Official chronicle
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the Polish embassy in Azerbaijan.
The President expressed condolences with the tragic death of President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynski, senior officials of the Polish Presidential Administration, members of the Senate and Parliament, senior officers of the Polish army, and left a note in the funeral book.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Relations with Compatriots of Gambia Usman Jammeh.
The President stressed Jammeh's first visit to Azerbaijan at the ministerial level from the Gambia. He expressed confidence in the continuation of bilateral visits in future. President Ilham Aliyev stressed that the visit provides a good opportunity for a broad discussion of bilateral relations and international issues.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Relations with Compatriots of Gambia Usman Jammeh conveyed greetings of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. Minister said that the Gambian President pays special attention to the development of relations with Azerbaijan. Usman Jammeh stressed that this visit is very important for his country. He expressed hope for effective negotiations on the prospects of bilateral relations.
Azerbaijani President thanked Yahya Jammeh for the greetings and asked to convey his greetings to Gambian President.
The Heydar Aliyev Sport and Concert Complex in Baku hosted official opening ceremony of European Championships in Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling and women's wrestling on April 13.
Those gathered at the ceremony greeted the Head of the Azerbaijani State, President of the National Olympic Committee, President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva.
The championship is attended by 383 wrestlers from 36 countries, including Azerbaijan, which is represented at the event by 21 athletes. Young athletes brought to the hall the flags of countries participating in the Baku championship.
The Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, senior officials of state and government of Poland, who were tragically killed by a plane crash near Smolensk April 10, were commemorated with a moment of silence.
In the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan Azad Rahimov, President of the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) Raphaël Martinetti, President of the European Wrestling Federation (CELA) Zeno Zenov. President of the Wrestling Federation of Azerbaijan Fazil Mammedov announced the championships open.
A meeting of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers was held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. It was dedicated to the results of socio-economic development in the first quarter of 2010.
The Azerbaijani President opened the meeting by opening remarks.
During the meeting Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Fizuli Alekperov, head of the state customs committee Aydin Aliyev, head of the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology, and Patents Hasanov Ramiz spoke about the work done in the first quarter.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed with a final speech at the meeting.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev received April 14 the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Movlud Chavushoglu.
The President congratulated Movlud Chavushoglu on his election as the President of PACE. Assessing the election of Turkey's representative as the president of this organization as a fair decision, President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that over the period of Movlud Chavushoglu's leadership, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will successfully fulfill its tasks. At the same time, the head of state highly appreciated the fact that as the chairman of the PACE, Movlud Chavushoglu paid one of his first visits to Azerbaijan and expressed his confidence that this visit will contribute to enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Parliamentary Assembly.
In his turn, Movlud Chavushoglu expressed gratitude to the President Ilham Aliyev for Azerbaijan's support to elect him the chairman of PACE. He stressed that for many years they have successfully cooperated with the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to PACE.
At the meeting were exchanged views on the current state and prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and PACE.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the delegation headed by EU Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger on April 15.
The head of state expressed his confidence in continuation of productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and EU in energy sphere. Speaking about good cooperation practice of our country with EU, President Aliyev noted the importance of conducting discussions over the works to be done for the establishment of lasting partnership in energy sphere. Touching upon the energy supply of Europe, the head of state noted that there was good potential for further extension the cooperation in this sphere by taking into account the energy sources, infrastructure and production level of Azerbaijan. Oettinger said that EU had relations with Azerbaijan not only in energy sphere, but also in all other spheres and close cooperation in power engineering would be continued in future. They exchanged views on cooperation perspectives in the direction of energy supply of Europe.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received the participants of an international conference "2010 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan: more democratic, more transparent", AzerTAc state news agency reported.
The Head of State expressed confidence that talks and meetings held during the visit of European parliament's members would contribute to developing relations between Azerbaijan and European structures.
The President said Azerbaijan closely cooperates with European institutions in a variety of fields. He also touched on the country's ties with the Council of Europe.
President Aliyev pointed out that all fields of Azerbaijan's economy are rapidly developing with international projects being implemented in the country, as well. He highlighted the sustainable development in the country despite ongoing global financial crisis.
The Head of State noted modernization, development of infrastructure and investment opportunities allowed building a strong and diversified economy.
"Our country suffered the least from the international financial crisis. Our economy grew by 9 percent last year. The inflation rate was only 1.5 percent. We are a self-sufficient country and, of course, we are implementing a number of projects boosting our economy," said the President.
President Ilham Aliyev noted world's authoritative financial organizations praise Azerbaijan's economic potential. According to him, Azerbaijan ranked first among CIS countries and 51st in the world on the World Economic Forum's global competitiveness index.
The Head of State expressed assurance that Azerbaijan would contribute to European Union`s Eastern Partnership policy.
The Head of State said Azerbaijan is a secular state where many peoples live in peace and harmony. He said Azerbaijan, which has a strong political system, is an attractive destination for investments.
On the Azerbaijan's successful energy policy, President Ilham Aliyev said UN's awarding the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan for improving transparency in public service is a manifestation of high assessment of international organizations.
President Ilham Aliyev also touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, saying "almost 20 percent of our territories are under occupation."
"Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent 7 regions are under Armenian occupation. People were driven out from there and this was a policy of ethnic cleansing."
The Head of State said Armenians had committed war crimes against Azerbaijanis. He added Armenians perpetrated genocide in Khojaly in 1992 killing more than 600 civilians. "Azerbaijanis, including children and women were tortured by Armenians."
All these were documented, and this is one of the gravest crimes committed at the end of the 20th century.
"The occupation continues today in spite of four resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council on unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani leader also briefed the meeting participants on the OSCE Minsk Group-mediated talks to settle the conflict.
The Head of State noted all-round cooperation in the region is impossible unless the conflict is resolved.
Speaking at the meeting, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Vice President, Wolfgang Grossruck praised the development process in Azerbaijan.
He underlined the importance of the international conference, saying it will contribute to deepening relationship between Azerbaijan and the Organization.
Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on regional development, member of the delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Evgeni Kirilov said the European Union was ready to contribute to settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He also spoke of Azerbaijan`s election experience.
Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, head of Belgian delegation to PACE, president of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development Paul Wille expressed confidence that Azerbaijani voters are going to be very active in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
President Ilham Aliyev once again stressed the importance of the international conference, saying it will contribute to expanding relations between Azerbaijan and European structures.
The Head of State said the Azerbaijan government would create every condition to conduct the elections in a free, transparent and democratic manner.
President Ilham Aliyev also underlined the necessity to consider opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and European structures in various spheres.
The President stressed his country was ready for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation with European structures.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation headed by Deputy Defense Minister for Policy Michele Flournoy.
Various aspects of Azerbaijani-U.S bilateral relations were discussed at the meeting. Views on the current state of relations between the two countries were exchanged.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on awarding Faig Zulfugar oglu Hasanov "Honorary Diploma of the President Azerbaijan Republic" for his merits in the development of chess in the country.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree appointing Shekiliyev Musa the head of executive power of Gakh district.
Upon another decree, President Ilham Aliyev dismissed Guliyev Telman from office of executive power of Gakh district.
On April 13, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed an order approving the Protocols 1, 2 and 3 to the Agreement on cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan Republic and the State Security Committee of Belarus, signed on Feb. 8, 2010 in Minsk.
The Ministry of National Security of Azerbaijan is in charge of ensuring implementation of the protocols listed in the order, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan - notifying the Republic of Belarus on the completion of internal procedures necessary for entry into force of the Protocols.
On April 16, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on measures to strengthen the material-technical base of the Republican Children's Hospital.
The decree envisages allocating 3 million manat from Reserve Fund of the President of Azerbaijan to the Ministry of Health to carry out repair and equip with modern technologies.
The Ministry of Finance is in charge of providing finance as stipulated in the decree.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to the President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao in connection with numerous human victims as a result of earthquake in the province of Xinhai.
"Sharing your sorrow at this tragedy, on behalf of the Azeri people and on my own behalf, I express my sincere condolences to you, the families and friends of the victims, all the people of China. I wish the injured speedy recovery," the letter says.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Indian President Pratibha Patil and all the Indian people in connection with numerous human casualties caused by strong hurricane.
"I was extremely saddened by the news of the numerous human casualties and damage as a result of a strong hurricane in Your country. On my own behalf and on behalf of Azeri people I express our deepest condolences to You, the families and friends of the victims, all the people of India, I wish speedy recovery to those injured and affected," the message says.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on the national holiday of the Kingdom of Denmark - Queen's birthday.
"On my own behalf and on behalf of the Azeri people, I warmly congratulate you and through you all your people on the national holiday of the Kingdom of Denmark - Queen's birthday. I am confident that the Azerbaijani-Danish relations, friendship and cooperation between our countries will continuously develop and expand in accordance with the interests of our peoples," the message says.
Ilham Aliyev wished the people of Denmark peace and prosperity.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad on the national holiday - the Day of the Evacuation, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"I hope that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen the traditional relations of friendship between Azerbaijan and Syria, all-round development of our cooperation and communication. On this holiday day, I wish You good health and success in activities, the friendly people of Syria - peace and progress," the message says.
Parliament
"Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO is at a high level, and the Ministry of Defence of our country conducts a number of activities with NATO," First Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Security and Defence Ziyafet Askerov said to a meeting with Rainer Stinner, Chairman of the Sub-Committee NATO Partnerships (PCNP)
The head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the NATO PA Askerov said that the country's economic development, the reforms implemented in various spheres further increases its international prestige.
"Currently, Azerbaijan is amongst the leading countries worldwide for the level of economic development. However, in addition to this, we have problems as well," said the first vice-speaker.
