BAKU: Azerbaijan hopes to promote ties with EU

AZERBAIJAN HOPES TO PROMOTE TIES WITH EU
[June 04, 2005, 10:52:59]

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
June 4 2005

On June 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov received
delegation of the Slovenian Parliament led by the National Party
leader Zmago Jelinic, reported theForeign Ministry’s press-center.

Minister Mammadyarov expressed the great significance attached by
Azerbaijan to the relations with EU and its Neighborhood policy and
particularly emphasized its steady commitment to European integration.

Mr. Jelinic, having delivered to the Minister greetings from his
Slovenian counterpart the OSCE Chairman-in-office Dimitrij Rupel,
expressed his content upon the visit to Azerbaijan, pointed out
striking democratic reforms conducted in the country. Underlining the
importance of upcoming parliamentary elections, the head of delegation
stressed his hope that the elections would be held under democratic and
transparent conditions. He also expressed his willingness to take part
in elections as an observer. Further the guest touched upon the process
of democratic reforms, social and political situation in the country.

The guest touched upon the issue of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno
Karabakh conflict emphasizing the determination of Slovenia in its OSCE
chairmanship capacity to work for soonest settlement of the dispute. He
also stressed unacceptability of conflicts between European nations.

Elmar Mammadyarov, having underscored achievements of Azerbaijan
in economic, political, social and other areas, informed the guest
in detail about measures taken by the state to held free and fair
elections. He stressed the crucial importance of the President’s
Executive Order on improving of the election practices in Azerbaijan,
both during the pre-election campaign and in the election proper.
Foreign Minister stated that he was pleased with the level of bilateral
relations between the two nations, expressing at the same time his
hope that the relations would further develop in the future.

The minister informed the guest in detail about current stage of
peace talks in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He
also underscored the importance of territorial integrity principle
and termed unacceptable attempts at changing frontiers through force.

During a meeting other issues of mutual interest have been discussed
by the two sides.