Azeri pundits say no backlash if Kerry wins US election

Ekho, Baku
2 Nov 04

Today, on 2 November, an event closely watched by the whole world and
described as a “battle over the White House” is taking place in the
USA. Two candidates – republican George Bush and democrat John Kerry –
are vying for the sympathy of the electorate. And while John Kerry
enjoys the support of the Armenian diaspora, George Bush can count on
the votes of American citizens of Turkish and Azerbaijanis descent.

Opinion polls show that a significant part of the Azerbaijani
population supports the incumbent US president. The position of the
Azerbaijani diaspora of the USA is the same. Its representatives are
actively campaigning in favour of Bush and have even opened web
sites. For instance, is an independent web
site set up by the US Azerbaijanis. Its organizers stress that it is
not linked to either of the candidates. The Azerbaijani diaspora
explains its position by the fact that Bush supports Azerbaijan and
the White House appreciates Azerbaijan’s contribution to the war on
terror.

“The Bush administration supports Azerbaijan’s ambition to integrate
into Euro-Atlantic organizations,” the founders of the web site
said. The site also praised Bush’s role in the construction of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and in the suspension of sanctions
imposed against Azerbaijan under pressure from the Armenian lobby in
1992. At the same time, Senator Kerry was an active supporter of the
pro-Armenian Section 907 [which banned US government assistance to
Azerbaijan].

[Passage omitted: background information about the candidates’ going
on a campaign trail]

A specialist in election processes, Fuad Agayev, does not think that
the election of Kerry would be catastrophic for Azerbaijan. “Because
the USA is an established democracy. A change of president is not as
palpable there as in Azerbaijan, Russia or Ukraine. America has a
developed political system, therefore, it would be wrong to think that
the support of one candidate by the diaspora might anger the other
candidate. The USA is not a country where the change of the head of
state entails the replacement of all key officials. So I don’t expect
any serious negative action on the part of Kerry if he wins the
election,” Agayev said.

The head of the Azerbaijani Euro-Atlantic Centre, Asim Mollazada,
explains the Azerbaijani support for Bush by the absent security
system in our region. The Azerbaijanis appreciate Bush’s policy which
is primarily aimed at protecting the national security interests of
his own country.

[Passage omitted: repetition]

Mollazada does not think that “there will be any major changes in
US-Azerbaijani relations if Kerry wins the election”. “Because there
are state mechanisms in the USA for protecting the interests of
America first of all. Since the strategic interests of the two
countries overlap, I don’t think any US president will pursue an
anti-Azerbaijani policy. Though as a person more aware of the South
Caucasus problems, Bush is more preferable to us,” Mollazada added.

Armenian defence minister, visiting Russian army general praise ties

Arminfo
1 Nov 04

YEREVAN

The secretary of the security council under the Armenian president,
Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, held a meeting today with the
commander of the North Caucasus Military District, Army Gen Aleksandr
Baranov. Also attending the meeting was the Russian ambassador to
Armenia, Anatoliy Dryukov.

The press secretary of the Armenian defence minister, Seyran
Shakhsuvaryan, has told Arminfo that the Armenian defence minister
expressed his satisfaction with the visit and said there were no
problems in terms of combat readiness and that different joint
military exercises and coordinated daily activities were being held.

Gen Baranov, for his part, said that being a person who had served in
the Fourth Army of the USSR Armed Forces for seven years he was very
well familiar with the region and could say with confidence that the
attitude of the local population towards Russian servicemen had always
been kind.

“I am sure that this warmth between our peoples will be eternal not
only in the military but also in other spheres,” the Russian general
added.

The sides confirmed that Russian-Armenian military, economic, cultural
and other relations were at a qualitatively new level now and that
they were based on traditional friendship and mutually beneficial
cooperation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkey ponders ‘day after’

Turkish Daily News
Nov 01, 2004

ANKARA – Turkey’s relations with the United States are not expected to
go through a drastic change after the Nov. 2 presidential election
since both candidates hold similar positions on most foreign policy
issues, although Washington’s stance on Iraq and an alleged Armenian
genocide might be different than the one currently held in the event
the Democratic candidate wins.

