PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV: AZERBAIJAN RAPIDLY INTEGRATING INTO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
March 20 2007

Azerbaijan, Baku/ Trend , corr À.Ismayilova / Today, Tuesday, 20 March,
Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev has taken part in both solemn and
festive arrangements, held in connection with the National Holiday of
"Novruz" ("Spring Holiday") in Baku City.

The head of Azerbaijani said that this holiday had always played an
important role in developing the national and spiritual values of the
Azerbaijani people. "These traditions have existed for many centuries
and the Azerbaijani people have always adhered to them" said the
President. He added that Azerbaijan was successfully developing its
economy. "We should uphold our economic potential. Each citizen of
this country can feel its development within all spheres of life. We
have significantly reduced the poverty level in the country. We are
working in the right direction."

The President noted that Azerbaijan was rapidly integrating into
the international community and building a democratic society. "
Azerbaijan is taking an active part in different regional projects,
and the country’s capabilities are increasing. Today, we are able to
solve any problems we face. We are pursuing our independent policy
based upon Azerbaijan’s national interests," said Mr. Aliyev.

Touching upon the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, the
Azerbaijani President said that Armenia seemed to be procrastinating.

"They should take it into consideration that this period of time is
presently working for us", he concluded.

–Boundary_(ID_OXm/F14G1Kq5Arj2muAW0A) —