Official chronicle
Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Azerbaijan with a working visit on June 29.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia met in private in Baku on June 29.
The sides stressed the successfully developing relations between Azerbaijan and Russia in all areas and cooperation at the regional and international levels.
The heads of states exchanged views about bilateral, regional and international issues.
As a result of the visit of the President of the Russian Federation to Baku, Azerbaijan and Russia signed a joint declaration on the Caspian Sea, as well as joint statement on basic principles of completing the delimitation of state borders and the distribution of water resources of the Samur River between the countries.
Also, in presence of the Presidents of the two countries, Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov signed a joint statement on the preparation of the Inter-Governmental agreement on the terms of placement and maintenance of diplomatic missions of Russia in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan in Russia, as well as an agreement between the governments of Kabardino-Balkaria and Azerbaijan on trade and economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation.
As a result of today's meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan and Russia will take a new format of cooperation in all spheres, said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on June 29 at a meeting with Ilham Aliyev in Baku.
A number of papers will be signed, over which work was done, that reflects the strategic character of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, said Russian President.
"We are ready to do everything to strengthen these relationships," said Medvedev.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also said that the meetings of the Presidents over the past year underscore the dynamic nature of the relationship.
Ilham Aliyev added that signed last year the Agreement on Friendship and Strategic Partnership is successfully implemented.
Azerbaijani President gave an interview to Sergey Brilyov, presenter of Vesti Subbota program at the Russian State Television on June 30.
President Aliyev provided detailed answers to questions about Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral ties, energy cooperation between the two countries, talks on resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and regional and international issues.
President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev inaugurated new building of the Sport Society of Interior Ministry of Azerbaijan on June 30.
President Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing opening of the building. The head of state was informed about the work and conditions created here. President Aliyev addressed the young athletes and Olympic Games winners.
President Ilham Aliyev also inaugurated a new building of the Baku city Central Police Department.
The President cut the ribbon symbolizing opening of the building.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ramil Usubov informed the President of the building.
The Head of State praised the work done here.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev awarded Rudolf Nikolaevich Ivanov "Dostlug" (Friendship) Order for his merits in strengthening cultural tiesbetween Azerbaijan and Russia, AzerTaj news agency reported on July 1.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on the execution of 2008 budget of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan.
Upon the Presidential order, SOFAZ's 2008 budget was approved with 11,864,648.1 manat profit, 4,291,751.4 manat expenditure and 2 percent deficit of budgetary expenditures.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Governor General of Canada, Michel Jean, on the national holiday - Day of Canada, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
The President wished Canadian people peace and prosperity and expressed hope that the friendly Azerbaijani-Canadian relations will develop in future for the benefit of both countries.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Head of the Republic of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh in connection with the crash of a passenger plane of Yemenia Air.
"In connection with the tragedy, I express my deepest condolences on my own behalf and on behalf of the Azeri people to You, families of victims and all Yemeni people," says the letter Head of State.
Due to Day of Police, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev issued an order conferring high ranks upon several officers of the Interior Ministry,
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order transferring Azeriqaz JSC to the ownership of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic.
Upon the Presidential order, the State Property Committee and Ministry of Taxes are in charge of ensuring the transition Azeriqaz JSC to SOCAR's ownership.
The Cabinet of Ministers is in charge of preparing proposals on the improvement of the charter and structure of SOCAR, and submitting to the President within one month.
On Wednesday President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received French ambassadors accredited in CIS countries.
In his welcoming speech, President Aliyev noted the successful developing links between Azerbaijan and France in many fields. In his speech also talked about the recent achievements of Azerbaijan in the field of economic development and international investment in its economy. It was also addressed to the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and the role of France in it.
In his response speech, Deputy Director of the Office for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France Eric Millet, thanked the President of Azerbaijan for the reception and stressed the importance of Azerbaijan for France as a partner.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of congratulation to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on his country`s Independence Day.
The letter says: "I strongly believe Azerbaijan and Belarus will continue strengthening and developing their friendship and constructive cooperation for the prosperity of their peoples."
President Ilham Aliyev also wished Alexander Lukashenko "robust health and successes in your activities," and "the people of Belarus peace, welfare and prosperity".
On July 2, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.
During the meeting, was noted the successful development of relations in political, economic and other spheres between the two countries. The sides highlighted the importance of mutual visits at the highest level in the expansion of relations and discussed prospects for bilateral ties.
