AZERBAIJAN’S UNEQUIVOCAL POSITION ON ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN CONFLICT IS BASED ON INTERNATIONAL LAW: AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT

Today.Az
ics/54042.html
July 23 2009
Azerbaijan

On July 22, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev presided over the
Cabinet of Ministers meeting on country’s socio-economic development
in the first half of 2009.

11:28

In his opening speech President Aliyev said most countries experience
serious economic problems due to the global financial crisis for
already a year. He noted that thanks to measures taken including
the ongoing reforms in recent years, the impact of the crisis
in Azerbaijan has been minimized. In the first half of the year,
gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.6 percent and on-oil GDP grew
4.1 percent, which indicates that the future of the country less
dependent on the oil factor. In the first half of the year, social
issues were successfully addressed and programs were implemented in
this area. Rate of inflation has decreased and amounted 3.7 percent
over six months. During this period, incomes of the population
increased 19 percent and average monthly salary 15 percent.

The president noted that in the first half of 2009 Azerbaijan created
35,000 new jobs, 25,000 of which are permanent.. During this period,
the second stage of the State Program on Socio-Economic Development of
Regions was launched. Volume of credit allocated by the state for the
development of entrepreneurship was increased. Azerbaijan also met the
challenges facing them in the field of energy security and increased
oil and gas production. Now Azerbaijan is exporting gas to neighboring
countries. Sumgait and Guba power plants to be put into operation this
year will further enhance Azerbaijan’s electricity export capacity.

Noting that during the past six months programs were implemented in
the transport sector as well President Aliyev said the programs aim
to upgrade Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure.

"In recent years we have been able to become stronger," he said and
added that the army-building was also focus of attention. "This is
evidenced by large-scale military exercises conducted last month."

President Aliyev said negotiations on the Armenia-Azerbaijan
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is continuing. He reiterated that
Azerbaijan’s position of on this issue is unequivocal and based on
international law.

Noting Azerbaijan’s great prospects for further development, President
Ilham Aliyev said: "We act in a planned way and any issue can be
resolved in this case."

Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, Minister of Agriculture Ismet Abbasov,
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Baghirov and
the State Customs Committee Chairman Aydin Aliyev reported to the
president about the outcome of the socio-economic development in the
first half of 2009.

/AzerTaj/

July 22

18:20

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a governmental meeting on
socio-economic development of the country in the first half of 2009,
AzTV reported.

‘If Armenia analyzes real situation, Azerbaijan’s increased
opportunities and country’s military, economic, political ad diplomatic
achievements, this problem will be addressed as soon as possible,"
the president said.

The president said Azerbaijan army is ready to fulfill any task
successfully.

"All our efforts target one goal. That is, to restore Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity and achieve withdrawal of forces from the
occupied lands," Aliyev said.