According to the committee chairman, Armenia ignores the resolutions and decisions adopted in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the UN Security Council, the Council of Europe and other international organizations. "Despite that the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue of conflict solution, Armenia continues to dictate the terms of international law, and if this continues so, Azerbaijan will be forced to exercise its right to liberate its lands from occupation by military means. Today, the world countries, instead of exerting pressure on Armenia, do it with regards to Turkey. Various countries try to call the events in early 20th century the "Armenian genocide", but the world treats with indifference to Khojali genocide that took place in 1992 against the Azerbaijani people. These countries should give up double standards, should know the truth," he said.
According to Askerov, the aggressor should be punished according to merit.
Noting that during this meeting he obtained new information on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Stinner said that he supports peaceful solution to the conflict. He said that if military operations begin in the region, this can lead to unexpected results. "Members of the NATO PA are ready to provide all possible assistance to resolve the conflict," said the head of the delegation.
Provisions on legislation to protect young families will be discussed and a special law will be developed, Azerbaijani Parliamentary Social Policy Committee Chairman Hadi Rajabli said.
"The committee also received proposals for social protection for large families," Rajabli told journalists. "The issue needs discussion. Population growth is a major problem."
Rajabli said the committee is also discussing a "family code."
"We will hold debates on bills on family doctors and reproductive health, as well as issues of social protection for young families. We also plan to discuss support for young families in obtaining mortgages and families who are sent to work in mountainous areas," Rajabli said.
Rajabli believes Azerbaijan has entered a stage requiring not the adoption of new laws, but rather the improvement of already existing legislation.
"We are monitoring the application of certain laws. The monitoring revealed that about 101 changes should be made to the family code. We are trying to engage in an open discussion with society to make sure the law fills their needs. Otherwise, the law will not work," he added.
A working group was established to prepare a bill on the status of ex-president in Azerbaijan, said the chairman of the parliamentary committee.
"Due to changes to the law, it became necessary to adopt such a law, and the working group was involved in the preparation of the bill," chairman of the committee on legal policy and state establishment of Azerbaijan Parliament, MP Ali Huseynov, told Trend.
The amendments and addition made to the Constitution of Azerbaijan during the referendum held March 18, 2009 also envisages status for ex-president. A new bill must be prepared and submitted to the Parliament.
According to Huseynov, firstly it needs to explore international practice to draft a bill.
"The working group prepares a bill, but the committee has not yet begun discussing the bill. I therefore find it difficult to express a concrete opinion on how the status of ex-president will be determined," said chairman of the committee.
"Personally, I have not specifically studied the use of such practices in the world. I know that the status of ex-president is determined by legislation. As in the world, we must also have the bill," Huseynov said.
A new bill on preventing the spread of AIDS is ready for adoption, Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee Chairman Musa Guliyev said.
"State and public broadcasters must provide at least 20 minutes of airtime per month for educational programs and social spots on the prevention of AIDS and must ensure the broadcasting of these programs at the most opportune time," Guliyev said.
Azerbaijan adopted a law on preventing the spread of AIDS in 1996. Azerbaijan is the first country in the CIS with such a law.
The committee meeting also discussed a bill on accession to the 156th International Labor Organization Convention on Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment for Men and Women Workers: Workers With Family Responsibilities.
"The parliament's regular meeting will adopt a bill on accession to the 183rd Convention 'On the Change of the 1952 Convention for the Protection of Motherhood'," committee Chairman Hadi Rajabli said.
Azerbaijani Accounts Chamber report on the results of activity in 2009 will be heard in Azerbaijani Parliament's next meeting.
"The bill "Acquisition of lands for state needs" will be discussed at the Parliament's meeting in the third reading," the Milli Mejlis said today.
The agenda of the meeting to be held April 20 also includes a project on making additions and amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations and the Family Code.
At past meetings of the summer session of MM were heard and discussed
Reports on the results of activity of the Cabinet of Ministers and Azerbaijani Ombudsman's Office in 2009 were heard and discussed at the last meetings of the Parliament's summer session.
Vice Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Bahar Muradova met in Baku with the head of the Italian delegation to the organization Riccardo Milorini.
"Deputy chairperson of the Parliament talked about the history of friendly ties between the two peoples, the similarity of culture, and said that through the efforts of two heads of state, the relationship rose to the level of strategic partnership," the press service of the Parliament told Trend.
Muradova noted the special role of inter-parliamentary ties in the development of cooperation between the two countries. According to the deputy speaker, the lack of solution of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict hinders the dynamic development of Azerbaijan, as well as progress in the region.
The head of delegation to OSCE PA thanked the Italian government and parliament for the position of official Rome in the Karabakh issue. Muradova told the guest about the activities of the Azerbaijani parliament, the legal framework, cooperation with international organizations, as well as cooperation within the OSCE.
Milorini shared his impressions of participation in an international conference held in Baku on "Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan in 2010: more democratic, more transparent." According to him, holding such an event is an obvious testimony to the determination of the Azerbaijani state and government to hold transparent, democratic and free elections.
Milorini once again confirmed that his country supports the constructive position of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. According to him, all the conflicts in the world, and particularly in the South Caucasus, present a serious threat to international security.
