KARABAKH’S INDEPENDENCE WILL NEVER BE SUBJECT OF NEGOTIATIONS, ALIYEV – PHOTOS
news.az
July 13 2011
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev chaired the Cabinet of Ministers’
meeting on outcomes of socio-economic development during 6 months
of 2011.
President Aliyev noted that, socio-economic issues were solved,
GDP rose 0.9%, during this period. He noted that, it decreased
compared to e year earlier due to reduction of oil extraction: “Our
main purpose is the development of non-oil sector and diversifying of
economy”. He also noted that, the growth in non-oil sector made 7.2%,
in agriculture – 6.2% during the same period.
He stated that, population’s monetary income also increased by 17%. He
said that, the Azerbaijani budget reached $20bn for the first time
after amendments in budget and strategic currency stocks rose $9 bln.
He noted that, Azerbaijan’s strategic currency stocks make $38bn:
“We can ensure the development of economy, allocate additional
financial resources for solution of population’s social problems”.
“Azerbaijani citizen is in the centre of our policy”, president said.
According to him, execution of targeted social assistance program
covering 125,000 families is being continued. Number of people
living in poverty condition decreased by 5 times, during past
7 years. 38,000 work places were launched. At the same time, the
programs on “Azerbaijani youth in 2011-2015”, as well socio-economic
development of Baku and surrounding settlements in 2011-2013 were
adopted this year.
Thereafter, Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov, Baku mayor Hajibala
Abutalibov, Minister of Communication and Information Technologies Ali
Abbasov, Chairman of Azersu OJSC Gorkhmaz Huseynov informed about the
socio-economic development processes in the country, during 6 months.
“Our economic performances are the results of our conducted works and
the processes in the country continue positively” said the president
at the final speech and noted that, Azerbaijan had a firm standing
in the region, spoke about the importance of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway.
He noted that, it was important the measures on keeping of
macroeconomic stability, fulfillment of budget expenditure by 100%,
socio-economic development of Baku and surrounding settlements to
continue. He noted that, new terminal of Heydar Aliyev International
Airport is being constructed. More new international airport will
be constructed in Gabala. Speaking about construction of largest and
modern seaport in Alat settlement, ship-building plant president noted
that, number of metro stations will reach 30 during the next 4 years.
President also noted that, military spending made $3.3 bln. President
Ilham Aliyev noted that, it was important to establish industrial
centers, development of ICT sector, entrepreneurship, tourism, solve
the water and canalization problems during next 4-5 years.
President Ilham Aliyev: During six months of this year all
socio-economic issues have been successfully resolved
During six months of this year all socio-economic issues facing the
country were successfully resolved. Overall economic growth was not
so high. Gross domestic product grew by only 0.9 percent. The reason
for this decrease in oil production that was not dependent on us”,-
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.
The Head of the State noted that Azerbaijan has increased non-oil
sector. Growth was 7.2 percent. “In fact, this is the result of
reforms carried out by us in recent years, since our main goal is
the development of non-oil sector to ensure diversification of the
Azerbaijani economy. Indicators of non-oil sector that grew by 7.2
per cent, we are very pleased. This shows that the country is rapidly
growing. Reduced dependence of the Azerbaijani economy from the energy
factor. At the same time, it gives us hope that in the coming months
and years will create additional opportunities for diversification
of the Azerbaijani economy”, – he said.
The President stressed that good growth has been achieved in
agriculture – 6.2 per cent. This is a good indicator. Income increased
by 17 percent. But inflation rose by only 8.8 percent. This again
suggests that there were good conditions for human well-being.
“In short, the overall development of our country during the past six
months has been very successful, dynamic. All economic, infrastructural
and social issues were solved. In the first half was amended in
the budget. As a result, the first budget of Azerbaijan, our budget
expenditures reached $ 20 billion, a record number. Of course, this
allows us to provide additional year-end material resources to address
critical infrastructure and social issues”, – the President said.
President Aliyev emphasized that the growing strategic currency
reserves of Azerbaijan. From the beginning, the nation’s reserves grew
by $ 9 billion. This is an excellent indicator. We are dedicated to
spend the proceeds on the scope necessary for the development of the
economy, and at the same time increasing the reserves. In general, the
present strategic currency reserves of the country are at 38 billion
dollars. This is a very big figure, and I’m sure that by the end of the
year it will grow. This allows us to provide the country’s economy,
to attract additional financial resources to solve social problems
of people. In short, to achieve the full development of the economy,
he said.
