Azeri leader inaugurates international airport on a visit to exclave

Media-Press news agency
12 May 04

Baku, 12 May: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in the
Naxcivan Autonomous Republic today ahead of a three-day visit. He
has studied the social and economic development of the autonomy which
marked its 80th anniversary this year.

Shortly after arrival in Naxcivan, Ilham Aliyev attended the opening
ceremony of the international airport which will significantly
expand the autonomous republic’s communication opportunities. Due
to the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagornyy Karabakh,
Naxcivan has been in blockade since 1990.

The president will also attend the opening of a number of social
facilities, including a new school and a swimming pool.

On 13 May the head of state will hold a meeting with the leadership
of the autonomy.