Azeri President Visits Sumgayit

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
Aug 14 2005

14/08/2005 06:32

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev visited to Sungayit, third largest city
in Azerbaijan, on Friday to participate at a opening ceremony of
the monument to Heydar Aliyev, the former President of Azerbaijan,
Trend reports.

In his remarks, the President mentioned Heydar Aliyev’s important
contribution to the development of Sumgayit, including establishment
of the industry potential of the city. He noted that over the last
6 months the country’s economic development comprised 20%, which is
a very significant indicator. The President said that the program
on poverty reduction was successfully implemented, but problems
still remain.

“Despite decrease, the level of unemployment is high as usual.
However, the work in this direction will be continued. I would like
Azerbaijani residents to live well and get high salary,” Aliyev stated.

He assured the participants of the ceremony that community problems
such as water supply, energy supply, gas supply would be settled. The
President also mentioned the construction of 506 megawatt Sumgayit
power station.

Touching upon the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Aliyev noted
that the Azerbaijani Election Code would be observed, the election
would be held in democratic and transparent conditions. He also
stressed that local bodies should not interfere to the citizens’
voting.

“I’m sure that the wise Azerbaijani people will make a right choice
and elect candidates, who will serve for the welfare of the people.
The same time there is no place for persons brought the country to
chaos in the past,” he said.

According to Aliyev, the public budget for 2006 will comprise at
least 3 billion manats. The public budget for 2005 was increased by
40% as compared 2004, the military expenditures – 76%. “The military
expenditures will also have to be increased by 76%. We must completely
use an opportunity of peaceful negotiations on settlement of the
Karabakh conflict. Necessary measures will be taken in case of their
failure,” Aliyev stated.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress