Official chronicle
National Leader Heydar Aliyev's 87th birthday is marked May 10.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the Alley of Honors to revere the memory of Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev today.
President Aliyev laid a wreath at the nationwide leader's grave.
The tenth of May marks the 87th anniversary of the architect and founder of the independent state of Azerbaijan, nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev.
Long queues of people from across the country as well as foreign guests have been visiting the Alley of Honors since early hours of Monday to pay tribute to the nationwide leader.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the national leader's family members and close friends also visited the Alley to pay tribute to him.
President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at national leader Heydar Aliyev's tomb.
President Ilham Aliyev and his family members also laid flowers at the graves of outstanding ophthalmologist Zarifa Aliyeva, prominent public figure Aziz Aliyev and famous doctor, scientist Tamerlan Aliyev.
Among those in attendance at the commemoration ceremony were Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, chairman of the Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov and Chief of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, as well as ministers, heads of state committees and companies, and MPs.
A magnificent flower festival has been arranged in one of the Azerbaijani capital`s central parks to mark the 87th anniversary of the world-renowned politician, national leader Heydar Aliyev, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
President Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva joined the festival arranged at the park in front of the Heydar Aliyev Palace.
The President was told that hundreds of Baku residents had been visiting the park since early hours of Monday to enjoy the show, which features millions of flowers brought from different parts of the world.
The President and his spouse toured the park. They visited a monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev here.
The President and the first lady posed for photographs in front of a big flower-made portrait of the national leader.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva have today attended a solemn ceremony at the Buta Palace to mark the 87th birthday anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and 6th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The meeting attended by state and government officials, foreign guests was addressed by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva who said Heydar Aliyev devoted whole his life to development of Azerbaijan.
According to her, Azerbaijan found its well-deserved place in the world community thanks to Heydar Aliyev`s activity.
"Azerbaijanis are proud that they have such an unforgettable leader and hero as Heydar Aliyev," said Mehriban Aliyeva.
She pointed out the Heydar Aliyev Foundation played an important role in developing education, health, culture in Azerbaijan and raising world community`s awareness about Azerbaijan.
The participants saw a video dedicated to the prominent statesman Heydar Aliyev.
Speaking at the event, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said Heydar Aliyev had served the people of Azerbaijan with dignity and dedication. People of Azerbaijan, according to the President, loved and trusted Heydar Aliyev very much. The Great Leader was always sensitive to problems of the country. Thanks to Heydar Aliyev`s activity, Azerbaijan shattered the "risky country" image to embark on large-scale projects, the Azerbaijani leader noted. "Independent Azerbaijan built by national leader is living, developing and opening up new opportunities for our people. Our country goes along the Heydar Aliyev path. National leader`s ideological principles were established in the country," he said.
The Head of State expressed assurance that Azerbaijan would continue to develop in the years to come. "We are loyal to our national leader," said President Ilham Aliyev, adding "Heydar Aliyev policy will live in Azerbaijan forever".
A film narrating on the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s activity was shown at the ceremony.
The "Gizil Chinar" (Gold Plane tree) award instituted in 2009 by the Foundation was presented to the winners.
President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva presented the "Gizil Chinar" international award to People`s Artist Arif Babayev for his active participation in and contribution to Foundation`s cultural projects.
Former head of UNESCO Office in Azerbaijan Mrs. Hanaa Singer was awarded for protecting children`s rights. "Gizil Chinar" award also went to people`s painter Tahir Salahov for his contribution to fine arts in the country.
The awarding ceremony was followed by a concert of the Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra.
World-known Spanish tenor and conductor José Plácido Domingo Embil sang at the concert and met President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Sheriff of Los Angeles County, U.S, Leroy Baca.
During the meeting the sides discussed prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and law enforcement agencies of Los Angeles County.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Tuesday Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
The Head of State congratulated Anatoly Serdyukov for the high-level organization of the military parade May 9.
The President described the participation of Azerbaijani officers in the parade as a symbol of friendly relations between the two countries.
Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, in turn, thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his appreciating the organization on May 9 Victory Day festivities.
The sides noted that bilateral relationship between the two countries was developing successfully in various spheres, including military one.
The importance of the current visit was stressed in terms of expansion of military cooperation.
The Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) held an event honoring the 87th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The academy's staff and graduate students, young diplomats, as well as staff of various ministries attending the short courses on international relations, took part in the event, the ADA reported.
Speaking at the event, ADA Rector and Deputy Foreign Minister Hafiz Pashayev named Heydar Aliyev number one diplomat, "and shared his memories of Aliyev's first visits to the U.S. in the difficult 90-ies of the last century. Pashayev spoke about how the Heydar Aliyev defended the national interests of the country, informed the Americans about the Karabakh problem and used his meeting with presidents Clinton and Bush to strengthen the independence of the country.
"Aliyev was a real master of world geopolitics. Not everyone could put Azerbaijan on the world map today as he was able to do it," he said.
Then students asked questions about the details of Heydar Aliyev's official visits to the U.S. and their significance in strengthening the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and the establishment of a truly independent foreign policy.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has watched the premier of Intizar opera in new staging at the Heydar Aliyev Palace.
The opera, by people`s artist Firangiz Alizade, was staged as part of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s international musical project.
The President was accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.
The opera`s libretto was written by artistic director of Uns theatre, member of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers, professor Nargiz Pashayeva.
The opera was produced by artistic director of Moscow`s Helikon-Opera, people`s artist of Russia Dmitry Bertman, while stage design by Hartmut Schorghofer and choreography by Edvald Smirnov.
The conductor of the opera is Vladimir Ponkin and choirmaster Gulbaji Imanova.
On May 11, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited the country`s Shirvan city where he met residents of Sabirabad flooded as a result of the rise of water level in the Kur River, and held an on-site meeting.
The President toured temporary camps here. The Head of State was told the evacuated people were provided with food, fresh water and other emergency supplies.
The President met the evacuated people and inquired after their problems.
The Sabirabad residents thanked the Head of State for visiting them and for his care and attention.
President Ilham Aliyev vowed the people affected by the flood would be given further help and all their problems would be solved.
"Eliminating the results of the natural disaster and solving everyday problems of those affected are the focus of my attention. I have already given necessary instructions and their fulfillment is kept under control."
The President viewed a medical station, where he was told necessary efforts were underway to control the epidemiological situation at the site.
The Head of State was told 176 temporary camps housed nearly 1500 residents of 9 towns in Sabirabad.
After touring the camps, the President held an on-site meeting.
Speaking to the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev praised the government`s preventive efforts, saying "if it was not for these measures the scale of the disaster could have been much greater and it could have been more devastating".
The Head of State said he gave instructions to relevant bodies to strengthen the onshore protection and speed up the work to build dams.
Speakers at the meeting - deputy prime minister Abid Sharifov, emergency situations minister Kamaladdin Heydarov, Chairman of Melioration and Water Industry company Ahmad Ahmadzade, interior minister Ramil Usubov, education minister Misir Mardanov, health minister Ogtay Shiraliyev, president of Azerenerji company Etibar Pirverdiyev and Sabirabad governor Heydar Abbasov - reported on the current situation in the affected areas.
In his closing remarks, President Ilham Aliyev said the water flow in the Kur River was above 1800-1900 cubic meters per second.
"But it was 2400 cubic meters per second when the water level was rising."
The President once again gave instructions to relevant officials to strengthen efforts towards eliminating the consequences of the disaster and solving problems of the people affected.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Tina Kaidanow.
During the meeting the current state and prospects of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. were discussed.
President of Serbia Boris Tadić has today visited the Alley of Honors to lay a wreath at the tomb of Azerbaijan`s national leader Heydar Aliyev.
The guest then visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. He laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.
A formal meeting has been held in Baku with President of Serbia Boris Tadić, who paid the official visit to Azerbaijan, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
A guard of honor was lined up on the square, decorated with the flags of two countries, in honor of the high guest.
The Brigade Commander of the Honor Guard gave a report to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Serbian President Boris Tadic.
National anthems of Azerbaijan and Serbia were performed.
The President of Serbia welcomed Azerbaijani soldiers.
Azerbaijani state and governmental officials were introduced to the President of Serbia, members of Serbian delegation - to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
A guard of honor marched near the presidents. The presidents took pictures.
Then "face-to-face" meeting was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Serbian President Boris Tadic.
During the meeting the sides noted the great potential for expansion of ties between countries in various spheres, including the economic sphere. The confidence in the further development of bilateral relations was stressed.
The importance of official visit of Serbian President Boris Tadic, in terms of enhancing ties between the two countries was emphasized during the meeting. Bilateral, regional and international issues were also discussed.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Serbian President Boris Tadic held discussions in an expanded format with participation of delegations of the two countries after the face-to-face meeting.
President of Serbia Boris Tadic has visited the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The Serbian leader was briefed about aims and activity of the Foundation.
Tadic familiarized with the items taken from national leader's personal archive and photographs.
President Tadic saw documents, keepsakes presented to national leader by world famous politicians, books dedicated to the great leader as well as photographs depicting Heydar Aliyev's meetings with leaders of foreign countries.
President Boris Tadic signed a Foundation's guest book.
A "mugham alemi" musical album was presented to the Serbian President by the Foundation.
A ceremony of signing the Azerbaijan-Serbia documents was held Thursday here.
Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Boris Tadic of Serbia signed a joint declaration of Presidents of the Republics of Azerbaijan and Serbia Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan and Vuk Yeremic of Serbia signed a protocol on cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of both countries.
Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan and Vuk Yeremic of Serbia signed an agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Serbia on elimination of visa requirements for persons holding diplomatic and service/official passports.
Azerbaijani Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov and Foreign Minister Vuk Yeremic of Serbia signed a convention between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Serbia on elimination of double taxation with respect to property and incomes.
Interior Minister of Azerbaijan Ramil Usubov and First Deputy Premier, Interior Minister of Serbia Ivica Dacic signed a cooperation agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Serbia on combat against criminality.
Azerbaijani Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev and Serbia`s Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy and Regional Development Mladan Dinkic signed an agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Serbia on trade and economic cooperation
After the face-to-face meeting in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Serbian President Boris Tadic held talks in an expanded format with participation of delegations, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
Addressing participants of the meeting, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that yesterday and today the parties had a good discussion about successfully developing bilateral relations. "I am confident that your visit to our country will be an important step towards further development of bilateral ties and expansion of relations, covering many areas. We have very strong political ties. I hope that our economic cooperation will also comply with this strategic direction. Relations with Serbia are important to us. I am confident that our strong bilateral relations will open good opportunities for cooperation between the Balkan and Caucasus regions. We will advance, " Ilham Aliyev said.
He said that Boris Tadic's visit became the first official visit of Serbian President to Azerbaijan in the history of relations between the two countries. "We appreciate it and express gratitude that you accepted our invitation. I am confident that the discussions that we held today and the signed documents will create a solid foundation for long-term strategic relationship between our two countries.
"Once again, welcome! I am confident that you will be satisfied with your visit to Azerbaijan", Azerbaijani President said.
Expressing gratitude for warm reception, Boris Tadic expressed hope that the parties will continue to develop relations as true friends in future. "I see many similarities between the two developing regions - the Balkans and the Caucasus. We face the same difficulties. We are very interested in the development of bilateral relations. At the same time, we exchange views on some challenges our countries face, and solving the problems. Being here - in Baku, in Azerbaijan, I have witnessed many similarities. At first, I must say that there are similarities that unite our countries and peoples. I think you will see them when you visit our country, " Serbian President said.
