Today, Azerbaijan
April 8 2006

Proposal of Council of Europe: “Let a New Mayor of Baku be elected”

08 April 2006 [19:16] – Today.Az

Recently third meeting of steering project group on creation of
National Associations of local authorities started.

Working Group aims at rendering assistance in development of
municipalities of Azerbaijan. Expert of Council of Europe, Owen
Masters, underlined that professionalism of group members has been
improved. Besides, he informed that the events for learning demands
of municipality would be held.

Although opinions regarding creation of the unions of local steering
authorities in the South Caucasus were repeated, however accordingly
to O. Masters today given project cannot be realized. Expert informed
that “Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia prevents it”, but in
future Council of Europe intents to realize such a project.

Masters emphasized the importance of the uniting of all
municipalities of Azerbaijan within one organization, He informed
that within the frames of the project on creation National
Association of local authorities in Azerbaijan, training would be
held abroad: “This step aims at informing municipalities regarding
Association and bringing importance of the given issue to their
notice. Project will concern municipalities of Azerbaijan; it will be
completed in 2007. Then the Association itself will be established.”

“In the name of Civil Society” NGO Coordinator, Fikret Rzayev, gave
information about members of Working Group. He said that depending on
the venue and possibilities, he get acquainted with all
municipalities.

Head of department of Presidential Administration on the work with
municipalities, Ramig Gashimov, informed about his intention to
cooperate with the Council of Europe for development of the above
structures. Council of Europe will provide possibility for
Azerbaijani municipality to make their own choice.

Project Manager, Karlen Martin, informed that meetings are expected
to be held at the regions for informing purposes. Besides, it was
stressed that abroad there would be held training. Accordingly to K.
Martin publishing of journal of National Association would be
possible. Project Manager underlined that proposal on appointment of
mayor of Baku via election not via direct appointment will be
considered.

“Although a proposal on appointment of mayor of the capital via
election was submitted, no discussions were held in this connection,”
Ramig Gashimov, Head of department of Presidential Administration on
the work with municipalities, said.

According to him, the above proposal was submitted by the President
of Congress on Regional and Local authorities, Dee Stazi. However,
today country is experiencing process of formation of municipalities
that is why the issue on creation of municipality of the city is high
on the agenda.

/

URL:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress