KOSOVO CANNOT BE A MODEL FOR RESOLUTION OF LINGERING CONFLICTS IN POST-SOVIET AREA

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
June 1 2007

Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend S.Ilhamgizi / Many MPs who participated
in the discussions over on Kosovo during the spring session of the
NATO Parliamentary are sure that Kosovo cannot be a model for the
resolution of lingering conflicts in the post-Soviet area, according
to Assembly held in Madeira, Portugal, according to Ziyafat Asgarov,
the Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis [Parliament] and also head of
the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Council
of Europe.

He noted that the Armenian media expediently raised this issue. "The
Armenians assert that in case of application of the Kosovo model the
Nagorno-Karabakh will be issued a status. However, it is absolutely
different situation, because Nagorno-Karabakh is the territory of
Azerbaijan. During the session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
MPs stated that the Kosovo model is unacceptable for other conflict,"
he emphasized.

The NATO PA session also discussed the illegal planting of drug in
the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh for further export to Europe.

Asgarov voiced his satisfaction with the text of a report on
Azerbaijan, excluding some milestones. "The report indicated the
poverty ration on Azerbaijan at the level of 40%, whereas this figure
is currently only 20%. The reporters themselves confessed that they
cited the last year figure. Moreover, the reports states on hindrance
in the activities of religions organizations active in the regions of
country. We reminded that there is law on Freedom of Religious Beliefs
in Azerbaijan and every religious section can function without any
hindrance. Our country can be a model for other countries from the
aspect of religious tolerance," deputy speaker stressed.