PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN VISITS VILLAGES OF TOVUZ BORDERING ON ARMENIA

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2006

Pakistan’s extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Azerbaijan
Mohammad Hafiz is visiting Tovuz region at the initiative of
parliamentarian Ganira Pashayeva.

APA’s western bureau reports that the ambassador first visited the
Martyr’s Alley in the center of the region. Tovuz governor Hamid
Baghirov received the Pakistani ambassador and parliamentarian Ganira
Pashayeva. Baghirov and Ms. Pashayeva informed the ambassador about the
strategic location of Tovuz and the problems of the region bordering
on Armenia. The region’s governor said though Tovuz is not in Nagorno
Garabagh which is subject to Armenians’ territorial claim, Armenians
often fire on peaceful residents and their houses in the villages of
the region bordering on Armenia.

Expressing his gratitude for detailed information on the problems that
the region is facing, Mr.Hafiz presented governor Hamid Baghirov with
a silver sword. Baghirov thanked to the ambassador for accepting the
invitation to visit Tovuz and presented him with Azerbaijani folk
musical instrument saz.

Following this, Mr. Hafiz accompanied by Ganira Pashayeva visited
Alibayli village of Tovuz bordering on Armenia.

600 of 800 houses in Alibayli village have been destroyed by Armenians
during the war and the cease-fire. 200 houses and 30%-40% of the
destroyed houses in the village are populated at present.

Meeting the villagers, the Pakistani ambassador was interested in
their conditions. The residents said Armenians often fire on the
houses but they go on living there.

Mohammed Hafiz and Pashayeva met with soldiers of Azerbaijani Army
after that. The visitors arrived at the secondary school named after
National Hero Gasim Rzayev in Hajiili village. This village often
becomes subject to Armenian bullets. There are bullet holes on the
door and walls of the school.

Speaking to APA’s western bureau, Ms.Pashayeva appreciated the
Pakistani ambassador’s visit to the border zone.

“Mr. Mohammad Hafiz demonstrated his support for us by visiting
the zone. He accepted my invitation on visiting the region with
great pleasure. Such visits are very important for us. Pakistan
has its special weight among Muslim countries. As a member of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference, Pakistan plays one of the
key roles there. Mr.Hafiz is sure to share his opinions on the visit
with other ambassadors, especially those from Muslims states,” the
parliamentarian said.

Pashayeva also noted that Mr.Hafiz wants the relations between
different parts of our country and Pakistan to strengthen, “Pakistan
gives great support for Azerbaijan regarding the Garabagh conflict.

Mr. Ambassador promised to often visit our regions.”

Pashayeva also said the initiative of organizing visits of western
ambassadors to our country is also being considered.

“Most of the western ambassadors have promised to visit our regions.

British ambassador Laurie Bristow has agreed to visit this region in
July or August this year,” she said.

The Pakistani ambassador is still visiting villages of Tovuz
bordering on Armenia now. Mohammad Hafiz and Ganira Pashayeva will
leave for Aghdam region today to familiarize with conditions of
local residents. The Pakistani ambassador is due to visit Ganja
tomorrow.