Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 21 2004

PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP MEETS FOREIGN MINISTER OF
AZERBAIJAN
[May 21, 2004, 20:17:10]

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met the
delegation of the International Crisis Group (ICG) led by Gareth Evans,
May 20.

Mr. Evans noted that latest developments in the Caucasus are in
the spotlight of the organization. He also praised the intensive
development of the Azerbaijani economy, energy sector.

Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stressed the interest of
Azerbaijan in cooperating with the International Crisis Group and
participation of the country in some big economic projects including
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, and Baku-Novorossiysk
projects.

Touching upon ties of Azerbaijan with international economic
organizations, Mr. Mammadyarov said that Azerbaijan closely
cooperates with them. Minister noted that globalization in the world
after 11 September 2001 events strengthened links among countries
towards security. According to him, As Azerbaijan is situated in a
strategically pivotal region the resolution of all the conflicts in
line with international norms and principles is very important.

Minister updated the guest on the plight of refugees and IDPs forced
to leave their native lands as a result of the Armenian occupation.

The Minister stressed the necessity to settle Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorny Karabakh conflict by the joint efforts of the international
community.

In conclusion, Gareth Evans revealed his opinion on the conflict and
hoped for the soonest peaceful resolution to the conflict.