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Jon Ramberg: We hope that next yearâ€™s presidential election will mark progress on democratization

26 September 2007 08:16 (UTC +04:00)

- How do you appraise the relations between Norway and Azerbaijan in the economy field?
- The most important economic relationship between our two countries is certainly in the petroleum sector. Statoil is the second largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan, with a total investment of in excess of 3 billion USD. Other Norwegian companies are also involved in this sector. The potential for increased cooperation and trade is certainly there. Azerbaijani membership in the World Trade Organization would certainly be helpful in this regard.
- Are you planning to organize the visit of the businessmen of Norway to Azerbaijan?
- No concrete plans, but always on the look-out for opportunities that might arise.
- How do you appraise the democratic situation in Azerbaijan, specifically concerning the human rights situation and freedom of the press?
- Norway strongly supports Azerbaijanâ€™s commitment as a member of the Council of Europe to develop a full democracy based on high human rights standards. We are aware that this is not always an easy road to go and that you have to take into consideration the history of Azerbaijan. We regret the setbacks which occasionally occur, presently in the area of press freedom, which we consider vital to development of a full and vibrant democracy. We sincerely hope that next yearâ€™s presidential election will mark progress, and we stand ready to assist the Government in fulfilling its ambition to integrate more closely with the Euro-Atlantic community on this basis. We would like our relationship to be a sustainable one â€“ beyond the energy age, which will not last forever for any of us. And such a lasting relationship must be based on common values.
- Norway is the member of the many international organizations such as OSCE, UNO, EU. In this connection I would like to know about the position of the Norway side concerning the solution of the Karabakh problem.
- Norway supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, we support the efforts of the Minsk Group of the OSCE to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we welcome the exchange of delegations earlier this year as a first and positive step to relieve tension and recreate trust between the two peoples. /APA/