AZERBAIJANI MPS PROTEST TO HOLDING "WEEK OF AZERBAIJAN" IN ARMENIA

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 18 2007

Azerbaijani Parliament held next meeting today, APA reports.

MPs commented on holding "Week of Azerbaijan" in Armenia and
Azerbaijani delegation’s visiting this country during the discussion
of the current issues. MP Zahid Oruj expressing his negative opinion
regarding such cases said that one day "Armenian days" will be held
in Azerbaijan.

"And Armenians will be able to arrive in Azerbaijan freely. This
is very abnormal case. Decision should be made for preventing such
visits," he said.

MP Azay Guliyev said that spokesman for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry
Khazar Ibrahim briefed the media that he justifies such visits and
events indirectly.

"We do not understand what common policy should be composed of. On the
one hand we tell Turkey not to open borders with Armenia, on the other
hand we are establishing relations with Armenia ourselves," he said.

MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev said that proper state bodies should comment
on this issue. MP touching upon report of Azerbaijan National
Security Ministry on gang members who are accused of cooperation with
SEPAH-Defense Corps of Iran Islam Revolution noted that Azerbaijani
ambassador to Iran was invited to the Foreign Ministry of this country.

"Actually, Azerbaijan should take such step firstly. Azerbaijan should
appeal to UN Security Council. On the other hand, some media outlets
give reports that senior officials are connected with PKK. It is noted
that those senior officials were invited to National Security Ministry
during Abdullah Gul’s visit to Azerbaijan and were interrogated. Such
unserious reports should be commented on," he said.

MP Panah Huseyn regards necessary to pardon journalists on Gurban
Holiday. Vice-speaker of Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova said
that journalists were imprisoned not for their activity, but actions.