The meeting in an enlarged format focused on the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OSCE. The sides exchanged views on the current situation in the negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Polish President Lech Kaczynski arrived in Azerbaijan with an official visit on July 2.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has issued an Executive Order conferring the Heydar Aliyev Order upon President of Poland Lech Kaczynski for his services in developing friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.
The Presidents of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Poland, Lech Kaczynski, held a one-to-one meeting in Baku on July 2.
During the meeting was mentioned the development of bilateral relations in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides also highlighted the importance of relations between the countries within the European Union.
The President of Poland said that his visit to Azerbaijan is a new stage in the expansion of relations between the two countries.
July 2, at the palace "Gyulistan" in Baku on behalf of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva was given an official reception in honor of President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynski.
The Presidents of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Poland, Lech Kaczynski, signed a Charter of the Advisory Council of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Poland on July 2 in Baku.
Also, in presence of Heads of State, the President of SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) Rovnag Abdullayev and the Chairman of the Polish Group Lotus Paul Olekhnovich signed a letter of intent.
The Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Secretary of Security Council Ramiz Mehdiyev and Head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Secretary of State Alexander Shchiglo signed Schedule of cooperation for 2009-2010 between the Security Council of Azerbaijan and Poland's National Security Bureau.
Polish President Lech Kaczynski met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasizade on July 3.
The parties stressed dynamic development of the Azerbaijani-Polish relations at the meeting. The sides exchanged opinions on the issues of expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Two-day official visit of President Lech Kaczynski of Poland to Azerbaijan ended on July 3.
The First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyubov and other officials accompanied Head of Poland and his wife to Baku International Airport named after Heydar Aliyev.
Parliament
Member of Azerbaijani parliament proposes to design special national program on resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Given delay in peaceful negotiations, I think role of legislative body must be promoted in resolution of the conflict," member of Azerbaijani parliament and member of Musavat MP Group Nasib Nasibli said at a parliamentary meeting on June 30.
He said Azerbaijan's respective executive body has designed national program entitled Concept of Resolution of the Karabakh Problem and it will be submitted to parliament for discussions soon.
"The state of talks on resolution of the problem must be discussed at the end of each year," MP said.
The Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Committee on Economic Policy issued protest against the House of Representatives of the US Congress.
The Azerbaijani parliament expressed its anxiety and protest against the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and relevant programs of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress which decided to allocate $10 million financial aid to the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh regime as part of the 2010 budget of the Department of State.
The parliament believes that in reality, this is a decision in favor of separatism runs counter the system of international relations of the United States and does not contribute to the development of relations of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States at a time when cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy, regional security, combating international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction military operations in Afghanistan, the dialogue with the Islamic world reached a level of strategic partnership, the process of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict entered a very important stage, as well as at a time when the U.S.'s mediation is necessary as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.
Such assistance is contrary to the whole essence of the U.S.'s activities as one of the mediators in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and calls into question their objectivity and impartiality, the Azerbaijani parliament said.
Any humanitarian assistance that the U.S. can render to Nagorno-Karabakh must be coordinated with the Azerbaijani government and the United States should give priority to activities highlighting the fact that the Nagorno Karabakh is a territory of Azerbaijan, the parliament said.
The parliamentarians also urged their American counterparts to cancel the 907th amendment.
The Azerbaijani Central Election Committee (CEC) considers reducing a number of municipalities in the country as a necessary step.
"The Azerbaijani parliament's decision to reduce a number of municipalities is a timely step. Small municipalities have created some difficulties in conducting municipal elections. In Azerbaijan, there were municipalities that cover only 15-20 voters," Chairman of the CEC Mazahir Panahov said at the meeting on June 30.
The Azerbaijani parliament adopted a law reducing the number of municipalities from 2,757 to 1,764, as well as establishing two new municipalities. A total of 1,567 municipalities have applied to unite, and after their unification, 574 municipalities will be formed and 993 municipalities will be liquidated.
Azerbaijan will hold the municipal elections in late 2009.
Before the municipal elections, the CEC re-clarify the country's voter lists, Panahov said.
The Azerbaijani government has received an offer to place the General Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic states in Baku.
"This issue should be discussed amongst the presidents of the Turkic states. I think that as a result of discussions, our desire will come true," Co-Chair of the working group of the Azerbaijani-Turkish inter-parliamentary group Nizami Jafarov told Trend on July 1.
In 2008, in the Istanbul conference, the heads of parliaments of Turkic-speaking countries reached an agreement to establish the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking countries, which includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.