Milorini mentioned the need for the development of parliamentary diplomacy to achieve a fair solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Elections
International Institute for monitoring the development of democracy, parliamentary system and the electoral rights of citizens of member states of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States is preparing a wide action plan in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
"The action plan will reflect surveys and monitoring in different directions, enlightenment activities and monitoring activities," said the press service of the Baku branch of the Institute told Trend.
Regional headquarters of the Baku branch are planned to be organized in some regions of Azerbaijan during the parliamentary elections. "The plan will be approved soon and be implemented," the same source said.
Discussions have been left behind on forming electoral commissions on a parity basis in Azerbaijan.
Not politicizing electoral institutions, but rather ensuring their independence is the most urgent issue today, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department head Ali Hasanov told journalists today.
"If Azerbaijan takes any steps in the future, they will be directed at improving the professionalism of the Central Election Commission (CEC)," Hasanov said.
Opposition parties want to improve legislation as a means to ensuring transparent and democratic elections. The ruling NAP holds the majority seats in the election commissions.
Hasanov expressed an unequivocal viewpoint on the right to freedom of assembly.
"The necessary conditions in accordance with the Electoral Code will be created for all candidates, parties and organizations following the CEC's decision to hold elections," Hasanov said.
He added that the Electoral Code meets international and European standards.
"The Electoral Code has been prepared and adopted in accordance with the Council of Europe and OSCE recommendations. So far, all these institutions have stated that the code allows them to hold democratic elections," Hasanov said.
The recommendations really improve election practice in Azerbaijan, development of legislative and other branches of government, as well as have positive impact on the image of Azerbaijan. We are pleased to accept them, the Presidential Administration social and political issues department head Ali Hasanov told media, expressing the attitude towards the recommendations of international organizations in connection with the formation of electoral commissions.
"However, as a nation we can not allow the implementation of the recommendations that put the fate of the elections subject to the will of people, and at some point they can be directed to violation of the electoral process. The state deals with elections. If the election process is violated tomorrow, no European organization will not take responsibility for it. All the responsibility will fall on the Azerbaijani state and electoral institutions," Hasanov said.
The changes to the Electoral Code should be justified in Azerbaijan, Legislation and Legal Expertise Department head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Shahin Aliyev said.
"We are ready to cooperate with the OSCE and the Venice Commission in connection with amendments to the Electoral Code. But the recommendations must be justified. Analysis of the current electoral law should be carried out," Aliyev said.
OSCE and CE Venice Commission submitted recommendations on the formation of electoral commissions on a parity basis, settlement of mechanisms for giving complaints and appeals in connection with the violation of voting rights and other issues.
Aliyev said that additions and changes were made to the Election Code ten times since its adoption in 2003.
"The Azerbaijani government has introduced up to 90 percent of the recommendations of the OSCE, the Venice Commission in the Electoral Code", Aliyev said.
A resolution was adopted at an international conference on parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The resolution notes that the government should continue reforms.
"We welcome the decision by the President dated 2 April 2009 to submit relevant bills expert assessment to the Venice Commission," said the resolution of an international conference "Parliamentary Elections 2010: more democratic, more transparent", held on April 16.
The paper notes that the amendments to the Electoral Code meet some of the recommendations of the Venice Commission and are a positive step: "The ruling circles of Azerbaijan are recommended to cooperate with the Venice Commission in order to identify spheres where regular reforms are more needed and to improve the Electoral Code," the resolution says.
The conference calls upon all international organizations and institutions to fully support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan in accordance with the UN resolutions. The paper says that the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a factor causing instability in the South Caucasus region, and the lack of resolution of the conflict hinders democratic reform in the country: "We look forward to the participation of all political parties in upcoming parliamentary elections. We call on the ruling circles of Azerbaijan to continue efforts to create the conditions necessary for conducting free and fair parliamentary elections, and with this, especially given the assessment of the Council of Europe on substantial progress in the presidential elections held in 2008, the elections can meet democratic standards," the resolution says.
Foreign policy
The delegation of the Sub-committee on NATO Partnership of NATO Parliamentary Assembly political committee on Sunday arrived in Azerbaijan.
The main purpose of the Alliance delegation's visit to the country is to discuss the current relations between Azerbaijan and NATO, Azerbaijani Parliament told Trend.
Delegation's meetings in Parliament and other public bodies are scheduled.
NATO's cooperation with the South Caucasus states - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia is mainly carried out within the Partnership for Peace Program, an Individual Partnership Action Plans and the Planning and Review Process. "These documents define the objectives and intentions of the partner countries to hold consultations with NATO on reforms in the spheres of defense, security and military policy.
In addition to supporting the reforms, an important goal of cooperation between NATO and Azerbaijan is to develop interaction of the country's Armed Forces with the forces of NATO countries in peacekeeping operations.
Since 1999, the Azerbaijani troops have being providing support to peacekeeping operations of NATO in Kosovo, and since 2002 - in Afghanistan.
