Baku Today
Eurasia
Seminar on Perspectives of Liberalism on South Caucasus
Turan 23/03/2005 08:03
The one-day international seminar “Perspectives of Liberalism on South
Caucasus” was held on Sunday in Tbilisi. The seminar has been organized by
Friedrich Naumann Fund with assistance of Liberal International and
International Centre for Conflicts and Negotiations.
Representatives of Georgian governmental and non-governmental organizations
and leaders of Armenian national movement took part at the forum. Azerbaijan
was represented by Isa Gambar, Musavat party’s leader, Anagi Hajibeyli,
President of Azerbaijan Lawyers Association, and Mehman Aliyev, Director of
TURAN news agency.
Anemii Neiz-Yutebrock, President of Liberal-International, Belgian State
Minister and member of European parliament, said development of liberal
ideas in the transition countries, particularly, South Caucasus is very
important. She added that development of countries of the region adhering to
liberal and democratic values is possible on condition of existence of free
and transparent market, respect for citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Neiz-Yutebrock said that frozen conflicts endanger stable development of
South Caucasian countries.
She added that goal of the South Caucasian republics is to build their own
models of democratic existence based on their historical and cultural
heritage.
Representatives of three South Caucasian republics said that way solution to
conflicts in the region and stability lies through free elections and
formation of government of national confidence. ~SOnly after that it is
possible to create a single Caucasian political and economic space with its
further integration into European society.~T
After the seminar Isa Gambar had a separate talk with Anemia Neiz-Yutebrock,
during which the sides exchanged opinions on various issues.
Liberal-International was established in 1947. It consists of 82 parties
from 54 countries. Liberals have influential factions in European parliament
and Council of Europe. Their ideal is an open society with the system of
values and rules, where interests of an individual is a priority.
