AzerTag, Azerbaijan
May 3 2005
US SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN
[May 03, 2005, 11:18:26]
As it was already informed, on April 29, Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov took part in the 3rd conference of
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs on democratic society in Chile.
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan has addressed the Conference where 75
countries have been represented. In the report, he has noted that
transition to democracy in Azerbaijan and adherence to the common
values is a process, which not only opens opportunities for democratic
development, but also promotes serious challenges.
Mr. Mammadyarov has brought to attention of the participants of
conference that the Republic of Azerbaijan undertakes systematic and
purposeful steps for achievement of further progress in the field
of strengthening of democratic stability by means of independence
of courts, development of political culture and education, support
of civil society, increase of the responsibility and transparency in
society which serve protection of human rights.
As to regional cooperation, the Minister has expressed confidence that
expansion of cooperation among the GUUAM states, and also support of
efforts in this direction at the international level would stimulate
development of democratic processes in the mentioned countries,
and serve safety and stability in region.
Having touched the frozen conflicts existing in three states of GUUAM,
Elmar Mammadyarov has especially noted that infringement of territorial
integrity of these states threatens stability of region as a whole,
impedes realization of transport projects of global value.
The Minister also has emphasized that uncertainty in conflicts hampers
full-scale democratic establishment and have negative influence on
integration processes occurring now in Europe.
Informing participants of the Conference about the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Elmar Mammadyarov has noted that application
of force is not only infringement of the rules of behavior adopted
at the international level, but also ignoring of democratic norms
and principles as a whole.
Having emphasized that the respect for human rights serves as the
major criterion of democracy, the Minister has noted importance
of connection of uncontrollable territories to the states to which
they belong, restoration of the rights of refugees and internally
displaced people as a result of joint efforts of the states and the
international organizations, which have taken on intermediary mission.
Finally, as a result of statement of the representative of the
Azerbaijan concerning frozen conflicts, the final document has been
added one more item. It has been marked that with a view of overcoming
threat for democracy, the democratic society together with the regional
organizations should coordinate the common diplomatic strategy, show
special activity in the name of acceleration of the bilateral and
multilateral efforts directed on peaceful settlement of the heavy
and frozen conflicts in the world.
The same day, minister Elmar Mammadyarov within the framework of
Conference has met the state secretary the US Mrs. Condoleezza Rice and
had exchange of views on questions of the further development of the
American – Azerbaijani relations and strengthening of cooperation. Also
was discussed the question of visit of the USA high-ranking delegation
which will arrive to Azerbaijan for participation in opening ceremony
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan MEP forthcoming on May 25, and cooperation
in power sector.
During the meeting, minister Elmar Mammadyarov has invited Mrs.
Condoleeza Rice to visit Azerbaijan. The USA Secretary of State has
accepted the invitation.
On May 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov has come
back home.