BAKU: Azeri leader, British diplomat discuss Karabakh

Azeri leader, British diplomat discuss Karabakh

Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
26 Apr 04

[Presenter] Britain’s special representative in the South Caucasus Sir
Brian Fall and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have discussed the
Karabakh conflict. Ilham Aliyev called on the international community
to be more active in settling the conflict.

[Correspondent, over video of meeting] The international community and
international organizations should do their best to make sure that the
Karabakh conflict is settled as soon as possible and refugees and
displaced persons go back to their homes, President Aliyev said at a
meeting with Sir Brian Fall, Britain’s special representative in the
South Caucasus.

The head of state expressed the hope that the British diplomat would
make his contribution to the development of relations and the
resolution of problems in the region. He said that despite
difficulties, Baku was doing its best to tackle social problems of
refugees and displaced persons. President Aliyev said that the
involvement of British companies in the region’s major energy projects
and the expansion of their activities in Azerbaijan were positive
factors.

Sir Brian Fall, for his part, shared the president’s views, adding
that London appreciates Azerbaijan’s steps in the settlement of the
Karabakh problem. The visitor expressed the hope that the
international community would step up its efforts to settle the
conflict and render humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced
persons.

Mahsati Sarif, for Son Xabar.