ARMENIA SHOULD RELEASE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES OF AZERBAIJAN
demaz.org, Azerbaijan
Oct 18 2007
October 16, Milli Mejlis chairman, Ogtay Asadov, met with delegation
headed by the leader of inter-parliamentary group Germany-South
Caucasus of German Bundestag, Steffen Raiche.
Milli Mejlis chairman said: such visits serve for further development
of our relations. Cooperation with Germany, which occupies special
place in Europe, is very important for Azerbaijan. Our nations have
historical close relations. Early XIX century representatives of our
intellectuals studied in Germany, and German businessmen used to be
occupied in different productive fields of our country. Ancient and
rich culture of Azerbaijan always attracted Germans. Early XIX century
in Gandja, Khanlar, Tovus and other regions of Azerbaijan there were
created first German settlements.
After restoration of independence of Azerbaijan relations between two
countries stepped in new stage. Political will and mutual visits of the
heads of both states greatly contributed in development of cooperation.
It was underlined that our country, which achieved successes in
building legal, secular state, takes use of German experience. Close
cooperation has been established between parliament of
Azerbaijan and Bundestag of Germany. In Milli Mejlis work group on
inter-parliamentary relations with Germany is functioning, and in
Bundestag – inter-parliamentary group Germany-South Caucasus. Mutual
visits, fruitful activity of our deputies in different international
structures makes us closer, developing our relations.
O. Asadov said that Society on Technical Cooperation of Germany
is realizing number of projects in our country. German Government
actively partakes in realization TRACECA, INOGATE projects, program
of commercial security. Fruitful cooperation has been established in
the fields of science, education, culture.
Milli Mejlis chairman specially emphasized that Azerbaijan contributes
in energetic security of Europe, underlining that owing to oil-pipe
line Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, gas pipe line Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum,
development of transport infrastructure our country plays the role
of specific bridges between Europe and Asia.
Having provided guest with detailed information relating to
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, O. Asadov declared that this problem
impedes Azerbaijan’s integration in Euroatlantic area and revival
of the whole region. He stressed that Azerbaijan advocates peaceful
regulation of the conflict within the frames of the standards of
international law. Milli Mejlis chairman expressed hope for German’s
support of just position of Azerbaijan.
Head of inter-parliamentary group Germany-South Caucasus, Steffen
Raiche, said that they are satisfied with meetings they had in
Azerbaijan and ongoing development of the country. He said; Germany
takes interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan in political, economic,
cultural fields, in the field of science, education, tourism.
Azerbaijan’s progress attracts German investors. Taking certain steps
to facilitate visa related issues is envisaged.
Having declared that they support territorial integrity of Azerbaijan
in regulation of Nagorni-Garabagh conflict, guest stressed: Armenia
should release occupied territories of Azerbaijan. They should
understand that hostility with strong state is useless.
View exchange concerning issues in which sides take interests was held.