Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Aug 5 2004

ANDREAS GROSS: `CE HAS SPECIAL ATTITUDE FOR AZERBAIJAN’
[August 05, 2004, 11:55:17]

Meeting of PACE representatives in Milli Majlis

Arrived on August 3 with a visit to our country, co-Rapporteur of the
Monitoring Committee of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe Andreas Gross and Andreas Herkel next day have met
representatives of the political parties represented in Milli Majlis
of Azerbaijan Republic.

Assistant to the executive secretary of `Yeni Azerbaijan’ Party,
deputy Mubariz Gurbanly, highly having estimated the relations
between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe, has noted, that such
visits have great value from the point of view of development of
democracy in our country and expansions of our links.

Andreas Gross has stated that the purpose of present visit consists
in carrying out of exchange of opinions around of execution of the
obligations taken by Azerbaijan before the Council of Europe, process
of democratization proceeding in the country, the steps undertaken in
the direction of protection of the rights and freedom of the person,
the role of parliament in this business and other questions.

Then, leaders of other political parties – chairman of Social Welfare
Party Khanhuseyn Kazimli, the vice-president of Popular Front Party
Gulamhuseyn Alibeyli, the vice-president of Civil Solidarity Party
Fazail Ibrahimli have in detail informed on the reforms spent in our
country, existing problems. Deputies also have expressed the concern
on weak role of ÑÅ in settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
They have reminded, that at the introduction into the Council of
Europe Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken obligations on peace
settlement of the conflict. However, the Armenia ignores resolutions
on settlement of the conflict, and also that fact, that ÑÅ does not
apply, using its powers, sanctions concerning the aggressor that is
ambiguously perceived by the public of Azerbaijan.

Andreas Gross has noted that the Council of Europe show special
attitude to Azerbaijan. This confirms and the documents adopted by
the Organization connected with Nagorny Karabakh. But the conflict
should be settled on the basis of the arrangement of the sides.

Another co-rapporteur Andreas Herkel has stated: `The structure
represented by us is ready to make the offers connected to settlement
of the conflict. We are ready and to render the help in this cause
and we hope, that due to our joint activity we shall manage to
achieve the decision of the problem’.

Then, at the meeting, the parties had exchange of views on other
questions representing mutual interest.

***

On August 4, co-rapporteurs of the Monitoring Committee have held
also a meeting with members of delegation of Milli Majlis of
Azerbaijan at PACE.

Having welcomed visitors, the chief negotiator of parliament of
Azerbaijan, chairman of standing committee of Milli Majlis on the
international relations and inter-parliamentary links Samad Seyidov
has congratulated again the newly appointed co-rapporteur Andreas
Herkel and has wished him successes in activity.

S. Seyidov has emphasized: `Azerbaijan is resolute in the aspiration
to carry out obligations taken before the Council of Europe. First of
all, performance of the given obligations is of great importance for
development of democratic values in our country, maximal protection
of the rights and freedom of the person. We are sure, that due to
joint activity, other questions also will find their solution. In
particular, we can undertake essential steps in the field of the
prompt peace settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh
conflict being a serious problem for Azerbaijan, region and, as a
whole, for all Europe.

Andreas Gross has noted: `The Council of Europe also is interested in
the decision of these questions. In most cases controversial problems
find the decision as a result of joint cooperation and activity. We
hope, as our joint, constructive activity will bear the fruits’.

Mr. Andreas Herkel has stated that he is ready to use the best
efforts for the decision of existing problems and would adequately
work in the new post.

Then, at the meeting, the parties had exchange of opinions on the
work spent in connection with obligations, taken by Azerbaijan before
ÑÅ, on existing problems, preparation for municipal elections and
other questions representing mutual interest.