Azerbaijan has become a strong partner of NATO, said the chairman of the subcommittee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
"Azerbaijan is becoming a very strong partner for both NATO and the European Union. Today, Azerbaijan is the focus of the world not only because of its geopolitical position, but also other aspects. Watching the processes taking place here, we witness Azerbaijan's transformation into a rapidly developing country recent years. From this point of view, we are pleased with Azerbaijan's transformation into an even more powerful state," Rainer Stinner, Chairman of the Sub-Committee NATO Partnerships (PCNP), briefed the media.
"The purpose of the visit is to closely get acquainted with the processes taking place in Azerbaijan, exchange views on some issues," said the chairman of the sub-committee.
Azerbaijani MP believes that the meetings held in the United States by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have an interesting result.
"Meetings held in the United States at a summit on nuclear security by the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan could have an interesting result. This result will firstly be reflected in the statements by Erdogan and Armenian President Serj Sargsyan during their meeting. It is possible to think that the result of his meeting with the U.S. President Barack Obama would affect the future activities of the OSCE Minsk Group," a member of the Political Council of New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), MP Aydin Mirzazade said on April 12.
Today Erdogan started visiting the U.S. According to MP, Azerbaijan, with few exceptions, agrees with the updated Madrid principles of the Minsk Group.
Armenia refuses the principles, which were agreed earlier. That position puts it into a hopeless situation. Armenia should abandon its position and respect the international legal norms. It seems to me that after the meetings in the U.S., to some extent, we will witness a change," said the MP.
The root of many of today's global challenges comes from separatism. Azerbaijan is one of the countries suffering from separatism, and Turkey is doing its best to prevent it, said Mirzazade.
"It is commendable that Turkey at a high level protects the interests of Azerbaijan. The recent statements once again proved that Ankara's position has not changed," said the MP.
Azerbaijan and Gambia signed a protocol on cooperation, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.
The protocol was signed by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Gambian Foreign Minister, International Cooperation and Gambians abroad Ousman Jammeh.
During the meeting Azerbaijani FM stressed that there is a good potential for cooperation in economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in education and tourism between the countries.
Mammadyarov thanked the Gambian counterpart for support of Azerbaijan's just position in the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during the voting in international organizations, especially the UN and the Organization of Islamic Conference.
Jammeh in his turn said that Gambia will continue to support Azerbaijan's position in the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Azerbaijan will adopt a single strategy for youth development of the CIS countries, Oleg Rozhnov, chairman of the CIS Council on Youth Affairs said today at the Council's meeting in Baku.
Baku hosts the meeting of the CIS Council on Youth Affairs, which is attended by representatives of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia and Tajikistan. Representatives from the two other members of the Council - Armenia and Kyrgyzstan did not attend the event.
Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov in his speech said that the youth cooperation may become a priority among other types of cooperation.
"We support broad youth cooperation," he said.
In addition, plan of action in the Council member states on celebrating the 65th anniversary of victory in Great Patriotic War will be coordinated during the discussions.
Kuwait would like to see its relations with Azerbaijan in youth and sports as an example for other countries in the Persian Gulf and Arab world, Kuwaiti State Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Faisal Musaid Al-Jazzaf said.
"Other countries in the region [Arab world] may also establish strong relations with Azerbaijan in the field of youth and sports," Al-Jazzaf, who is on an official visit to Baku, told Trend . "We intend to work hard to make our experiences with Azerbaijan an example for other countries in the Persian Gulf and the Arab world."
He also intends to raise the issue of Kuwaiti governmental assistance for Azerbaijani refugees.
On Friday, Al-Jazzaf will sign an agreement on cooperation in the field of youth and sports between the Azerbaijani and Kuwaiti governments. The agreement provides for exchanging experience in the field of sports medicine, youth organization affairs, sport complex construction and Kuwaiti and Azerbaijani joint athletic training.
"We are interested in studying Azerbaijan's experience in the sports sector. Kuwait plans to build a program for future cooperation in the field," he said.
Based on the agreement, annual festivals will be held in Baku and in Kuwait. The date of the first festival has not yet been clarified, but it is expected that the program will include sporting events, theatrical performances and folk art performances, Al-Jazzaf said.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Vice President and head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, Samad Seyidov, said the structure is likely to discuss the report on Azerbaijan at its June session.
"Before submission of the report to the session for discussions, it should be discussed by the organization's monitoring committee in April," Seyidov said on the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's Web site.
He said all want the report to be objective. "In this document, the reporters should note the economic development of Azerbaijan, democratic processes in the country and other positive steps," Seyidov added.
The PACE monitoring group visited Azerbaijan in February. They met with the governmental officials and representatives of public organizations. The monitoring group has prepared a report on the visit's results.
In April, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will resume the activities of the Sub-committee on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said the Chairman of the Assembly Movlud Chavushoglu upon his arrival in Baku on April 13.
He said that in April, he will meet with representatives of Azerbaijan Samed Seyidov and Armenia David Arutyunyan, and then the activities of the sub-committee will be resumed, which were suspended last year because of the death of the head the sub-committee Lord Russell Johnstone.
Resuming the activities of the sub-committee was planned in March, but the issue was postponed due to incomplete participation of all parties and the absence of the Armenian delegation at the meeting on this issue, said Chavushoglu, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan after his appointment last year.