He said that two countries have common interests in protecting their territorial integrity. "We shared our views. Such issues have a fundamental nature for us. Serbia acts to maintain the territorial integrity of all countries in the world. From this point of view, you can rely on us," Boris Tadic said.
Serbian President Boris Tadic's official visit to Azerbaijan completed on May 13.
The Serbian President was seen off from Heydar Aliyev International Airport by the First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov and other officials of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva has met Georgia's first lady Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Mrs. Aliyeva said: "Our meetings have already become a tradition. Each meeting between us marks the start of a new project."
The Azerbaijani first lady praised joint educational and health projects realized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Georgian SOCO Foundation, which is headed by the Georgian first lady.
Roelofs informed the Azerbaijani first lady of the activities of the Rare Disease Alliance, a branch of the SOCO Foundation, which provides help to children with blood cancer.
Roelofs said she leads a delegation involving experts of the Rare Disease Alliance, who will conduct an exchange of experience with their Azeri counterparts.
In addition, Azerbaijan's first lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva has today hosted an official dinner in honor of first lady of Georgia Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs.
On May 14, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP, has met with Mr. Steven Allen, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe/CIS, who is visiting Azerbaijan, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Having welcomed the guest, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva said that closer relations and fruitful cooperation have been established between Azerbaijan and UNICEF over the last years.
The First Lady emphasized that much work have been done in Azerbaijan towards the protection of the rights of women and children. Mehriban Aliyeva also stressed the importance of Azerbaijan`s partnership with such organizations as UNICEF in this field.
Stable business ties have been established between Heydar Aliyev Foundation and UNICEF, and these ties often lead to the successful realization of joint projects, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized.
Mr. Steven Allen said during his visit to Baku he would like to get better acquainted with the activity of Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Czech delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Kohout today.
The Head of State said bilateral relations between the two countries are developing successfully in various spheres.
President Ilham Aliyev noted European Union-Azerbaijan relationship and "our regional cooperation" are issues of mutual interest for the two countries.
The President expressed hope that Jan Kohout`s visit to Azerbaijan would contribute to expanding relationship between the two countries even more.
The Azerbaijani leader stressed the importance of opening of Czech Republic`s embassy in Baku and described it as an important element of bilateral ties.
Jan Kohout, in turn, said this visit creates good opportunity to discuss issues regarding bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Czechia.
Kohout pointed out that relations with Azerbaijan are of strategic charcater for Czechia. He also underscored the role of the Azerbaijan President`s visit to the Czech Republic in 2009 for strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Jordanian King Abdullah II has today arrived in Azerbaijan for an official visit.
A guard of honor was lined up for the Jordanian King at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport decorated with the national flags of Azerbaijan and Jordan.
The King was welcomed by Azerbaijani Deputy Premier Yagub Eyyubov and other officials.
Visiting King Abdullah II of Jordan has been given an official welcome here on Sunday, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
A ceremonial guard of honor was lined up at the square decorated with the national flags of both countries.
The King was welcomed here by Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev.
The two leaders inspected the guard of honor. National anthems of Azerbaijan and Jordan were performed.
Azerbaijani officials were introduced to King Abdullah II of Jordan, while members of the Jordan delegation to President Ilham Aliyev.
Both leaders then posed for photographs.
Following an official welcome ceremony, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met one-on-one with King Abdullah II of Jordan on Sunday.
Successful development of Azerbaijan-Jordan relations in a variety of fields was underlined at the meeting. The sides noted this visit would contribute to expansion of relationship even more.
The King of Jordan and President of Azerbaijan shared their views on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Following a one-on-one meeting, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and King Abdullah II of Jordan held talks in the presence of both countries` delegations.
Following a meeting in presence of delegations, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and King Abdullah II of Jordan made statements for the media outlets.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today hosted an official lunch in honor of King Abdullah II of Jordan on Sunday, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
Following a one-on-one meeting, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and King Abdullah II of Jordan held talks Sunday in the presence of both countries` delegations.
Speaking to the meeting participants President Ilham Aliyev stated he was satisfied how relations between the two countries are developing. "These relations between our countries are fraternal indeed. I am sure that your visit to our country will play a special role in future development of bilateral relations. We attach special importance to bilateral relations. We have good political contacts and our reciprocal visits take place frequently. I believe we will witness good progress in all spheres. We have discussed all issues regarding bilateral relations and our positions coincide. At the same time, we also discussed such issues as regional development and cooperation. I am sure that members of our delegations will spend their time effectively to outline what to do in order to develop bilateral relations. We are very grateful for your supporting us within international organizations. It is very important to us. We are hopeful that our friendship, fraternal relations, which are important for both us and region, will be continued."
In his turn the King of Jordan sated voiced his gratitude to the Azerbaijani presdent for invitation to visit Azerbaijan together with the delegation. You also noted our bilateral ties are very strong at all levels. I hope this visit will provide an opportunity to do a follow-up on the results of previous discussions. I once more note that exchange of information, contacts between our countries are a perfect example. We are thankful to You for your leading this work as well as for your instructions to the government of Azerbaijan to coordinate activities with the Jordan side.
We also do a coordinating work in Jordan. We know we have to do much down the road. We have many things in common. I think we have to use it. The most important thing is that along with ties between our states, regional relations are of great importance as well. In this regard, you and your country are very important for Jordan. As to difficulties you faced, we have always been on your side. Mr. President, I heard personally from you that you have the same attitude to Jordan. We are confident of ties established between colleagues from both sides. I have the honor to be here in Baku. I hope our relations will be continued at not only level of states but also personal contacts."
President Ilham Aliyev has signed an Executive Order on celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Economic University.
Under the presidential order, the ministry of education must draw up a plan of action to organize state-level celebrative events.