According to him, in the first half of this year, as always, social
issues were the focus of attention in this direction have been taken
very important steps. “Was increased salaries of some categories
of people who work in organizations financed from the budget. The
biggest achievement is associated with an increase in pensions. As a
result of decisions taken a few days ago, July 1, the average pension
of pensioners who retired before 2006 increased by approximately 40
percent. Now comes the adjustment carried out the calculations. This is
a very big increase. I can say that over the years, perhaps world-wide
there was no similar events. In some countries, where there has
an effect of financial crisis, pensions are not only not increase,
and vice versa – are reduced, or curtail wages and social programs,
lower wages and social security of people working in the organizations
financed from the budget. And in Azerbaijan pension of about 900
thousand pensioners have increased by 40 percent. This is another
indication that the policy of the Azerbaijani authorities socially
oriented. In the center of the country’s policy is a citizen of
Azerbaijan. All economic success allows us to take more serious steps
in the social sphere. The President expressed his confidence that as
a result of improved social welfare pensioners significantly improved
financial position of about one million citizens of Azerbaijan” –
he said.
The President noted that implementing a program targeted to a social
assistance. Currently, the program covers 125 000 households. Monthly
to each family assisted an average of 104 manat. This concern
displayed by the Azerbaijani government on the poor segments of the
population. “Our goal that I set a few years ago, lies in the fact
that Azerbaijan was liquidated in such social ills as poverty. The
experience of recent years shows that we achieve this goal. Over the
past seven years, the number of people living in poverty decreased
by 5 times. I hope that by the end of this year this figure will be
reduced again. For to do this, comprehensive measures are taken.
Economic policies, political stability, business development and
agriculture, the allocation of loans and grants, purchase equipment
and provide it to farmers on lease, the issuance of fertilizer and
fuel to farmers on easy terms – all of these comprehensive measures,
and implementation in our country, major infrastructure projects laying
of transmission lines, construction of roads, including rural areas,
carrying out gasification led to the current situation” – he said.
The Head of the State said that Azerbaijan has implemented several
programs. Each of them has a specific meaning. No program is not just
any intention, not of a nature lozungovy. At the core of each program
is implementation arrangements, financial resources and thoughtful
work schedule.
In the regions, including as a result of regional development programs,
only six months of this year, was opened 38 000 new jobs, and this
process continues. In recent years, was discovered about 1 million
new jobs.
In the first half of this year were the adoption of two important
programs. One of them is the “youth of Azerbaijan in 2011-2015”. This
program has been adopted recently and is specific. He expressed
confidence that as a result of this program will be resolved important
questions.
“We can say all the issues raised by young people in my meetings
included to those programs. Were also analyzed proposals received
from the field. I am confident that all issues identified in the
program until the year 2015 will find a solution and thus will be
provided and youth employment, and problems associated with her
education, recreation, the formation of a special fund for the youth
and the implementation of various programs to its line. The program
is published in print, do not talk about it much. I want to say that
this program will have great influence and we soon begin to implement
it”, – Ilham Aliyev said.
“The second most important program is a program of social and economic
development of Baku and sub-urban settlements. This program is even
more short-term – it covers the years 2011-2013. If we consider that
half of 2011 is behind us, then for two years in Baku and in all
suburban townships will be held tremendous creative work, landscaping.
We started this work. Now towns are laid new water line. Steps are
being taken for the construction of sewer lines, roads are paved. In
most of these villages, most roads were dirt, were in disrepair. Once
was rain or snow on them could neither walk nor ride. Today, every
village laid great roads, building new schools, health centers,
clinics, hospitals, existing repaired. That is, until 2013 should be
updated all the infrastructure of villages. This is a very big target,
a great program and it is very difficult to meet for two and a half
years. I understand that, but at the same time, the goal that we have
done this job for a short time”, – he said.
According to him, if we mobilize all possibilities then we can achieve
this. At the same time to define concrete measures for the employment
of people living in villages. Including the National Fund for
Entrepreneurship Development has begun the process of granting loans
to suburban Baku. In subsequent years, certainly, the government will
do this on a larger scale, to set up small refineries, small factories
and implemented the necessary projects for agricultural development.
“These two programs are a product of 2011 and are another indication
that we have a well thought-out policy, which covers all areas”, –
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.
Azerbaijani President: “Armenia’s last actions are inconceivable”
The minimal pass mark demanded for participation in the contest
is promising.
The Helsinki Final act is assumed as a basis and the change of
“status-quo” is especially underlined in this declaration. In this
case the Azerbaijani lands must be liberated. The third important
factor is the increase of activity by the co-chair countries on the
conflict’s settlement”, said Ilham Aliyev.
