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Greek Ambassador to Azerbaijan: â€œWe support Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity and negotiations within OSCE Minsk Groupâ€

11 April 2008 10:29 (UTC +04:00)

-President of Azerbaijan is planning to visit Greece this year. Visit of the Greek Parliamentâ€™s Speaker to Azerbaijan is also on the agenda. Do you have information about the dates of these visits?
-Regarding to the visit of Azerbaijani President to Greece, I can say that Greek side has suggested realizing it in the middle of November this year. I know that the Speaker of Greek Parliament has accepted the invitation to visit Azerbaijan. Exact dates of the visits will be made public after the mutual agreements on that.
-Which positive impact does Ilham Aliyevâ€™s visit have on the development of bilateral relations?
-Official visits are always important for the bilateral relations between the countries. Documents signed as a result of these visits promote intensifying of bilateral ties. I think Ilham Aliyevâ€™s upcoming visit will also contribute to further development of both political and economic relations between Greece and Azerbaijan.
-Can we say that Greek-Azerbaijani relations are in the period of high development?
-Political relations between Greece and Azerbaijan are quite enough higher. Greece supports Azerbaijanâ€™s integration into the European institutions. We are continuing to support Azerbaijan in the Council of Europe too. Both countries are closely cooperating within the regional organizations like Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Unfortunately, the level of economic relations does not meet the existing potential and we have to work in this direction. Greek Minister of Economic Development K. Foliasâ€™s visit to Azerbaijan last month was a serious step toward this. Speaking figuratively, doors are open for the mutual useful cooperation. Our cooperation has not to be restricted by the energy sector only. The development of trade and restored energy fields are also included in our plans. Establishing of the Business Council will also make our countries closer.
-In which phase is the establishing process of the council?
-This idea was put forward by the Minister of Economic Development of Greece K. Folias in Baku and it is in the phase of negotiations now. Azerbaijani Ministry of Economic Development is working on this issue. The discussions are going on and I have no details about the present phase. I only know that the Greek side has submitted to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economic Development analogical projects signed with other countries. Azerbaijani officials are studying these documents and I hope they will give appropriate respond in the near future.
-There are not many Greek companies in Azerbaijan. How do you explain it?
I take this fact into account talking about the economic relations. One of the reasons is that Azerbaijan is not known in Greece well. It has reasons. For example, Azerbaijani Embassy in Greece was opened in 2004. It is not much period to inform Greeks about Azerbaijan. Greek businessmen invest capital in the countries, which they know well. For example, Near East and Middle East, as well as Balkan States. I think that if Greek businessmen have much information about Azerbaijan, they will invest capital in Azerbaijan.
-Greece has supported Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. What about Athensâ€™ position on the conflict at present?
Our position is clear and we have stated it several times. We support Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity and negotiations process within the framework of OSCE MG. We support negotiations on the level of the Presidents. Greece supports peaceful solution to the conflict.
-How do you evaluate discussion of this issue in the international organizations, including UN?
Azerbaijan is an independent country and it can raise its problem in the UN. I have not right to say something about Azerbaijanâ€™s foreign policy. I think that Azerbaijan has right to pursue independent foreign policy as a sovereign country.
-How will be the solution to the conflict within the framework of UN, EU in comparison with OSCE?
I can only say that this is in the capasity of Azerbaijani government. Azerbaijan has its position on it and the problem will be solved in accordance with its position. I cannot say about the ways of solution to the conflict on behalf of Azerbaijan.
-How was Greeceâ€™s position on the resolution on Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan in UN General Assembly?
Greeceâ€™s position on this issue was neutral as 26 countries of EU, except France. I want to touch upon several technical factors, whilst speaking about this issue. EU countries form common position before consideration of such issues within the framework of international organizations. Greeceâ€™s position was neutral in accordance with common position of EU countries.