The President instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to deal with the issues arising from the order.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an Executive Order to mark the 150th jubilee of the famous Azerbaijani mugham singer Jabbar Garyagdi oglu.
Jabbar Garyagdi oglu, as a virtuous migham singer has played significant role in development of national musical culture of Azerbaijan, the Order stresses. Thanks to his exalted talent, he worthily continued rich traditions of the mugham school of Azerbaijan, created bright example of the classic performance for the modern generation.
Relevant executive bodies are tasked to prepare and implement a plan of actions on the jubilee of outstanding Azeri mugham singer.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter of condolence to Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev over a loss of life in blasts at the Raspadskaya mine.
"The news of a considerable loss of life and damages caused by the blasts at the mine was a source of great sorrow to me. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I offer sincere condolences and sympathies to you, families and relatives of the dead and the whole people of Russia, and also wish the injured speedy recovery," the President said in his message.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Libyan revolution leader, head of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Muammar al-Gaddafi, with the plane crash at the international airport of Tripoli, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
"I was extremely saddened by many casualties in the crash at the international airport of Tripoli. I express my sincere condolences to families, friends of the victims and entire Libyan people, the message said.
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 12 sent a letter of congratulation to David Cameron on his appointment as UK Prime Minister.
The letter says: "The present level of UK-Azerbaijan relations is satisfactory. Friendly ties and cooperation between our countries on bilateral and multilateral basis is characterized by its dynamics of development. Our joint activity for implementation of transnational projects concerning development of oil and gas fields in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, production and transportation of energy resources to the world markets is a huge contribution to the global energy security. I am confident our interstate relations, friendship and cooperation will continue to develop and expand in line with interests of our people".
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in connection with the passenger plane crash at the airport in Tripoli, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"The news of a human loss as a result of a plane crash at Tripoli airport has been a source of great sorrow to me. I offer sincere condolences to you and families and relatives of the dead," the letter says.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the King of Norway Harald V and Norwegian people with national holiday - Constitution Day, AzerTaj state news agency reported.
The president expressed confidence that the relations between Azerbaijan and Norway will continue to develop and strengthen the well-being of peoples.
Ilham Aliyev wished the king health, success in activity, and friendly Norwegian people - peace and prosperity.
Parliament
Azerbaijan and Turkey must sign an agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani MP Zahid Oruj said.
The new agreement will not be a repetition of the Treaty of Kars. But the need for such a document is that Turkey, in fact, is already playing an active role in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, MP said at the regular plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament.
"If Armenia and Russia signed various agreements, including military cooperation, then Azerbaijan has the full right to establish appropriate relations with Turkey," Oruj said.
He said that such a document can be signed during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's upcoming visit to Azerbaijan May 13-16.
This agreement will allow acting not only on the basis of the spiritual and political fraternity, but on a legal basis.
The Azerbaijani parliament gave permission to rename the Azizbayov district.
"Based on the parliament's decision, the Azizbayov district will be renamed 'Khazar,'" Parliamentary Regional Affairs Committee head Arif Rahimzade said today.
According to Rahimzade, a project to rename the district was discussed at the Parliamentary Toponym Commission meeting April 26.
"The district's executive power head appealed to the committee on behalf of residents to rename the district to Khazar. The Toponyms Commission carefully examined the proposal and considers it appropriate to change the name of the district," Rahimzade said.
He added that the committee meeting April 27 approved the appeal.
The committee has also adopted a project to rename the Yenikend village in the Salyan region "Ashaghi Khalaj."
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visits the regions damaged by the flood of Kura river, and gives the appropriate orders to liquidate consequences of disaster, Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Oktay Asadov said at a meeting.
Asadov said that all structures, involved in the liquidation of the consequences, work around the clock without break.
Floods in 40 Azerbaijani regions have been recently registered. About 20,000 houses were flooded, more than 300 destroyed, 2,000 were in emergency condition, 50,000 hectares of cultivated land were under water as a result of the disaster.
Water level decreased in Kura river up to one meter in some areas, Minister for Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov told media.
"We have already overcome the critical situation. Operations, to restore the dams to be completed within two or three days, are being conducted," he said.
Necessary work is being conducted to ensure normal living conditions of the evacuated population, Heydarov said.
The Azerbaijani Parliament proposed opening special accounts to assist the population affected by the flood in the Kur River.
"It needs to open an account to assist the populations affected by the natural disaster, and I am ready to transfer 500 manat to it," said MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev at the parliamentary session.
Hasanguliyev called on MPs to support this proposal. MP Iqbal Aghazadeh invited colleagues to transfer 15-day salary to the account.
"I think that MPs should visit the region affected by the disaster. The current situation should be studied on the scene. A relevant report must be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers after the completion of the work to eliminate consequences of the disaster," said Aghazadeh.
The Azerbaijani Parliament has made amendments and additions to the laws "Identity card of Azerbaijan" and "Confirmation of sample of Azerbaijani citizen's identity card".
"According to these changes, the ID card will have the validity period," the Committee on Legal Policy and State Building chairman Ali Huseynov said.
He said that the identity card of a citizen under 16 has the series and the card number, name and surname of the citizen, the names of his parents, time and place of his birth, gender, blood type, location, name of the organization issuing the identity card, date of issue and expiry identity; the identity card of a citizen older 16 years - marital status and military rank, height, eye color, as well as the signature of the owner and photo.
The Azerbaijani Parliament in the third reading adopted the bill on Azerbaijan's participation in peacekeeping operations.
"This law determines the principles, forms and rules for Azerbaijan's participation in peacekeeping operations on prevention, regulation and solution of local and regional conflicts," member of the parliamentary committee on security and defence MP Siyavush Novruzov said on May 11.
According to him, the provisions of this law shall be introduced regardless of Azerbaijan's participation in peacekeeping operations to address local and regional conflicts on its territory, including its participation in operations outside its territory, said Novruzov.