The head of state said that Armenia has not wanted the change of
“status-quo” for 20 years.
Saying that the negotiations on settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
conflict were held basing on Prague, then Madrid principles, the
Minsk group co-chairs presented the renewed Madrid principles to the
both sides in 2009. He said that Azerbaijan unambiguously accepted
these principles at Sochi meeting initiated by the Russian president:
“Armenia refuses to accept these principles under various pretexts.
Informing about the significance of Madrid principles, the president
said that the new situation was established, Azerbaijan was again
demonstrating the constructiveness”.
The president also said that despite the attitude of the entire world,
European organizations, especially the co-chair countries, Armenia’s
actions in recent days are inconceivable.
Saying that “one of the main reasons of the international union’s
activization in recent years is the existence of Azerbaijani state
and army”, the president said that Azerbaijan was more interested in
the quick settlement of this issue.
President: Negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are on the
decisive stage
“Negotiations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts
are conducting long time and we are almost on the decisive stage of
the negotiations. So would like to inform Azerbaijani people on the
latest events that happened”, – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
said, APA reports quoting AzerTAc.
The Head of State firstly said that the last joint declaration by
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are very encouraging and makes us feel
satisfied. Because this statement referred to the Helsinki Final Act
theses. The Helsinki Final Act is showed as a basis for resolving the
conflict. There is no contrast between the principles of territorial
integrity and the principles of self-determination of peoples, and
the issue on resolving conflict in the framework of the countries’
territorial integrity.
According to him, the second important point is that the statement
and subsequent statements the Co-Chairs said that the status quo must
be changed, the status quo is unacceptable. This means that changing
the status quo must ensure the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from
occupation. Within last 20 years, the Armenian side has tried and tries
to keep status quo unchanged and, thus, no change in the situation.
The third important point is the activity of Minsk Group co-chairs
relating to this matter. “We see this activity, the public also knows
this. Prior to the meeting in Kazan, I had a telephone conversation
with President Barrack Obama. On the eve of the meeting in Kazan,
French President Sarkozy has sent me a message related to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Kazan meeting, as you know, was held at the
initiative of Russian President Medvedev. After meeting U.S. Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton turned to me with a message, and then I had
telephone conversation with Hillary Clinton”, – he said.
Aliyev said that after the meeting in Kazan, Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, and finally,
President Medvedev sent to Baku of his foreign minister, who presented
the message of the Russian President. That is, the mere enumerations
of these facts indicate that the activity really reached a high limit,
and we are very pleased and encouraged. Therefore, we hope that this
activity will lead to real results. We see that currently co-chair
countries are trying hard to basic principles were agreed upon as soon
as possible and thus created the conditions for the preparation of a
peace treaty. We also want this, want to, perhaps more than anyone
else. Since this is our land, and the Armenian invaders for nearly
20 years of occupying them. The most interested side in the resolving
this conflict is Azerbaijan”, – he said.
At the same time, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan has
always demonstrated a maximum constructive. In 2004, the format of
the talks appeared under the name “Prague process”, and this process
goes forward, was agreed some issues exchanging of views on complex
issues in the negotiations. As a continuation of the Prague process,
the parties were represented the Madrid principles. These principles
consist of several paragraphs and were very general in nature.
Azerbaijan in a very few exceptions generally adopted the principles.
Based on these principles until the end of 2009 the OSCE Minsk Group,
that is, all three co-chairs – the United States, France and Russia
have presented both sides of the updated Madrid principles. It was in
late 2009. In the beginning, rather, in January 2010, Russian President
Medvedev invited the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Sochi,
where he held a trilateral meeting. At that meeting, Azerbaijan made
clear that receives updated Madrid principles.
“We did not write these principles. We have not invented these
principles. These were the principles which jointly presented and on
which many years of working America, France and Russia. The Armenian
side has not adopted these principles, and then we can say in the
negotiations there is some congestion, as the regular meeting held
within six months, in June 2010 in St. Petersburg”, – President
Aliyev said.
“What are the updated Madrid principles? I believe that this issue
should not be any doubts and misunderstandings. I think the time has
come to talk about it. First of all, there is provided for withdrawal
of occupation forces of Armenia from the occupied lands. Included the
immediate withdrawal of Armenian troops from five districts in five
years – from the two regions and the return of Azerbaijani citizens to
their native lands. These proposals also have been providing temporary
status to Nagorno Karabakh. The functioning of the corridor between
Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia was also in those principles. To ensure
the safety of both Armenian and Azerbaijani population was necessary
input to the region of peacekeeping forces. Also was to be ensured the
return of all the people in the former places of residence”, – he said.
