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Ambassador Arif Mammadov: Azerbaijan should participate in all programs of the PACE

01 February 2007 13:21 (UTC +04:00)

- What are the differences and similarities in the working principles of European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CE)?
- The main difference between the EU and CE for Azerbaijan is that we are the member of the CE, but not the EU. Of course, the EU is a unity of mighty states both from economic and political points of view. EUR100bn budget organization has great financial potential and its opportunities are broad. The EU is not an international organization but a union of states assumed any national authorities entrusted to the EU. The CE is an international organization and the problems on human rights and democracy are attached special importance. We always express our opinion as a member of this organization. The EU Neighborhood Policy program includes, for example, packet of finances, projects and programs of economic character. Azerbaijani president during his visit to Belgium and the EU said that compared with previous 10 years, Azerbaijan does not need financial aid and humanitarian programs. We are a mighty state from economic point of view, and our need is mainly connected with democratic development of our society. I think that the CEâ€™s role in this field is very important. Even if a country is strong and rich from economic point of view, it will be weak in case democratic civil society is not established. Therefore the CEâ€™s activity, role and our work is very important in this sphere. Besides, EU-CE partnership in this field is very important for us.
- As a diplomat working in Europe for a long time, do you think it is possible to coordinate European values and values of Azerbaijan?
- I was in contact with the EU for a long time, and it made influence on my outlook and other matters. For example, Armenian ambassador has again exaggerated the problem of Armenian genocide recently. I said we should look forward. The nation that quotes to the past, remains in the past, the nation that sees the future, looks forward to the future will always move forward. I told them that they touch upon the problems happened at the beginning of the XX century, and who will speak about the happenings of the end of XX century. To know literature and quote to history is good, but to live with obscure past, will do no good to a man, or to the state. We should think only about the future. Europe suggests it. Europe suggests that we should establish strong, mighty, democratic society by peace. We should develop and think about strengthening our societies and countries. I think that the society where democratic principles develop more will be powerful from economic point of view. The stronger our democracy and economy are, the more important Azerbaijan nation will be. Azerbaijani president always says that we are ready to give authority to ethnic Armenians and create conditions for their economic development as Azerbaijani citizens. Azerbaijan is ready to contribute more-than-its-budget to the development of Nagorno Karabakh. Our citizens living there should know that to live within Azerbaijani borders and government, to be Azerbaijani citizen, to develop in democratic Azerbaijani society means the development of their future generation.
- What kind of innovations do you expect from Azerbaijan and CE relations?
- I think we should join discussions covering all issues. If we pursue this policy the interest to our country will increase in European countries. That is, it is important not to waste our opportunity, our active participation in the discussions of issues on international problems, energy, human rights is very important not only for Azerbaijan but also for Caucasus region. The role of member countries strengthen in CE and it consider that EU is not satisfied with it in some points. The weight of Russia, as well as other countries in CE increase, pressure mechanisms expands; strong politicians and diplomats are involved to this issue. You know that EU has passed decision on establishment of Fundamental Laws Agency. It is stated that this agency will not hamper the activity of EC and European court of human rights. But this is only statements; I think that EU wants to establish the agency to discuss its issues only by means of this institution. If we take into consideration the work of the EC in various counties, it is possible to say that the goal of this agency is to limit all of these. The weekly budget of EU equals in annual budget of CE, and then it is doubtless that these problems will appear. Against the background of these processes, we should show positive sides of Azerbaijan, represent ourselves as close country to European values, and every-one should see that Azerbaijan made proposals that can be understood and admitted in European level. The economy and establishment of civil society should develop in parallel. We should actively partake in all programs of EC. It is important to implement it not only in Baku, but also in all regions. Europe has a great experience in the above mentioned fields and we have no alternative. Everything begins with mentality; we should accelerate adaptation to European mentality. It should not be only state policy; generally, different programs should be implemented in the society. These programs are pushes for the development of the society. For example letâ€™s take the education of our students in foreign countries. Azerbaijani presidentâ€™s decree on education of students abroad is one of the great steps in this sphere. From this point of view I consider that we should not be satisfied with 36%-economic growth, should step forward for the adaptation to European standards. As you get acquainted with the documents signed with CE, you understand that these documents bear great importance for Azerbaijan. We should look for the ways how to implement these documents. /APA/