Jafarov said Turkmenistan's and Uzbekistan's participation in the summit of the assembly which will be held in Baku in September has not yet decided. "Discussions are held for these two countries' participation in the assembly," the Azerbaijani parliamentarian said.
The Baku summit will discuss new projects in order to make the assembly a permanent organization, the co-chair of the working group said.
"There will be discussions to turn the assembly into an organization with a permanent secretariat as the PACE," Jafarov said.
Foreign policy
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad Davudoglu met with the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov during a visit to Greece, Cihan reported.
OSCE foreign ministers had a special meeting in Greece on June 28. The cooperation between OSCE member states were discussed at the meeting.
The details of meeting between Davudoglu and Azimov are not disclosed.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has all chances to be solved in a near historical prospect, and Russia is ready to do best for this, said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during press conference in Baku held jointly with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
He added that the conflict can be resolved only based on the international law, and the most important is that the sides - Azerbaijan and Armenia are ready to consider all matters, which gives a hope for a solution to this long conflict.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan supports the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of UN resolutions.
The question of self-determination of peoples can be resolved within territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev said to press conference.
"We were able to make several steps forward, and there are many expectations that the conflict will be resolved," said Aliyev.
He added that despite signing a ceasefire agreement in 1994, the conflict still remains unresolved, but now there are more hopes for its solution than before.
Polish author-historian Peter Kviatkevich's book titled "Establishment of the Republic of Azerbaijan" was presented in Poland with the support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan reported.
The book describes the events that took place in Azerbaijan in 1980, the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, describes the position of Azerbaijan, strengthening of the country after Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev came to power.
The book was published in Polish in 2009.
Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Clerical Office Sheil-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade visited Astana on June 30.
"Religious leader of Azerbaijan and Caucasus visited Astana to attend Third Congress of World and Traditional Religions. Head of office's international cooperation department Mugaddas Payizov was also attendance.
The congress participants also include Secretary-General of the World Islamic League Sheikh Abdullah Bin Abdul Muhsin Al-Turki, Chairman of the Office of Religious Affairs and Chief Mufti of Turkey Ali Bardakoglu and Adviser to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the president of the Organization of Culture and Islamic Relations Mehdi Mustafavi and many others.
III Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions opened in Astana on July 1.
Ambassador Muhammad Bagir Bahrami is in Tehran to clarify some issues, the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan reported.
"Iranian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan Muhammad Bagir Bahrami is in Tehran with a visit at the moment. I hope the ambassador will return to Baku and continue to fulfill his duties," Press Secretary of the Iranian Embassy in Baku Abbas Iskenderi told Trend on June 30.
Some media with a reference to reliable sources reported that the Iranian ambassador left Azerbaijan to protest against Israeli President Shimon Peres's visit to Baku.
Peres paid an official visit to Azerbaijan on June 28-29.
France as the OSCE Minsk Group country will make every efforts for fair and sequential settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the French Foreign Ministry reported.
Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Edvard Nalbandyan held the negotiations on the Karabakh settlement in Paris on June 26.
The two countries' foreign ministers thoroughly talked to study opportunities of a new meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in a constructive condition, the French Foreign Ministry reported.
These negotiations favored strengthening of advances gained at the presidents' last meeting in St. Petersburg, and defining new possible advances that can be achieved and the co-chairs have put forward new compromise proposal, the French Foreign Ministry reported.
In this regard, the mediators will visit the region in early July to organize a new meeting of the two countries' leaders in Moscow in July, the ministry reported.
Policies of Azerbaijan have never brought harms to other states, the head of international relations department of Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan
Novruz Mammadov briefed the media on June 30. "Azerbaijan has always independently pursued its foreign policy, not bringing harm to other states," - said Mammadov, refusing more detailed comments about the departure of the ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan Muhammad Bagir Behrami.
During the visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres to Baku on June 28-29, the Iranian ambassador left for Tehran. Iran's Foreign Ministry did not confirm the information that ambassador's departure is linked with Peres's visit.
The reason for ambassador's departure is still unofficial information, said Mammadov, thus explaining his refusal of comments.
Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohammad Bagir Behrami is currently on a visit to Tehran. I believe that the ambassador will return to Baku and will continue his duties," press-secretary of the Iranian Embassy in Baku, Abbas Iskenderi, told Trend on June 30.
A number of media outlets, with reference to reliable sources, reported that Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan left Baku to protest against the visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse on completion of his mission in Azerbaijan.
At the meeting, was noted that during the period as a U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne Derse's activities were aimed at enhancing and developing relations between the two countries, the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend .
In her turn, Anne Derse said that she is leaving Azerbaijan with good memories, and thanked everyone for the support and attention provided to her.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov wished Derse success in her future activities.
Regional policy of Minsk and Baku is similar and important not only for the two nations, but also on global scale, Belarus ambassador to Azerbaijan Nikolai Paskevic said.
"We draw analogies between Belarus and Azerbaijani leadership with great pleasure. It is very important for our peoples and I am confident that it is also crucial on global scale," the ambassador told reporters in a news conference.
The presidents of Belarus and Azerbaijan inaugurate a new social facility each week, he said.
Belarus implemented social programs and has a similar program on region as Azerbaijan, Paskevich said.
"Now we have many villages where people live like in a city," he said.
The Ambassador referred to the availability of programs on construction of 100 new businesses.
"We have started producing buses, which are purchased by Azerbaijan, as well as cars and trolley buses. We have new technologies in medicine," he said.
There is cooperation with the Azerbaijan Communications Ministry. In addition, business forum will be held soon, he said.
Paskevich also noted the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus in the military sphere
By adopting positive decision on Belarus, Europe admitted that absence of dialogue with Minsk was not fruitful, Belarus ambassador to Azerbaijan Nikolai Paskevic said.
"Today, Europe has adopted a number of positive solutions on Belarus, while recognizing that those measures which were adopted in the absence of dialogue with Minsk was destructive," he said at a press conference on July 1.
Belarusians have shown that they are tempered by difficulties, Paskevich said adding that the initiatives by Minsk are adopted by the UN. "For example, the initiative to take measures against trafficking in human beings."
"The State, through the President, has not forgotten that it is a State and not waived the management of the economy. All the promises were fulfilled successfully," the ambassador said.
He said when President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko came to power he made it clear that the country should maintain the basic economic potential by not eliminating achievement in the social sphere.
Model of development turned out to be the best for Belarus after 1991 and strong and dynamic economy is basis of sovereignty, he said.
Leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijani community met with OSCE chairman, Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis arriving in Azerbaijan.
"Head of community Bayram Safarov informed OSCE chairman about reasons and goals of community establishment at the meeting," head of coordination council of Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh Mehdi Abdullayev told Trend on July 2.
Chairman of the community Bayram Safarov was elected new head of executive power of Shusha at the first meeting on June 5.
Bakoyannis informed interlocutors about willingness of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen to conduct meeting with leadership of Azerbaijani community, Abdullayev said.
Bakoyannis told members of community at the meeting that she will mobilize all efforts to solve problems as OSCE head, Abdullayev said. "OSCE chairman promised to do her best to solve this conflict in the nearest future," he said.
During the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh issue Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity must be ensured, restored, said on Thursday the President of Poland Lech Kaczynski being awarded the Heydar Aliyev Order, the highest state award of Azerbaijan, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"Of course, I support a peaceful solution to the problem. And, in reality, this is the only way to solve the dispute. The rights of minorities must be protected, but Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity must be ensured, restored", said the Polish President.
According to him, forced violation of territorial integrity of any country is unacceptable.
"I myself have no doubts on this issue. Forced violation of territorial integrity of any country is unacceptable. No one should act under the flag of even the most powerful patron. I know that it is how this story happened", said Kaczynski.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in his turn said that his Polish colleague has always supported Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, and expressed the gratefulness of people of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors to Russia Polad Bul-Bul oglu and Armen Smbatian, as well as Head of Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography Mikhail Shvydko are on visit in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. On July 3, Smbatian , Polad Bul-Bul oglu and Shvydko met with the President of the unrecognized NKR Bako Saakyan on Khankandi, the Armenian media reported.
Polad Bul-Bul oglu said at the meeting that this meeting did not aim to change the negotiations between the two countries' presidents, but should favor rapprochement of the nations, because Armenians and Azerbaijanis lived together for a long time.
A six-member Azerbaijani delegation, as well as two members of the Azerbaijani parliament Asim Mollazade and Tahir Rzayev and composer Siyavush Karimi arrived in Khankandi.
This is the second visit of the Azerbaijani and Armenian ambassadors to Russia to the Nagorno-Karabakh. Representatives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani intelligentsia visited Khankandi, Yerevan and Baku on June 28 in 2007 upon the initiative of the two countries' ambassadors to Russia.
Political movements
Azerbaijan's opposition Adalat (Justice) party was denied permission to rally in front of the Russian embassy on July 2.