President George W. Bush, who is running for a second term, has
avoided using the word “genocide” in traditional April 24 messages,
the anniversary of the alleged genocide. Democratic candidate John
Kerry, on the other hand, has pledged in speeches throughout his
election campaign to recognize the allegations.

Turkey has so far demonstrated little concern that Kerry would endorse
the allegations if elected, given the fact that U.S. presidents, even
those who had pledged to recognize the allegations of a genocide
before coming to power, have so far valued good relations with Turkey
above domestic political gains.

But some observers say with Kerry as president, the United States
might revise its policy concerning the alleged genocide, though a
number of others argue that there is little reason why the traditional
U.S. policy on the issue should change.

In the past, a bill calling for recognition of the alleged genocide
was shelved at the last minute in the U.S. House of Representatives
after then President Bill Clinton intervened.

Armenians claim that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed at the
hands of the late Ottoman Empire in the last century as part of a
genocide campaign. Turkey categorically denies the genocide
allegations, saying the killings came when the Ottoman Empire was
trying to quell civil unrest during the World War I years.

Iraq uncertainty

One of the most sensitive issues involving Turkey-U.S. ties is the
future of Iraq. Turkey is concerned about the presence of the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the mountains of northern Iraq and
the prospects of stronger political influence exercised by the Kurds
in the north. Turkish concerns have grown, particularly in recent
months, over Kurdish attempts to control the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.

Ankara is also pressing the United States to take action to eliminate
the PKK. Washington has pledged that there will be no place for
terrorists in Iraq but, given the huge task of dealing with an
insurgency in other parts of the country, has avoided using military
means.

The chief elements of Bush’s Iraq policy are the protection of Iraq’s
territorial integrity, the establishment of a federal regime in Iraq
and broad autonomy for Iraqi Kurds in the north.

Parliamentary elections in Iraq are slated for January. The Bush
administration has presented no timetable for withdrawal from Iraq but
has said instead the pullout would take place after the mission there
was completed.

Kerry, if elected, is expected to push for more international
participation to put things right in Iraq. Observer say Iraqi Kurds
expect Kerry to be more flexible as compared to Bush on the issue of
an autonomy for Kurds. Kerry’s position concerning the PKK presence in
Iraq is not yet certain.

EU support set to continue

Washington’s traditional support for Turkey’s bid to join the EU is
expected to remain same with both candidates. Bush has been a strong
supporter of Turkish membership throughout his term as president and
is expected to maintain his support if re-elected. According to
political observers, Kerry is no different from Bush in that sense.

Both Bush and Kerry are also expected to support Turkey’s relations
with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

As for Cyprus, the Bush administration is likely to come up with a new
undertaking for settlement in the island if it returns to office after
the election. Kerry, however, has made no clear statement on his
position on the Cyprus issue.

The U.S. administration has pledged to help end the international
isolation of the Turkish Cypriots but has not yet taken any concrete
steps in that direction.

IRAN’S CAR EXPORTS UP 2.6-FOLD IN FIRST HALF

Asia Pulse
Nov 02, 2004

TEHRAN, Nov 2 Asia Pulse – Car exports increased 2.6-fold in terms of
value during the first six months of the current Iranian year 1383
(started March 20, 2004) to reach US$35.6 million, the
English-language `Iran Daily` wrote on Monday.

According to the daily, a total of US$86.6 million worth of cars and
auto parts were exported from the country during the period, the
figure showing an increase of 110 per cent compared to the
corresponding figure in the same period last year.

Exports of heavy vehicles also earned the country some US$26 million
during the period including exports of 4,296 tons of tires and tubes
valued at US$5.4 million. Tire exports were up 40 per cent in terms of
value during the March-September period.

