DISCUSSION OF UPPER GARABAGH REPORT MIGHT BE DELAYED

AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
May 13, 2004

An Azerbaijani member of the CE Parliamentary Assembly, MP Bakhtiyar
Aliyev was quoted as saying on Thursday that the Azerbaijani
representatives have recently met with nominees for the CE secretary
General position to become familiar with their program of activity.
“Along with our adherence to European principles, we will consider
Azerbaijan’s national interests”, he said. If the CE PA rapporteur on
Upper Garabagh Terry Davis is elected the CE Secretary General, the
discussions concerning the Upper Garabagh conflict may be postponed.
Aliyev explained the delaying discussion with the fact that CE has
recognized Armenian as an aggressor state and added that the Armenian
lobby aspires to put off such a discussion.

The appointment of the new CE Secretary General is expected in June.