The Baku Administrative Body said in response to the party's letter that it considers the protest action to be inappropriate, Adalat party spokesperson Mutallim Rahimli said.
"The administrative body recommended the party to appeal to relevant state bodies for fair trial for party's deputy chairman Etimad Ismayilov," Rahimli said.
Etimad Ismayilov, son of Azerbaijani MP Ilyas Ismayilova, was arrested on March 26, 2008 by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia at Domodedovo airport when he returned from Baku to Moscow. Ismayilov is with charged fraud (article 159.4) and money laundering (article 274.1)
Adalat party planned to stage a protest action in front of the Russian embassy in Azerbaijan to demand fair trial for Ismayilov.
The party considers administrative body's refusal to be illegal, he said. "The party has appealed to the state bodies on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, there have not been any results," he said.
The party plans to appeal to the Baku Administrative Body again to receive permission to rally in front of the embassy, Rahimli said. "The date of the next protest action will be set tomorrow," he said.
Dismissal of the chairman of the Azerbaijani opposition Open Society Party (OSP) and his deputies is linked with the fact that they opposed against the radical direction of the structure.
The party split into supporters and opponents of radical politics, former deputy chairman of Open Society Party Yagub Abbasov told Trend .
At the meeting of the party last week, the chairman of the party Akif Shahbazov resigned. His authorities were transferred to head of the Supreme Council Vagif Mahmudov. The new party chairman will be elected at the next board meeting.
Last Saturday, deputy chairmen of the party Yagub Abbasov and Faramaz Javadov were dismissed.
According Abbasov, a group including him is interested in loyal politics. "I believe that it is impossible to achieve success through a radical policy against the government of Azerbaijan," said the former deputy chairman.
Regarding his dismissal, Abbasov said that the decision which he respects was agreed with the party's leader Rasul Guliyev who lives in the USA.
"Still there is not a final decision about my exclusion from the party. I will announce this decision on this matter at the next meeting of the Supreme Council," said Abbasov.
Azerbaijani opposition parties will hold the Karabakh forum separately.
"The next Karabakh Forum will be held on the initiative of the Azerbaijani opposition parties. Invitations to participate in the forum were sent to the Foreign Ministry and the ruling party. We welcome the participation of all public-political organizations in the forum," the chairman of the Great Azerbaijan Party, Elshad Musayev, told Trend on June 29.
According to Musayev, the forum will be held in the media center on July 3. "The purpose of events to hold a more organized forum," said chairman of Great Azerbaijan Party.
Formerly the Karabakh Forum was held by the Union for Democracy. "The Movement for Karabakh and Republic", established by other opposition parties in Azerbaijan and the government authorities did not participate in this event.
Union for Democracy was founded by the opposition Classic Popular Front Party, Azadlig party and National Democracy Party after 2005 parliamentary election. Great Azerbaijan Party joined the union in early Sept. 2008 and People's Party - in Nov. The Union is advisory and cooperation body.
In July, it is expected to hold a Republican forum on the topic "Role and position of political parties and NGOs in resolving the Karabakh conflict", the press service of the Civil Solidarity Party told Trend .
In this regard, the Civil Solidarity Party sent letters to all political actors, NGOs and MPs. The letter expressed concern over the fact that the public-political processes in the country, talks of Azerbaijani officials regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement have yielded no results. The letter refers to the need for broad public-political discussions about the occupied territories. "Therefore, we believe it is necessary to conduct republican forum "Role and position of political parties and NGOs in resolving the Karabakh conflict" in the end of July", the letter says.
The letter invited the political parties and NGOs to send suggestions and views on the forum to the central office of the Civil Solidarity Party. Also, bilateral talks started between the Civil Solidarity Party and the leaders of NGOs and political structures in order to evaluate the proposals made at the forum.
Time of the forum will be determined after discussion.
Azerbaijani opposition party Modern Musavat can lose several regional organizations.
"Changes in political program of the party are discussed in regional organizations. After familiarizing with them, 13 of them call for adoption of more radical position. They suggest strengthening fight against negative facts in the country and cooperating with radical opposition parties. If their proposals are not adopted, members of regional organizations intend to retire and join more radical opposition parties," chairman of the party Hafiz Hajiyev told Trend on July 1.
Modern Musavat party plans to adopt changes in program of the party at the meeting of political council in June.
Making changes in program of the party is postponed because of discontent of regional organizations, Hajiyev said. "The party does not intend to take rather radical position. Changes to be included in program of the party are expected to be approved at the meeting of political council in the first 10 months of July," chairman of the party said.
