Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 22 2004

CHAIRMAN OF MILLI MAJLIS RETURNED HOME FROM STRASBOURG
[May 22, 2004, 11:32:15]

The parliamentary delegation led by chairman of Milli Majlis of
Azerbaijan Republic Murtuz Alaskarov was on a visit to Strasbourg for
participation in conference of Chairmen of the European parliamentary
assemblies.

On May 21, the delegation of parliament of Azerbaijan has come back
home.

At the Heydar Aliyev International Airport Murtuz Alaskarov gave
interview to correspondent of AzerTAj on conclusions of visit.
Chairman of parliament has told: “IN the framework of visit, I have
addressed the Conference on the topic “Civil Europe – parliaments and
participation of citizens”, carried pout fruitful meetings with heads
of the Council of Europe and Parliamentary Assembly, chairman of
Great National Assembly of Turkey, chairmen of parliaments of the
countries of Southern Caucasus and GUUAM.

At a meeting of speakers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia,
discussed were the questions of signing of the Pact of Stability on
Caucasus, creation of Parliamentary Assembly of the countries of
Southern Caucasus. I have made protest against creation of
parliamentary assembly and have emphasized the opportunity of
carrying out further discussions connected to the Pact of Stability.
As if to restoration and development of our links with Armenia, I
have resolutely stated that until the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan will not be released, while refugees and the IDPs will not
return to their native lands, it is not necessary to speak about it.

The next meeting of speakers of the countries of Southern Caucasus is
planned to carry out in June of this year in the French Versailles
city.

One more interesting meeting has been carried out between speakers of
the GUUAM countries (Uzbekistan is not a member of the Council of
Europe, therefore, did not participate in the meeting). At the
meeting, discussed was the Strasbourg Convention signed in 1998
between the countries GUUAM and has been decided carry out this year
the constituent assembly of Parliamentary Assembly of GUUAM. The said
action is planned for September this year.

At the airport, first vice-chairmen of Milli Majlis Arif Ragimzade,
vice-chairman of Milli Majlis Ziyafet Askarov greeted Chairman of
Parliament Murtuz Alaskarov.