"Azerbaijan may participate in peacekeeping operations by not sending its armed forces, military and civilian personnel, by sending food, medicine, communication and transport means, including humanitarian assistance and other logistical resources," said the committee member.
The opinion that municipalities will not justify themselves after they unite is baseless, the Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament chairman said.
"I have not heard any complaints about the difficulties that occur after municipalities unite," the Azerbaijani Parliament committee on regional issues chairman, Arif Rahimzade, told Trend.
He said that it is difficult to draw conclusions, because municipalities have lately united.
"In my opinion, there must not be any problems in municipalities' activity. On the contrary, the territory and the financial potential of municipalities have been increased", he said.
Rahimzade said that he does not support the spread of rumors about this.
The Azerbaijani Parliament adopted a law on unification of some municipalities in May 2009 - 1,039 of 2757 municipalities were consolidated. Today, there are 1,718 municipalities.
Municipal Institute was established in Azerbaijan in 1999.
Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov will pay an official visit to Turkey in late May, a diplomatic source told Trend today.
During the visit, Asadov is expected to meet with his Turkish Counterpart, President and Prime Minister.
Parliamentary Spokesman Akif Tavakkuloglu has approved the information.
"Asadov is likely to pay an official visit to Turkey in late May," Tavakkuloglu said.
Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament met with the President of Serbia.
"Achieving this high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia was made possible due to the exclusive services of heads of our countries," The Chairman of the Parliament Oktay Asadov said at the meeting with the President of Serbia.
The meeting focused on the history of relations between the two countries, was noted the development of relations at a new level, which was appreciated.
Speaking about the cooperation between the parliaments, Serbian President Boris Tadic particularly appreciated the activities of friendship groups and wished the Azerbaijani Parliament success in its future activities.
Political parties
Chairman of the Party, supporting the political course of Azerbaijani authorities, thinks it is senseless to nominate candidates without consultation on this issue with the ruling party.
"Despite the nomination of our candidates in the 2005 elections, we could not get any seats. Taking this into account, this time we will not nominate many candidates," Wahdat (Unity) party chairman, Tahir Kerimli, told Trend.
The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn this year. In Azerbaijan, the parliamentary elections are held by the majority system in 125 electoral districts.
Kerimli said that according to the decision of the political council of the party, it will participate in the elections independently.
"Without consultations with the ruling party, we will not define our candidates. I believe that this process will begin in the nearest future," the party chairman said.
Kerimli said that he has not decided yet on the nomination of his own candidacy.
Azerbaijani ruling party has started the preparation for parliamentary elections. The party held zonal meeting in Ganja today.
"Today Ganja hosts workshop-meetings of city and regional organizations of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP). The workshop-meetings will last two days. The purpose of these activities in Ganja is to hold inner-meeting and to start preparation of the party for the forthcoming parliamentary elections," deputy chairman and executive secretary of ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), MP Ali Ahmedov said today.
Traditionally, NAP starts preparation works much earlier, Ahmedov said.
Another goal of the event held in Ganja is demonstrating the success of the policy pursued under Ilham Aliyev's leadership as Ganja's example. "We will use this as a visual aids in our propagandistic work during the parliamentary elections", Ahmedov said.
Elections
The Azerbaijani Electoral Code is not expected to be amended, Azerbaijani Parliamentary Office head Safa Mirzayev said.
"Not much time is left before the parliamentary elections. Pre-election campaigns will soon start," Mirzayev told Trend.
"The Azerbaijani government has introduced up to 90 percent of the OSCE and Venice Commission recommendations for the Electoral Code," Legislation and Legal Expertise Department head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Shahin Aliyev said earlier.
The OSCE and the Council of Europe Venice Commission submitted recommendations on the formation of electoral commissions on a parity basis, and the settlement of mechanisms for making complaints and appeals in connection with the violation of voting rights and other issues.
Additions and changes have been made to the Election Code 10 times since its adoption in 2003.
No discussions concerning the amendments are expected to be held with the commission, he added.
"Changes to the electoral laws may be made in connection with certain procedural issues," Mirzayev said. "For example, on complaint issues."
The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) will clarify voter lists as part of the forthcoming parliamentary elections, CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov said.
The CEC plans to submit a new revised voters list by late May, Panahov said.
Panahov said the commission is holding educational activities as preparations for the elections. The CEC is also ending its monitoring in the constituencies.
"The monitoring was conducted at a high level. We believe that all districts are ready to advance to the electoral process," he said.
Regarding the date of the parliamentary elections, Panahov noted that no official statement on the matter was made.
"I think that the elections will be held within the constitutional deadlines," Panahov said.
He also noted that in the near future the CEC will move to a new building to create conditions for holding elections at an even higher level.
Foreign policy
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has welcomed the issuance of the mandate to the European Commission to hold talks on concluding bilateral association agreements between the EU and the countries of South Caucasus, the EU's statement said.
The Council of Foreign Ministers of 27 EU countries approved the negotiating framework, by giving the European Commission a mandate to hold talks to conclude bilateral association agreements between the EU and Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.
"In this context, Association Agreements are an important instrument to upgrade our relations beyond existing commitments with a view of political association and gradual economic integration with the EU," she said.
She said the Eastern Partnership, launched at the Prague Summit May 7, 2009, provided an ambitious framework for taking the relationship with the countries of the South Caucasus to a new level.
"The negotiation process will be guided by the principles of inclusiveness and differentiation, as well as joint ownership," the High Representative said.
The association agreements, not envisaging an opportunity of membership to the EU, will replace existing bilateral agreements on partnership and cooperation.
"Successful implementation of the Eastern Partnership with the active engagement of the partner countries both in its multilateral and bilateral track will strengthen relations on the basis of shared values and will help advancing political and economic reforms, consolidate governance and foster regional stability, prosperity and confidence building," she said.
Azerbaijani Culture Center will be opened in Belgrade. It was decided on the initiative of Azerbaijan's Embassy in Serbia and the Serbian Government, as well as with support of this country's Ministry of Culture, Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgrade told Trend today.
The activity of the Culture Center of Azerbaijan is aimed at establishing a bridge between Azerbaijan, rich in ancient history, and the Serbian people, to acquaint it with the cultural heritage, history and folklore of the Azerbaijani people, as well as to expand cultural relations between the two countries.
Establishment of the Centre will serve to increase the level of cultural cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Serbian people, establishment of close contacts of intellectuals, representatives of culture of the two countries, realizing mutual visits and translation of works of Azerbaijani and Serbian writers, the Embassy said.
The Azerbaijani Consulate General hosted a congratulatory ceremony on behalf of the leadership of Los Angeles County. Local officials presented a letter of commendation to Azerbaijani Consul Elin Suleymanov. They also noted former Azerbaijani President and national leader Heydar Aliyev's contribution to establishing an independent Azerbaijan.
The consulate also received congratulations from Orange County officials.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will take part in the 37-th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), to be held in Dushanbe May 18-20, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend.
The decision to hold the 37-th Session of the OIC Foreign Ministers in Dushanbe was adopted at the 36-th session of the Council in Damascus (Syria) in May 2009.
It is planned to discuss political, economic issues and the fight against international terrorism during the session, to be held in Tajikistan.
The Organization of Islamic Conference was established in September 1969 at a conference of the presidents and governments of Muslim countries in Rabat (Morocco). A member of the OIC can be any state, claiming about its belonging to the Islamic world. The current members of the OIC are 57 countries. There is also an observer status in OIC.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has received a delegation of the Swiss Parliament, headed by Switzerland-Azerbaijan friendship group of the Swiss parliament head Christine Egerszegi-Obrist, the message said.
At the meeting, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister informed the guests about the situation around the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the ongoing processes in the region, an energy policy of the country, the economic development of Azerbaijan.
The European Commission published on 12 May 2010 the so-called neighbourhood package, consisting of an overall assessment of five years of implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), 12 country reports on developments in 2009, including one on Azerbaijan, he EU ambassador to Azerbaijan Roland Kobia said to press conference in Baku.
According to ambassador, the report states that in 2009 Azerbaijan made some progress in the implementation of the ENP Action Plan, notably in areas related to economic and social governance.
The report says that Azerbaijan fared comparatively well during the year despite the global financial crisis, which allowed the government to increase social spending and capital investment. "Progress was also made in the aviation through the signature of the horizontal air services agreement and fight against money laundering. However, only limited progress was made as regards the accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). There was no substantial progress with respect to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2010 further efforts are needed in the field of political dialogue and reforms, including justice sector and the strengthening of the rule of law," the ambassador said. The report says that proper implementation of the adopted legislation in all areas, continued efforts to fight corruption, notably by enforcing the relevant legislation, would be of key importance.
Also, the European Commission considers it necessary to continue the positive trend in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and CIS Steven Allen today, the ministry reported.
Steven Allen, expressing satisfaction with his first visit to the country, highly appreciated the current state of relations between Azerbaijan and UNICEF, work on rehabilitation and integration into society of children from refugee families.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister noted the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and UNICEF, reported on the contribution of these relations in the development policy of the Azerbaijani government in the social sphere.
The issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Tina Kaidanow, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, the Foreign Ministry said.
During the meeting bilateral, regional and global issues were discussed.
The OSCE Minsk Group meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is scheduled for June, said in the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs - Ambassador Bernard Fassier of France, Ambassador Robert Bradtke of the United States, Ambassador Igor Popov of the Russian Federation- met Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian May 12 in Brussels. Then meeting discussed the current stage of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and convergence of positions on the updated Madrid principles.
New spheres of cooperation were identified between Georgia and Azerbaijan, the First Lady of Georgia Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs said in Baku.
"At a meeting with the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva we discussed some important questions relating to Azerbaijan and Georgia. For all of us, the territorial integrity is the most sensitive issue. The meeting identified new spheres of cooperation," Sandra Elizabeth Roelofs said at a meeting with the working group on the Azerbaijan-Georgian inter-parliamentary relations.
GUAM Secretariat in Kiev under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan held the fourth meeting of the working sub-group on combat terrorism May 12.
Both sides exchanged information on the operational situation, results of tasks fulfilled by law enforcement agencies of the GUAM member-states to combat terrorism and change the national legislation in this sphere, the Secretariat said.
An important result of the meeting was coordination of proposals to organize and conduct workshops on warning and combat terrorism jointly with GUAM, the OSCE department for combating terrorism, the Department for Terrorism Prevention of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
The sub-group received a report from coordinator-country about the working sub-group's activity in 2009. It developed preliminary proposals for the structure of the relevant section of the 'GUAM Information Bulletin'. It considered issues of regional cooperation of GUAM Member-States to combat terrorism, including the development of legal framework and cooperation of GUAM with other states and international organizations.
Azerbaijan could only welcome Turkey's co-chairmanship in the OSCE Minsk Group, deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov told reporters.
"The Institute of co-chairs is not permanent. At first, the co-chair of the Minsk Group was only one state. From 1994 to 1996 there were two, and since 1997 co-chairmanship has been continuing in the format of three countries, Azimov said. If the format has expanded to the co-chairs of the three countries, then it can take the format of four countries".
"To do this, first of all, Turkey must officially express its desire and conduct discussions on this issue with other co-chairs of the Minsk Group," said Azimov.
According to him, Turkey's co-chairmanship is possible only due to a consensus on this issue.
the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan has been officially opened. It actually functioned from the autumn of last year. The first Czech ambassador to Azerbaijan Radek Matula, as well as Deputy Prime-Minister, Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Jan Kohout, being on a visit to Baku attended the ceremony.
Kohout, highly appreciating the level of cooperation between countries, congratulated with the opening of the embassy in Baku and wished success in the work.
"I am really glad that we managed to open the embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan. It is not easy to open the embassy during economic crisis, especially given the fact that the current difficulties with the budget forced us to close several diplomatic missions," Kohout told Trend in an interview earlier.
In an interview minister expressed his confidence that this action will accelerate the development of further cooperation between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan in various spheres. Besides politics and economy, it contributes to the development of relations in the spheres of education, tourism and cultural ties.
Czech Republic considers Azerbaijan as one of the most important strategic partners, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Kohout said today in Baku. According to him, opening of the Czech Embassy in Azerbaijan despite the economic problems in the country proves it.
Czech Republic and Azerbaijan are successfully cooperating in many spheres, especially in the energy sector, Kohout said at a press conference after talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov.
"At present, 25 percent of oil used by Czech Republic is purchased from Azerbaijan," the minister said.
According to Kohout, besides, Czech Republic also interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan in such fields as infrastructure construction, tourism, in the sphere of water purification, as well as science and education.
An agreement on air transport between Baku and Prague was signed in Baku as a result of talks between the two ministers.
Regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Kohout said that the Czech Republic is interested in assistance to the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and is ready to support negotiations between the sides.
"We always refer to the norms and principles of international law and the Madrid document reflects the principles of territorial integrity of countries," Kohout added.
Cooperation of Azerbaijani and Russian political analysts is essential for the development of relations between the two countries, Russia's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin said at the opening of the conference "Role of Azerbaijan and Russia in the Middle East".
The Roundtable was opened in Baku with participation of head of the Strategic Research Center under the Azerbaijani President Elkhan Nuriyev and director of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, Leonid Reshetnikov.
The conference was a continuation of the Round Table, held in October 2009 in Moscow between the Azerbaijani center and Russian Institute.
Dorokhin said that discussions between the parties affect the cooperation in all areas - financial, economic, military and political. Meetings of the Azerbaijani political analysts are beyond the scientific discussions and contribute to the development of relations of two independent countries creating their policies themselves, Russian diplomat said. The theoretical and analytical discussions between the parties facilitate to better understand each other, Dorokhin said.
"Exchange of views and discussions during the roundtable will help to better understand all aspects of the international activity of our countries, and, above all, international politics of Russia. Our interests in the region [the Middle East] are clear and understandable. There are no secrecy and double standards," Dorokhin said.
Nuriyev said that Russia and Azerbaijan can demonstrate an example of mutually beneficial partnership.
The growing role of Azerbaijan in South Caucasus can affect the processes occurring in the Middle East, including cooperation with Russia, which is one of the main figures not only the Caucasus but also throughout the Middle East.
"Such cooperation will lead to stability not only in the Caucasus-Caspian region, but throughout the Middle East," Nuriyev said.
The success of further development and intensification of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia depends on intensifying and broadening dialogue and economic cooperation.
"Today Russia, as a major power, understands and supports balanced policy of Azerbaijan, carried out by President Ilham Aliyev," the center head said.
Close friendly relations between Jordan's King Abdullah II and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have been reflected in further strengthening ties between the two brotherly countries, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Azerbaijan Adil Mohammed Adayla said in an interview with Trend prior to the visit of country's head to Azerbaijan.
"It is possible to say much about the relations between Azerbaijan and Jordan. The relationship between the two countries is exemplary both in politics, culture, and in the economy and other sectors," said ambassador.
According to the ambassador, both Jordan and Azerbaijan have great potential, and the official structures of both countries - the Ministry of Economic Development and Industry of Jordan, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jordan and the Jordanian Embassy in Azerbaijan make every possible effort to increase economic ties, strengthen activities of business people and private sector in both countries.
"Today about 30 official documents have been signed between Jordan and Azerbaijan. Over the past two years, work has begun on the implementation of signed agreements and the development of relations between the two countries," said the ambassador.
Jordan and Azerbaijan established a joint committee in Amman last year, and Baku will host the second meeting of the committee in the second half of this year, said Adayla.
"I would like to note that the existing cultural relations between the two countries are also at a high level. The two countries have signed documents on joint activities in the field of culture and its development," he said.
Azerbaijan will be represented at the informal meeting of foreign ministers of the Eastern Partnership member countries, to be held may 24 in the Polish city of Sopot.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov plans to take place at the meeting, dedicated implementation of the Eastern Partnership program of the EU, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend today.
Sopot will host an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the EU and foreign ministers of the initiative's participant countries.
The "Eastern Partnership" program initiated by the EU in May 2009, envisages intensifying cooperation between the EU and the eastern neighbours.
The program, for implementation 600 million euros were allocated, includes Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Moldova.
According to the initial ideas of the authors, the "Eastern Partnership", initiated by Poland with support of Sweden should bring nearer the program's member countries to integration with the EU.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan held a signing ceremony of two agreements between Azerbaijan and Jordan, Foreign Ministry's press-service told Trend.
Memorandum of Understanding on international cooperation between Azerbaijan and Jordan was signed by the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Jordan Elmar Mammadyarov and Nasser Judeh.
Agreement on cooperation in the field of youth work between the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and the Higher Council for Youth of Jordan was signed by the Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov and Jordan's Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Jordan Elman Arasli and Charge d'affaires of Jordan in Azerbaijan Adel Adelay.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a serious threat for security in both the region and Europe, speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament said.
"The occupation of our lands by Armenia poses a serious obstacle in the development of Azerbaijan", speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Oktay Asadov said at a meeting with a group headed by Azerbaijan-Switzerland friendship group head of the Swiss Parliament Christine Egerszegi-Obrist.
