PM disapproves of Italy’s stance in UN discussions on Upper Garabagh
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Nov 26 2004
Prime Minister Artur Rasizada, in a meeting with Italian Deputy
Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver on Thursday, said he disapproves
of the recent statement made by the Italian official during her talks
in Yerevan.
Rasizada said that Azerbaijan, unlike Armenia, has been subject to
aggression, and that Azeri civilians have been ousted from their homes
and the country’s territories occupied. These facts should be taken
into account when discussing the issue, the Azeri Prime Minister said.
Touching upon economic relations, Rasizada said prospects exist for
developing such cooperation. Italy is a leading country in terms
of the turnover of goods with Azerbaijan, but most of the trade
occurs on oil, he said. The Prime Minister pointed out that Italy’s
investments in Azerbaijan are insignificant and emphasized that Baku
is interested in drawing Italian investors and its participation in
global transport projects.
Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Boniver said that the documents
signed during the current visit on establishing the Italy-Azerbaijan
Economic Council and the joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry will
serve strengthening of economic ties. She added that Italy can assist
Azerbaijan in developing small and medium enterprise in the country,
as her country possesses extensive experience in this area.*