“In short, these principles are consist of them. Parameters of the
corridor that connects Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia were also part
of those principles. I believe that this option could be adopted. Of
course, it is basic principles. On this basis, should be negotiated
based on which is to be prepared a peace treaty. Of course, when it
is ready to a peace treaty, the final decision to take the people
of Azerbaijan. Updated Madrid principles put forward by the co-chair
countries to continue the negotiations could be taken. Unfortunately,
the Armenian side did not accept these principles, refused them, and
then, in the negotiating process until mid-2010 appeared stagnant. And
then began to put forward new proposals. Sometimes these deals are
negotiated and changed the basic principles of negotiation that we
had in the past seven years”- the Head of the State said.
“So now we face a new situation. Azerbaijan is interested in
constructive negotiations. Azerbaijan has demonstrated its will in
2009 and in early 2010. Has shown once again that the commitment to
peaceful negotiations and these negotiations must lead to a peace
treaty. We are negotiating not just for the sake of negotiations or
for simulating and creating visibility. Here, between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, quite a big difference. Armenia always tries to make the
status quo remain unchanged, aims to show that they were allegedly
involved in the negotiations and demonstrate a constructive approach.
Although they have always tried to disrupt the talks”, – he noted.
President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has clearly demonstrated
its constructiveness. And today, ready to demonstrate, those
principles. All citizens of Azerbaijan have to return to areas that
are now under occupation. After that, peace can be established. After
this, cooperation can be. With regard to the legal status of
Nagorno-Karabakh, in the principles of 2009, it was stated that issue
of the future, and if the parties consent it can be solved. That is,
without the consent of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh can not be any
legal status. “That’s why I have repeatedly said, and today I want to
say again that the separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh granting independence or joining it to Armenia has
never been and never will be the subject of negotiations. Neither
the government of Azerbaijan, nor the people of Azerbaijan will never
accept this”, – Azerbaijani President said.
According to him, listing all of these issues shows the world the
good will of Azerbaijan, which has always demonstrated a constructive
approach in negotiations. At this stage, the whole world pays great
attention to this issue. “Recently I visited European Union. The
visit had great importance to strengthening ties between the EU
and Azerbaijan. Most importantly, this visit was very important to
choose the right directions for future cooperation between the EU
and Azerbaijan. We feel close enough to our positions concerning
the future of joint cooperation, so it should be. Since we intend to
carry out long-term cooperation with the European Union. Therefore,
each question must be marked clearly. Among the issues discussed and
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Messages, phone calls, the leaders of
the co-chairs of the Minsk Group – with all this activity, a positive
atmosphere is extremely inappropriate, absurd, hysterical statements
by the Armenian government has recently acted contrary to the spirit
of the negotiation process. We try not to miss this opportunity. We
are trying at this stage to take steps so that the basic principles
in a short time had been agreed”, – President Aliyev said.
“The President stressed that the Armenian side does the same the other
way around. Recent statements by the Armenian leadership show their
intent. As such, they threaten to Azerbaijan by the war. Savages,
who led a war against us, carried out against the policy of ethnic
cleansing of Azerbaijanis, committed Khojaly genocide, now again
threatened Azerbaijan by the war. Themselves were shaking with fear
before the war and still threaten us with war”, – He stressed.
The Head of State pointed out that perhaps one reason that observed in
recent months, international activity is that the state of Azerbaijan
is a strong state, and the Azeri army is a strong army. Everyone,
including Armenia, wallowing in poverty, living at the expense of
foreign handouts, it is known that Armenia and Azerbaijan are at
disparate levels. “We develop, get stronger, our people are richer,
our country is growing, and they live in poverty. Over the past
six months 70 000 Armenians left the country forever. After 5-10
years there will be less than 1 million Armenians. That is, everyone
understands that the processes are developing in this direction. Grow
financial resources, political power in Azerbaijan, strengthening its
regional position, increasing the army, rising population figures. Our
population is growing, but their – is declining. After 5-10 years, the
number of our population is 11 million, and they – one million people.
Everyone understands what that means. We can decide these paths in
their favor. Therefore, one of the reasons for this activity lies in
the fact that as soon as possible to resolve the issue. We want this.
But, again, based on proposals from the data itself by the Minsk
Group”, – Azerbaijani President said.
“We must think about future plans. Minsk Group should again come to
the region. Now the situation is so. I would like to see and history,
and current status, and, most importantly, the desire of Armenia
again disrupt the peace process were clear to both the Azerbaijani
and world public”, – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.