AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 28, 2004

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVED DELEGATION LED BY SPECIAL
ENVOY OF THE EU TO THE SOUTH CAUCASUS, AMBASSADOR HEIKI TALVITIE
[October 28, 2004, 21:00:22]

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received delegation led by Special
Envoy of the EU to the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heiki Talvitie, 28
October.

Warmly greeting the guests and expressing pleasure with meeting Mr.
Talvitie, Head of Azerbaijan State underlined that the relations
between Azerbaijan and the European Union constantly develop and
strengthen, and the Country especially takes active part in the “New
Neighborhood Policy” of European Union. All these processes are
important for both European Union and Azerbaijan, he stressed.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
President Ilham Aliyev said that the visit would set good conditions
for discussion of the conflict and other regional questions. Head of
Azerbaijan State noted that though ceasefire regime has been reached
many years ago, the negotiations have remained unsuccessful.

Head of State underlined that occupation by Armenia 20 percent of our
territories, existence of over one million refugees cause tension in
the region, seriously impede ensuring peace and stability. President
Ilham Aliyev noted that this conflict should be settled only in the
frame of international legal principles – in the frame territorial
integrity of the country and inviolability of borders. Head of State
expressed hope the conflict would soon find its peaceful solution.

Mr. Talvitie expressed gratitude for reception, updating the Head of
Azerbaijan State on his visits to Yerevan and Tbilisi, as well as on
his meetings he held in Baku. He marked development of links between
European Union and Azerbaijan, as well as active participation of
Azerbaijan in the “New Neighborhood Policy”.

Underlining that recently the report on the country will be ready, the
guest expressed confidence for its constructive preparation.

Speaking of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, Mr.
Talvitie stated that the conflict would soon find its fair solution.
Settlement of the conflict could serve normalization of situation in
the region.

Also were focused other questions of mutual interest.

Head of the foreign relations department of President Administration
Novruz Mammadov, ambassador of France Roland Blatman attended the
reception.

–Boundary_(ID_erA/wn9Cr3I+7dZNsJvVQg)–
From: Baghdasarian