AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 29 2004

ADDRESS BY H.E. MR. ILHAM ALIYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF
AZERBAIJAN EAPC SUMMIT MEETING IN ISTANBUL
[June 29, 2004, 17:06:15]

Mr. Secretary General,

Distinguished colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to participate at the Summit, which I believe will
have strong impact on development of the Alliance.

I congratulate the new NATO members whose efforts to meet criteria of
membership have led to its logical results. I am sure that the
biggest ever enlargement of NATO will contribute further to expanding
the boundaries of peace, security and freedom to the whole
Euro-Atlantic area.

Since 1994 Azerbaijan is actively participating in “Partnership for
Peace” Program. Our bilateral relations with NATO are developing very
successfully.

Participation in the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP)
initiative marks an important milestone in Azerbaijan’s partnership
with NATO and will significantly contribute to the development of our
security policy. Azerbaijan’s policy aimed at integration with
European and Euro-Atlantic structures, conducted for more than 10
years will continue. We are sure that this integration will bring
more security to our region and prosperity to our people, Azerbaijan
has already proved, not only by statements, but by practical steps
that it is a reliable partner. We expressed our political will and
readiness to contribute to the cause of common security joining
NATO’s peace support operations. Today our peacekeepers together with
troops from NATO and Partner Nations contribute to stability and
security in different parts of the world.

Azerbaijan was one of the first countries that joined anti-terror
coalition after the September 11th attacks on the United States.
Today, our country effectively contributes to the global fight
against terrorism.

Suffered itself from Armenian terrorism – more than 2 thousands
people were killed in 32 terrorist acts – we know that only by joint
efforts of the whole international community we can effectively
combat this evil.

Continuing for more than 10 years occupation by Armenia of 20% of the
territory of Azerbaijan is one of the biggest threats to peace and
security in our region. As a result of Armenian aggression and ethnic
cleansing more than 1 million Azerbaijanis became refugees and
internally displaced persons, Nagorny Karabakh and 7 other regions of
Azerbaijan are under occupation. Territorial integrity of our country
is violated. Armenia continues to ignore 4 United Nation’s
resolutions, which demanded unconditional withdrawal of Armenian
troops from occupied territories.

Peaceful negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan held for more
than 10 years do not have any results. Azerbaijan will not compromise
on its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Nagorny Karabakh is a lawless, uncontrolled zone, which is a constant
threat to security and stability in the South Caucasus.

We hope that outcomes of this Summit will extend our capabilities to
provide more security and stability in Euro-Atlantic area and its
neighborhoods,

Thank you.