TASS that "wide discussions on this problem were not held at the conference".
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, approved continuation of the negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement within the framework of the OSCE and expressed hope that this process will continue and strengthen, the U.S. Co-chairman of the OSCE, Matthew Bryza, briefed the media in Baku on 27 June.
The French Co-chairman, Bernard Fassier, said that currently there are not new proposals for peaceful solution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. According to him, currently the sides work within Madrid agreement.
"I noticed that there is a possibility for normal constructive dialogue. We will visit Khankendi, meet with representatives and know their opinion. However, firstly we should know opinion in Yerevan," Fassier said.
"Participation of the Nagorno-Karabakh population in the negotiation process may be realized after co-ordinating separate items in the negotiations," the Russian Co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlyakov, told Trend on 27 June in Baku.
"Sooner or later the Nagorno-Karabakh population will attend the negotiation process, but it will take place after the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan agree upon the base principles of agreement within Madrid talks," Merzlyakov said.
NATO supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. "NATO supports territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and thinks Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict can be solved only within the framework of country's territorial integrity," Azerbaijan's permanent representative to NATO Kamil Khasiyev said to journalists in Baku on 24 June.
"NATO's position on Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is unambiguous and it was confirmed at the last NATO summit in Bucharest," said Khasiyev. The document which was adopted at the summit stresses the conflicts going on in the region must be solved only within the framework of territorial integrity.
"NATO highly appreciates cooperation with Azerbaijan and thinks the country is achieving considerable success in implementation of its obligations," said Khasiyev.
