BAKU: Ministry of Nat’l Security of Azerbaijan reports

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
March 23 2005

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC REPORTS
[March 23, 2005, 23:03:07]

On March 23, 2005, minister of National Security of the Azerbaijan
Republic, general – lieutenant Eldar Mahmudov has met director of
Institute of the Central Asia and Caucasus of the John Hopkins
University, US, professor Frederick Starr.

Minister of National Security has told at the meeting about the
reforms conducted by the political management of Azerbaijan in the
field of construction of the legal and democratic state, in
particular, about work, stability carried out in the field of
strengthening stability – the main guarantee of development of
business, economic progress and foreign investments, and also
realization of the important international projects.

Minister Eldar Mahmudov has in detail stopped on safety in the
country, preservation of stability, the place and role of the
Ministry of National Security in combat against criminality, its
dangerous forms and displays, and also strengthening in this body of
the legislative base corresponding to the international norms and
standards, has told about conducted reforms, their real and positive
results.

Then, the Minister has spoken of the work done in the field of
neutralization of organized transnational criminal groups, closely
connected with the international terrorist organizations. At the same
time, he has in detail told about criminal conditions in the region,
factors influencing on it, the political and military situation, the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the armed separatism,
uncontrollable territories and consequences of all of this, including
about the social problems which have arisen in connection with
refugees and IDPs, and also illegal migration, drug trafficking, and
other questions, the undertaken adequate measures.

The visitor, having expressed gratitude for warm and hospitable
meeting, the wide and detailed information, at the same time, has
expressed regret that the western public is insufficiently informed
on all questions marked here, has emphasized importance of the even
greater activation of objective propaganda activities in this
direction.

Professor Frederick Starr also has noted that the tightening of the
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem creates anxiety for region
and as a whole for all international community that is afflicted with
messages on daily infringement of ceasefire regime, which he receives
during stay in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the visitor, having
expressed satisfaction with positive processes occurring in
Azerbaijan, has invited minister Eldar Mahmudov to deliver a lecture
in John Hopkins University.

The meeting has passed in warm conditions, discussed were other
questions representing interest.