"Our goal is to solve the frozen conflicts and assist in solving the problems existing between the countries [members of the PACE]. So after Azerbaijan, I will leave for Armenia," Chavushoglu told journalists. In Baku and Yerevan the head of the Assembly will discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and then will go to Russia.
In solution of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, PACE completely supports the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group.
Aerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the member of German Bundestag, deputy chairman of the German-Azerbaijani friendship group Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan reported.
Cramon-Taubadel appreciated the high-level relationship between Germany and Azerbaijan and took interest in the regional processes.
Mammadyarov informed the German guest about the details of current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and said to solve the conflict soon, first of all Armenian invaders must be withdrawn from the Azerbaijani territories. Then all communications should be opened in the region, Azerbaijani internally displaced persons should return to their homeland and they should be provided with normal living conditions and finally the status of Nagorno Karabakh should be determined within the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The minister emphasized that only these conditions of the settlement could make sustainable peace and security in the region possible.
Being the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Movlud Chavushoglu will be the new chairman of the Assembly's subcommittee on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"The subcommittee has not yet been established, but it is expected that I will be its chairman, Chavushoglu told journalists on April 14. It is a quite normal practice that a subcommittee is headed by the chairman of PACE. Former chairman of the subcommittee was also chairman of PACE."
PACE hopes that the subcommittee, which will begin its activities soon, will help resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
"We want the subcommittee to be attended by the Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations, and hope that its work will contribute," said Chavushoglu.
Chavushoglu described as successful his first visit to Baku. "We saw the desire of Azerbaijan to approach the criteria of the Council of Europe. There is hope that this will be during my chairmanship," said Chavushoglu.
In addition to Azerbaijan's 10-year membership to the PACE, during his visit, Chavushoglu discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections. He expressed satisfaction that the Azerbaijani side assured him of holding free and democratic elections.
"We believe in the promises given to us. We were persuaded of holding free and democratic elections," PACE President said.
Policy disagreements between Russia and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus have been overcome, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department head Ali Hasanov said in Baku today.
According to Hasanov, relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are rapidly expanding since 2001 and strategic partnership is also quickly developing.
"Our presidents' personal friendship plays an important role in establishing friendly relations," Hasanov said at the opening of a round-table on "Russia and Azerbaijan: Through the Expansion of Interregional Cooperation to Strengthen Strategic Partnership."
Hasanov welcomed the Russian delegation on behalf of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, stressing the importance of developing Azerbaijani-Russian relations, as well as the 200-year history of the countries' ties.
The round-table is held by the Institute for European Studies.
During the crisis, Azerbaijan and Russia were able to preserve and develop a strategic level of relations, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Policy Chairman Ziyad Samadzade said in a speech at the opening of the conference.
"Mutual trade turnover remained at the same level despite the crisis," he said.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Movlut Chavushoglu, the press service of the Foreign Ministry reported.
The minister said Azerbaijan was closely cooperating with PACE and noted that the cooperation covered a number of spheres and produced effective results.
Providing information about the negotiations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, the minister said that the conflict could be solved only within Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The minister said it would help establish peace and security in the region and that the world community should increase attention to the issue. He especially noted the efforts of PACE.
Movlut Chavushoglu said PACE appreciated the processes of democratization in Azerbaijan and would continue to support the processes. He noted the resolution 1416 on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict adopted by PACE on Jan. 25, 2005, and said the activity of the subcommittee on Nagorno-Karabakh was an urgent issue in the PACE political committee. He said the subcommittee was expected to restore functioning and expressed his hope that it would have positive influence on the settlement of the conflict.
NATO Special Representative to the South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons believes it is too early to apply an Intensified Dialogue in NATO-Azerbaijan relations.
"Azerbaijan aims to build strong ties with NATO, but not NATO membership, at least not at the present time. It seems logical to me that the Intensified Dialogue is not the right vehicle for Azerbaijan at present," Simmons told Trend in the run-up to his visit to Baku in mid-April.
Simmons believes that NATO-Azerbaijan relations have become increasingly beneficial in the past few years and the IPAP has been the main vehicle in this regard. But the Intensified Dialogue has been designed for countries seeking NATO membership.
"The forthcoming visit should also be a first opportunity to exchange views on priority issues that could usefully form part of a new and updated IPAP to be developed in the months ahead," he said.
Simmons said that during his stay in Baku he is looking forward to meeting with Azerbaijan's State Commission on Cooperation with NATO, which has been functioning since 1997.
"The improvement of interagency cooperation is a key aim of the IPAP, and commission has, of course, a central role to play in this regard," Simmons said. "I also believe that the IPAP is moving NATO and Azerbaijan toward enhanced practical cooperation and a broadened political dialogue."
Azerbaijani Presidential Administration socio-political department head Ali Hasanov said Azerbaijan may review its policy towards the United States.
"The United States does not implement policy towards Azerbaijan as a strategic partner, and that's why we might reconsider our policy towards the United States," Hasanov told Reuters.