Other regional organizations also express willingness to join discontented members of the party, he said. Leading agencies of the party faced difficult situation. If we are not able to convince regional organizations, discussions will be held with us," Hajiyev said.
On July 3 Baku's executive power did not allow Musavat party's youth organization to conduct piquet in front of the ministry of education on July 6.
"In its letter Baku's executive power said that territory in front of the education ministry is envisaged only for traffic. So, it is impossible to conduct piquet there. They suggested us conducting protest action at Bibi Heybat stadium of Neftchi sport-sanitary center," chairman of Musavat party's youth organization Tural Abbasli told Trend on July 3.
Final exams were held in all Azerbaijani secondary schools from June 3-16. Roughly 99,630 pupils participated in exams, 19, 770 pupils failed to pass exams and did not get certificates. There will be no repeated final exams for pupils getting unsatisfied mark, education minister Misir Mardanov told media.
Musavat party's youth intended to conduct piquet in front of education ministry with slogans Clear exams! Education without corruption! and End for bribe!. Action aims to express protest against corruption and violations during finals in secondary schools.
Realization of protest action by pupils and parents unsatisfied with final exams results at Bibi Heybat stadium is illogical, Abbasli said. "Protest can be expressed only in front of the education ministry. We appreciate letter of Baku's executive power as refusal for our intention to conduct protest action," Musavat party's youth organization chairman said.
It is necessary to create united organization to take Azerbaijani opposition out of crisis.
"Activity of Azerbaijani political parties suffers political crisis. National-democratic forces must create organization adequate to situation in the country," MP represented in the Union for democracy Panah Huseyn told Trend on July 1.
Earlier head of Musavat party Isa Gambar addressed with initiative about union of opposition parties and public organizations of the country again in People's front. Several opposition leaders consider realization of this idea as impossible.
Powerful political will is necessary for creation of new unity, Huseyn said.
"After initiative of Musavat party chairman about revival of People's front, several influential people dealing with political activity or being far from public-political processes met with him and said about readiness for rendering grave support in realization of this idea," MP Panah Huseyn said.
Several ideas are being discussed for joint cooperation at elections, MP said.
"If joint conference is held, united opposition platform will be prepared at municipal and parliamentary elections," Huseyn said.
Presently, union of non-party organizations and individuals is important, Huseyn said.
"Discussions on creation of organization are held. This organization will coordinate activity of all forces. I stand for creation of movement like former People's front," Panah Huseyn said. Presence of many political parties has formal character in Azerbaijan, he said.
"Several bureaucrats heading these parties hamper process of opposition union. This problem must be solved soon. This is political order," Huseyn said.
If non-operating parties are closed, it will be for the benefit of political opposition, Huseyn said. "Obligatory integration will be launched. Closing of non-operating parties will be impulse towards democratic crisis," member of Milli Mejlis said.
While making additions and changes in the law Political parties, article on liquidation of non-operating parties registration is expected to be included in the law, MP, deputy executive secretary of New Azerbaijan ruling party Siyavush Novruzov told Trend .
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
On June 28, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas in Khojavand region at 19:30-19:40, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No casualties were reported.
No incident occurred during a monitoring on the contact line of between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces near Khoka Nabi village of Tovuz region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend . The monitoring was held after a mandate by the special envoy of the OSCE chairman.
The monitoring was held on the Azerbaijani side by OSCE Chairman-in-Office Personal Representative field assistants Andzej Kasprsyk, Pieter Ki and Jaslan Nurtazin.
The monitoring was held on the opposite side, which the international community recognizes as Azerbaijani territory, by OSCE Chairman-in-Office Personal Representative field assistants Imre Palatinus, Irji Aberli and Vladimir Chountulov.
On June 30, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights of the Gadabay region at 10:05-10:25, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Subdivisions of Armenia's military forces fired positions of Azerbaijani military forces near Gulustan village of Geranboy region on July 1 from 18:10 to 18:40 and near Goyarh village of Terter region, press-service of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said.
Fire was ceased by reciprocal fire. Nobody injured.
On July 2, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops at 13:10-13:30. The shots were fired from the Tapqaraqoyunlu village in the Goranboy region.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Armenian soldiers fired at Azerbaijani troops from an area outside the Shikhlar village in the Agdam region at 22:50-22:55 on July 2 and near the Chayli village in the Tartar region at 01:10-01:20 on July 3.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
On July 3, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the nameless heights in the Goranboy region at 19:10-19:15, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
