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Novruz Mammadov: â€œThe continuation of processes as it goes now fades our hopes for peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflictâ€

04 July 2013 12:06 (UTC +04:00)

The Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan told APA that Novruz Mammadov made a speech at the forum “Shaping the Policy Agenda: British-Azerbaijani relations in the context of Europe” in London.

Mammadov noted that during independence years, Azerbaijan has gained important achievements in political, economic, cultural, social and other fields. He said that the economic development is obvious: “In the course of last decade, GDP growth has tripled in Azerbaijan; poverty level dropped from 49% to 6%; unemployment is reduced to 5.2%. The Azerbaijani economy already holds the 46^th place in Global Competitiveness Index. Currently, the Azerbaijani economy ensures 75% of the South Caucasus economy.”

Touching on the relations of bilateral co-operation between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, Novruz Mammadov said that these links are developing further: “It is obvious that one of the largest contracts signed in the end of past century was the Contract of the Century concluded between Azerbaijan and British Petroleum. Dozens of UK companies participate as investors and contractors in various spheres of Azerbaijani economy such as construction, energy, trade, services and other fields. The brightest example of this cooperation is the BP – SOCAR collaboration in the energy field.”

Mammadov said that the most painful problem of Azerbaijan is the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict: “Despite four resolutions of UN Security Council related to the conflict resolution and the fair position taken by other international organizations and institutions, the situation did not change while the threat of war remains still. Unfortunately, representatives of co-chairing countries dealing with the conflict settlement have not obtained any progress so far. It does also have its reasons. I do personally think that the continuation of processes as it goes now fades our hopes for peaceful resolution of the conflict. The statements of co-chairs do not refer to the international law and 4 resolutions on the conflict of UN Security Council. Even, in the latest period of time, statements are often seen as differing from those issues indicated in previous format in the documents of various international organizations 5-6 years ago. This creates a concern with the course of discussions.

Reports of some organizations and governmental institutions allege the violation of democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan. However, nothing is being said about the violation of all rights of more, that one million of refugees and IDPs.”

The official said that multiculturalism in Europe has already started to decline, however,

Azerbaijan lives in the conditions of peace and tolerance of various religions: “Azerbaijan has managed to build an ideal and tolerant society which can be exemplary for all world countries and even for Europe.”

Novruz Mammadov noted that Azerbaijan has some minor problems: “We take it normal to be criticized. Nevertheless, we think that the criticism should not be biased and unfair. Only a fair criticism can serve the cooperation and allow overcoming various threats and challenges.”