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International conference â€œFor democracy and stability: new opportunities of cooperationâ€ takes place in Azerbaijan

07 May 2008 08:43 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that the representatives of about 30 states are attending the conference devoted to the 85th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev. At the outset of the conference, head of Presidential Executive Office Ramiz Mehdiyev read President Ilham Aliyevâ€™s letter of congratulation to the participants. The letter says that democratic norms and principles being essential part of human values comply both with Azerbaijanâ€™s historical traditions and current socio-political situation basing on tolerance and civil society establishment. Owing to this, Azerbaijan achieved to create special model of social life and also national unity and high dynamic development.
â€œOur country demonstrates the highest economic growth rate for four years running. Now Azerbaijan is considered one of the most reliable partners in ensuring international energy security. In this respect, I think it is not accidental that the international conference â€œFor democracy and stability: new opportunities of cooperationâ€ with participation of the representatives of 30 states takes place in Baku. The conference is devoted to the 85th anniversary of Azerbaijanâ€™s national leader Heydar Aliyev and so, it takes on special significance. Republic of Azerbaijan chose way of democratic development and took serious steps for establishing civil society during Heydar Aliyevâ€™s presidency. He made serious efforts to eliminate violation of Armenia peacefully, liberate 20% territory of Azerbaijan, return more than one million refugees and IDPs to their motherland and establish strong peace in South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has contributed to establishment of new cooperation in the world carrying out large-scale transnational energy and transport projects on the initiative of Heydar Aliyev,â€ the letter says.
Otto Hauser, former Secretary General of Federal Republic of Germany, chairman of Azerbaijan-Germany Forum chaired first session of the conference. Hauser noted that Azerbaijan played a great role in European energy security. Stability is important in Azerbaijan. Chairman stated that Armenian has occupied 20% territory of Azerbaijan.
â€œWe call Europe and the US to prevent violation of such international law,â€ he said.
Susan Turnbull, Vice Chair of Democratic National Committee made a report on democracy in transitional societies. She said that development of democracy needs a long time and free election, independent press and court should be for it.
â€œMethinks, media is free in Azerbaijan. We hope that elections will be held democratically,â€ she said. Terri Mariani, member of French National Assembly made a report on new opportunities of cooperation and role of political parties. Conference continues.