Hasanov said as a co-mediator in talks on Nagorno-Karabakh, Washington "should first of all promote a solution to the Karabakh conflict."
"We believe the Americans should not only think of how to help Armenia overcome the economic crisis," he said.
Hasanov did dot specified what steps Azerbaijan may take, but added that the country participates in several joint projects with Washington, including a "major multinational energy projects."
During a one-day-visit to Baku April 17, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Michele Flournoy thanked Azerbaijan for its contributions in Afghanistan and cooperation in the efforts to fight violent extremism, calling Azerbaijan a "vital partner of the United States.", the U.S. embassy public affairs office said.
Flournoy met Saturday with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Defense Minister Safar Abiyev.
"Azerbaijan's leadership is demonstrated by the country's commitment to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan", - says the statement released by Flournoy at the conclusion of the meetings.
"Azerbaijan is also a leader in that reconstruction effort: Azerbaijanis train Afghan diplomats, doctors, demining teams, police, and border security personnel, and Azerbaijan contributes to reconstruction, including much-needed hospitals and schools", says the statement.
Flournoy also noted, that over the past several years, Azerbaijani authorities have helped to thwart attacks against U.S. and other foreign interests and "disrupted countless plots".
"We are strong friends and are committed to working together with the Azerbaijani government and people to support the development of a security, democratic, and prosperous state", says the statement.
Political movements
Conferences are held to prepare for the next tenth congress of Azerbaijani opposition parties in the district organizations of the party.
"Conferences were held in eight district organizations to prepare for the congress. The structure of local organizations has been reformed," Secretary of propaganda and media in Azerbaijani National Independence Party (NIPA) Ali Orujov told Trend on Monday.
Orujev said that representatives of regional organizations that will participate in the congress were determined during the conference.
The Union for Democracy which represents several opposition parties of Azerbaijan, invited other opposition parties together hold mass protest.
"This week, the union will meet with Musavat party and the Azadlyg bloc in connection with the joint actions," Chairman of the Azadlig Party represented in the union, Ahmad Oruj said.
Oruj said the meeting will discuss changes and amendments to the Electoral Code, as well as the opposition's proposals on the re-formation of electoral commissions. "This week we will conclude the discussion about the definition of candidates from the Union for Democracy and Musavat party," he said.
The union and Musavat Party have "no serious disagreement about the candidates, he added.
"Each side is ready to make concessions for the nomination of more promising candidates," Oruj said.
Apr.21, the Classical Popular Front Party's headquarter will host the 12th Karabakh forum upon the union's initiative.
Early last week, the Union for Democracy proposed to hold a joint protest rallies.
"The social base of our organization will be used in the parliamentary elections," Azerbaijani pro-governmental Ana Vatan Party (AVP) Chairman and MP Fazail Agamali said.
"We will consult exclusively with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in the process of nominating candidates," Agamali told Trend today.
Azerbaijan will hold parliamentary elections this fall. The previous elections were held in November 2005. The elections use the majority system in Azerbaijan's 125 constituencies.
He said the party is not going to cooperate with other pro-governmental parties in the elections.
"We put forward the candidacy of those who have a chance of being elected. We will hold consultations with the ruling party to avoid nominees impeding each other," Agamali added.
In previous elections, the party followed the same tactics.
"We will remain faithful to our traditions. We need to hold an election campaign to receive as many mandates as possible in the November elections," he said.
Azerbaijan's ruling party will try to run for the parliamentary elections with a single list of candidates.
"Each political party may nominate one candidate from one constituency. Nominating two candidates from one party in one constituency is perceived with a certain lack of understanding from the political point of view," deputy executive secretary of New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Mubariz Gurbanli told Trend on April 13.
According to Gurbanli, in order not to face with this problem, certain recommendations were made as it was made in previous elections. "Regional organizations have been instructed that after determining the candidate, there should not be any questions about the name of the other members of the party," said the deputy executive secretary.
He said that this issue should be resolved inside the party forever. "We will try to avoid practices of nominating another member of our party as an alternative to the official candidate of the party," said Gurbanli.
The Azerbaijani opposition parties continue consultations in connection with the parliamentary elections.
"We have reached initial agreement on comprehensive cooperation in the parliamentary elections during the recent meeting with the leader of Musavat Party Isa Gambar," Chairman of the "Great Azerbaijan Party represented in the Union for Democracy, Elshad Musayev, told Trend.
The parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan in autumn 2010. Previously, elections were held in November 2005. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral districts.
He said the sides reached an agreement to conduct joint opposition rallies. "The meeting approved the international organizations' recent initiatives in relation to freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan. We will cooperate in the issue on amending the Electoral Code, as well as the formation of electoral commissions on a parity basis," he said.
The meeting re-discussed list of candidates of the Union for Democracy and the Musavat Party, Musayev said. "We are confident that we will reach agreement in this matter," he added.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Position of the Azerbaijani Community in determining status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be taken into account in determining status of the Nagorno-Karabakh, Community Leader Bayram Safarov said.
