NORWAY OFFICIALS VISIT AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan News Service
Aug 31 2005
The official Oslo attaches great significance to issues related to
holding fair and transparent elections in Azerbaijan, the Norway’s
state secretary Kim Trovik stated on 31 August on arrival in Baku,
Trend reports. Kim Trovik noted, the purpose of the visit is
development of the Azerbaijani-Norwegian cooperation, discussion
of regional issues, in particular, the Nagorno-Karabakh problem
settlement and implementation of regional projects. He reminded, the
Norwegian “Statoil” is one of the largest investors into the oil and
gas sector of Azerbaijan, voicing the hope, that bilateral economic
relations will develop also in future. As for the Norway’s stance on
the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Trovik noted,
the official Oslo attaches great significance to issues, related to
holding parliamentary elections in conformity with the international
standards. Commenting on the position of the Norwegian government on
the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Minister noted,
“Norway supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk group and stands for
continuation of peace talks”. “The official Oslo is rather optimistic
and hopes, the meetings of Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will
bring positive results in the end”, the Minister underscored.
“Holding democratic elections is one of the commitments assumed by
Baku for the Council of Europe and other international organizations.
Undoubtedly, results of the voting are the sovereign choice of the
people of Azerbaijan. However, we stand for all candidates to create
equal conditions”, Trovik said, reminding, 6 short-term and 3 long-term
observers will be involved in the monitoring of the elections. Touching
upon the issue of implementation of the project for supporting the
South Caucasus states, performed by the Norwegian government together
with UNDP, the diplomat noted, that within the project Azerbaijan,
Armenia and Georgia will be allocated totally 10 million of USD
till the end of 2007. “One third of this amount will be given to
Azerbaijan”, Trovik noted, adding thanks to development of cooperation
between Oslo and Baku large investments were made in the Azerbaijan’s
economy. “For today, the government of Norway elaborates a number of
new joint projects in regard to Azerbaijan”, the state secretary said,
noting that joint cooperation presupposes implementation of programs
in the development of democratic institution, energy projects, as well
as measures on support of refugees and internally displaced persons.