TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006

Integration Into West is One of Major Directions of Azerbaijan’s
Current Policy, Azeri President States

Source: Trend
Author: E.Huseynov

23.09.2006

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated to an international Forum
Bertelsmann-2006 in Berlin that integration into the West is one of
major directions of Azerbaijan’s current policy, Trend.

The President stated that Azerbaijan has joined the European
Neighborhood Policy and successfully participates in it. Speaking on
the legal, political and economic reforms carried out in the country
the Azerbaijani leader underlined that at present the South Caucasus
plays an important role for Europe. The delivery of the Caspian
energy resources to the European markets assumes special importance.
Azerbaijan has become a big oil producing country, whereas the energy
security is a matter of time for Europe. In this case Azerbaijan
is ready to play a role of reliable partner in ensuring the energy
security of Europe, he added.

However, the President stated that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh is great hindrance in the relationships between
Europe and the South Caucasus. Europe should play a serious role in
the resolution of the conflict and strive for confirming peace in
the region.

Mr Aliyev underlined that at present Armenian is only country
worldwide, where no national minority exists. "It is a moo-state,’
he stressed. He excluded the establishment of two Armenian countries,
stating that it contradicts the international norms and principle, as
well as the European standards and is poses threat for future Europe.