"The OSCE Minsk Group stands for consideration of the community's position when determining status of the Nagorno-Karabakh, the co-chairs have repeatedly talked about it," Safarov was quoted as saying by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's (NAP) web site.
He said the Armenian side should take seriously resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's recent statements on the self-determination of the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh are not serious. The demonstration of such a position openly points to Armenia's desire to tighten the process of solving the conflict," Safarov added.
Armenians of Karabakh want to live in Azerbaijan. "The whole world is obvious process of intensive development in Azerbaijan. Life is the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh is too heavy. So simple Armenians prefer to live in Azerbaijan's composition," he said.
Azerbaijan has a powerful army that is ready to liberate the occupied lands, Safarov said.
Turkey wants OSCE Minsk Group to be more active to ensure peace and tranqulity in the region, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a press conference before flying to Washington, Cihan agency reported.
"We have discussed this topic with Obama, Medvedev and Sarkozy. In America, we'll meet again and evaluate the issue during bilateral meetings," Erdogan said.
According to Erdogan, the main theme of his talks with Obama will be issues related to Armenia. Turkish Prime Minister said has sent his personal representative to Azerbaijan and Armenia to, who told his message to President Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan.
"In the U.S. we will have the opportunity to evaluate our efforts" - the prime minister said.
Delaying the solution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means creates conditions for the worsening of the situation, Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev said on April 12 in Baku, receiving the delegation headed by Rainer Stinner, Chairman of the Sub-Committee NATO Partnerships \(PCNP\).
"Armenia should understand that Azerbaijan will not accept the occupation of its lands. An international legal framework exists to resolve this problem peacefully, and the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council are sufficient to address this issue," said Abiyev, the press service of the Ministry of Defence reported.
Monitoring was held on the contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces nearby Fuzuli-Horadiz road in the Fuzuli region of Azerbaijan Apr.13. The monitoring was held under a mandate of the OSCE chairman special envoy, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
It will be possible to open borders between Turkey and Armenia only after resolving of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Washington.
"Only resolving of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict can become the basis for the opening of Turkish-Armenian border", CNN Turk quotes Erdogan.
Erdogan said that one should not forget the true reason for closing of borders between Turkey and Armenia in 1993. It was the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
Turkish Prime-Minister answered the issue of Armenian journalist concerning removal of Azerbaijan from the peace process in the South Caucasus. He confirmed that Azerbaijan is an integral part of a truce in the region. It can never be removed from it.
"There is an important point as the establishment of comprehensive peace in the region in the Turkish-Armenian protocols. It says that Azerbaijan is an important part of a regional cease-fire. It can not be excluded from the peace process," Erdogan said.
April 13, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the Berkaber village in Armenian's Ijevan region to the Gizil Hajili and Mazamli villages in the Gazakh region at 11.25-11.40, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the Chinarli village in Armenian's Berd region to the Kokhanabi and Agbulag villages in the Tovuz region at 15.30-15.40, as well as from the positions outside the Gulustan village in the Goranboy region at 14.10-14.25 and from nameless heights in the Fizuli region at 22.35-22.50, the ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Position of Turkey, which is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, fully satisfies Baku, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration socio-political department head Ali Hasanov told journalists today.
"We and Turkey, as one nation with two states, have no analogues diplomatic, political, social, cultural links and do not intend for anyone else's dictation to break these ties. This opinion is shared by Turkey," Hasanov said.
Hasanov said during the recent meetings in Washington, Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made it clear that it is impossible to establish normal economic and social relations between Armenia and Turkey without the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, the achievement of normal diplomatic breakthrough on the Armenian-Azerbaijani front and the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied lands.
"This position satisfies us. We believe Turkey, as a brotherly and friendly state of Azerbaijan, will adhere to this position and defend it until the end," he added.
Azerbaijan is dissatisfied with the activities of the United States to settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group, Hasanov said.
"Azerbaijan has repeatedly raised the questions on violations of its rights and territorial integrity that are under the influence of Armenian lobby, forgetting about the neutrality, openly support Armenia," Hasanov said.
He said putting pressure on some neighboring countries - Turkey and other states - the united States requires the establishment of political ties. "This does not relates to the U.S. mission, in particular, as a member of the Minsk Group," Hasanov said.
April 14, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the Berkaber village in Armenian's Idjevan region to the Gizil Hajili village in the Gazakh region at 08.10-08.20 and 15.00-15.05, from positions in nameless heights and near Gukustan village of the Goranboy region at 09.25-09.42 and 13.20-13.40, as well as from positions near Gizil Oba village of the Terter region at 01.20-01.40, Apr.15, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
April15, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from the Tapgaragoyunlu village in Goranboy region, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
April 16, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas near the Ashagi Abdurahmanli village in the Fizuli region at 12.15- 12.25 and from positions outside the Gulustan village in the Goranboy region at 16.10 -16.35, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
Further, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions and areas outside the Javahirli village in the Agdam region at 01.05- 01.15 and from positions near the Chayli village in the Tartar region at 03.45- 04.00 April 17, the Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.