Council of Europe head, Azeri leader discuss Karabakh

ANS TV, Baku
8 Apr 04

[Presenter] The Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict and the problem of
refugees were the main topics discussed by Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer today.

[Correspondent] At the meeting with Council of Europe
Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer, President Ilham Aliyev said that
since the country became a member of this organization, a number of
reforms had been conducted, laws had been adopted and also major work
had been done in the human rights sphere. The head of state said that
the Nagornyy Karabakh problem would be discussed at the organization’s
political council.

[Aliyev] We hope that when this issue is discussed at the plenary
session, the issue will be given an objective political assessment.

[Correspondent] Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer
explained the reasons for his visit to Azerbaijan, which were to learn
how the country’s commitments were being fulfilled and also to discuss
issues concerning the frozen conflict.

[Schwimmer, in English with Azeri voice-over] I met refugees
today. After the meeting with them, I understood that the Karabakh
problem was not a frozen conflict for them.

[Correspondent] Schwimmer promised that the Council of Europe would
help refugees and called on the sides to begin a dialogue.

Afat Telmanqizi and Ali Ahmadov, ANS.