AZERBAIJANI AMBASSADOR GIVES INTERVIEW TO KUWAITI NEWSPAPERS

State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
November 2, 2009 Monday

Azerbaijani ambassador to Kuwait Shahin Abdullayev was interviewed on
October 29 by Kuwait`s leading newspapers Al-Rai, Arrouiah, Al-Watan
and An Nahar. Ambassador told of Azerbaijan-Kuwait relations and
answered the questions concerning regional and international problems.

Shahin Abdullayev touched on the history and situation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ambassador praised Kuwait`s fair stance
towards resolution of the conflict during discussions in the UN,
OIC and other international organizations

When asked about mediation opportunities for Ankara in the light of
the rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey, Abdullayev said Turkey
spares no effort to solve the problem. He noted Azerbaijan Foreign
Ministry`s statement said rapprochement contradicts national interests
of Azerbaijan. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan is not going to interfere in
Turkey`s internal affairs. Ambassador said during his speech in the
parliament of Azerbaijan, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan pledged not
to open border with Armenia unless Nagorno-Karabakh problem is solved.

Abdullayev pointed out President Ilham Aliyev`s visit to Kuwait
and documents signed between the two countries gave an impetus to
bilateral relations.

Ambassador noted an invitation letter to pay an official visit to
Azerbaijan was presented to Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad
Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, adding this visit is of particular importance to
Azerbaijan. He expressed hope that this visit would take place.

Ambassador briefed about the ongoing reforms and development in
Azerbaijan.

When asked about Palestine problem, ambassador Abdullayev noted
Azerbaijan backs fair resolution of the problem.

He also dwelt on the Azerbaijan-Iran relations and its development
prospects.