Asadov said that the German Bundestag and the Parliament of Italy confirmed that Armenia is an aggressor.
"At the moment, the British Parliament, is preparing a similar document. We thank Switzerland for its support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in resolving of the conflict. I would like the Swiss parliament to adopt a document too," speaker said.
He said that friendly relations between Switzerland and Azerbaijan are constantly developing and the leaders of both countries play an important role in it. "The negotiations conducted by the presidents and chairmen of the parliaments, the agreements concluded between the two countries give results. We hope that your current visit will also give impetus to the development of relations between our countries," Asadov said.
Christine Egerszegi-Obrist said that Switzerland is concerned over stalling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
"This conflict is a threat to security not only in the region, but also in Europe. The problem must be resolved fairly and as quickly as possible", she said.
Russia and Turkey are interested in strengthening stability in the Caucasus region and in resolving of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, President Dmitry Medvedev said today at a press conference in Ankara, "Russia-24" television channel reported.
"We, I mean RF, will advance this issue and use all opportunities, Russia's prestige and influence to resolve this conflict," Medvedev said.
According to him, Russia will consult on these issues with the Turkish partners.
"Recently, encouraging steps have been made on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the sides meet, communicate, there is progress on a number of moments regarding with the settlement," Medvedev said.
According to him, it doesn't mean that today agreement on all issues has been reached, consultations are continuing. "I have repeatedly offered mediation to presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan, and I hope it will continue, including on those moments that require clarification of positions," the president said.
According to Medvedev, other members of the OSCE Minsk Group should contribute, and Russia counts on their support. However, above all, all issues should be discussed between the sides of the conflict - Armenia and Azerbaijan, the president said.
Medvedev said that recently, the sides made a major step forward, but the main thing - not to stop on achieved. "I wouldn't like to comment on some moments on number of regions and other aspects of the settlement, because scrupulous should be made on such issues to avoid unnecessary detonation, so far Russia has a special mission. We as an active mediator will continue to work, and soon Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia's foreign ministers will hold a meeting," Medvedev said.
May 11, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops in nameless heights in the Tovuz region from positions in the nameless heights in the Berd region and from positions in the Mosesgerkh village at 13:40-13:55 and 17:00-17:15, as well as from positions near the Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region at 10:55-11:05, from positions near the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 14:50-15:20, from positions near the Mehdili village in the Jabrayil region at 16:00-16:15, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
If the OSCE Minsk Group continues to act in a successful direction for solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, then Turkey also may consider participation in this negotiation process, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a joint press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Ankara, Russia 24 television channel reported.
"Our task now is to push Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a certain point, which can be considered as the beginning of a peaceful settlement of the conflict. We, from our part, will do our best to contribute to continuation of this process," Erdogan said.
May 12, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions outside the Tapgaragoyunlu village in the Goranboy region at 12.20- 12.30 30, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The next monitoring on the contact line between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia took place without incidents.
According to the mandate of the OSCE Personal Representative, monitoring was conducted on the contact line between Armenian-Azerbaijani troops west of the village Giziloba located in Terter region of Azerbaijan May 13, the Ministry of Defence told Trend.
The Russian and Turkish presidents meeting held in Ankara May 12, can serve as an impetus to the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Adviser on Eurasia Geybulla Ramazanoglu belives.
"All subsequent negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which will be held after the Russian and Turkish presidents meeting, should be successful," Ramazanoglu told Trend over the telephone.
"The sides, who claim on an interest in settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including members of the Minsk Group, in reality do not always support Azerbaijan, and now Turkey has a real chance to lobby for Azerbaijan," Ramazanoglu said.
If the OSCE Minsk Group continues to act in a successful direction for solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, then Turkey also may consider participation in this negotiation process, Erdogan said in a joint press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Ankara.
"Our task now is to push Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a certain point, which can be considered as the beginning of a peaceful settlement of the conflict. We, from our part, will do our best to contribute to continuation of this process," Erdogan said.
However, Ramazanoglu said, Turkey is unlikely to be the fourth co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.
"The fact that Turkey can become a co-chair of the OSCE - insignificant words, as Armenia would never give its consent," he said.
However, even if Turkey's intervention in this matter does not guarantee a solution to the conflict, it can protect Azerbaijan's interests, Ramazanoglu noted.
May 14, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from areas and positions near the Giziloba village in the Goranboy region at 01.40-01.55, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov negatively assesses the fact that so far Armenia has not expressed any position on the updated Madrid principles offered to the sides by the OSCE Minsk Group in January.
"This document is the result of the group's work with the sides of the conflict," Mammadyarov said to journalists at a press conference in Baku.
According to Mammadyarov, unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan accepts the document and is ready to continue to work toward a long-term peace agreement based on the principles.
"Unfortunately, it is already May, and Armenia has not yet expressed its position on the updated document," the minister said.
Recently, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairmen in Brussels.
"I think that the results of this meeting will be voiced by the co-chairs during the upcoming talks in Venice," Mammadyarov added.
May 14, the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani troops from positions near the Ashagi Abdulrahmanli and Gorgan villages at 10.45-11.00, from positions near the Yusifjanli village in the Agdam region at 17.00-17.05, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported.
The Azerbaijani troops answered their fire. No causalities were reported.
The elections, conducted by the separatist regime, can not have official status, the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration socio-political department head, Ali Hasanov, told media, ATV channel reported.
May 23 separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh will hold the "parliamentary elections".
"The status of Nagorno-Karabakh has not been resolved yet. Azerbaijanis internally displaced from these areas have not returned to their lands. The elections held there can not be officially recognized. Their aim is to create problems for the Azerbaijani state within the policy of separatist regime and hamper the return of Azerbaijani population to these lands, " Hasanov said.
On Friday, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed its official protest about holding of the "parliamentary elections" in Nagorno-Karabakh.