The Iranian auto-manufacturing group Saipa exported 4,300 cars in the
first seven months of the year, this figure showing a 170 per cent
increase compared with the corresponding figure in the previous
year. The company topped the list of top Iranian car exporters with
its earnings of about US$21 million, showing an increase of 175 per
cent compared with earnings in the same period of the previous year.

Syria was the main customer of Saipa products with about 12,000 Pride
cars plying on that country`s streets. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and
Armenia were other Saipa customers. The Iranian car manufacturing
group exported 1,432 and 4,219 sedans in 2002 and 2003 respectively

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Russia critical of examination of Karabakh conflict in UN

ITAR-TASS news agency
2 Nov 04

MOSCOW

Russia has abstained [in a vote] on including the issue of the
“Situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan” in the schedule
of the day for the UN General Assembly session.

Moscow thinks the “initiative to examine the given question in the UN
General Assembly in parallel with the OSCE can hardly have a positive
effect on the negotiation process in the Nagornyy Karabakh
settlement”, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The results of the
vote, the Foreign Ministry said, “proves the majority of the members
of the world community take a similar position”.

Russia “is interested in the quickest solution to the Karabakh issue
and will aid this in every way, whether it is on a bilateral level or
in its capacity as the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group “. Moscow
thinks that “the format of the said group means that any problem in
the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict can be solved and progress can be
guaranteed in the attainment of peace”.

“The recent meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia
showed prospects for renewed negotiations to find an acceptable
solution for both sides,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The UN General Assembly came out in favour of including the issue of
the “Situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan” in the order
of the day of today’s 59th session. Forty-two delegates voted in
favour of Azerbaijan’s request, two voted against and 99 states
abstained, including Russia.

Russia sees no point in UN considering the Karabakh problem – ministry

ITAR-TASS news agency
1 Nov 04

MOSCOW

The initiative to consider, in parallel with the OSCE, the issue of a
Nagornyy Karabakh settlement at a session of the UN General Assembly
“can hardly have a favourable effect on the talks process”.

This was stated today in the Russian Foreign Ministry in a comment on
Russia’s position on the issue of including in the session’s agenda
the item “the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan”.

“Russia abstained during the voting, just like other co-chairmen of
the OSCE Minsk Group,” it was noted on Smolenskaya Ploshchad [Square,
location of Foreign Ministry]. “The results of the voting show that a
similar position is adhered to by the majority of the members of the
world community.”

“Russia is interested in a most rapid resolution of the Nagornyy
Karabakh problem and is promoting this in every way, be it on a
bilateral basis or as co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group,” it was
stressed in the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“The format of this group makes it possible to resolve any problems
connected with the conflict and to ensure progress in achieving
peace,” the ministry is convinced.

According to the Foreign Ministry, “apart from that, the recent
meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia established
prospects for resuming talks to find a mutually acceptable solution”.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

[02-11-2004 ‘Azerbaijan-Turkey’]
————————————————- ———————
THERE IS A COUNTRY NEARBY
Source : “Yeni Safak” newspaper (Turkey)
Author: M. Karaalioglu

The power of the country is determined not only by the values within
the country. There is an enormous world beyond its borders. Finally,
it is difficult and even inappropriate to be confident in one’s
security and welfare unless you are unable to show your worth beyond
your country. In this sense, Turkey is not a superpower and cannot
reach superiority in the region because of its economic potential.
However, from the angle of political and economic possibilities around
the region, it is evident that historically Turkey is endowed by the
higher powers with the influence no less than the opportunities of
superpowers. The countries whose population speaks the same language
and professes Islam, is a most favorable action ground for Turkey.

Naturally, these countries have similar opportunities.

Thus, for Turkey Azerbaijan is an important political and economic
territory, and the possibilities of Turkey are a gate to a larger
world for Azerbaijan to be used for no return. In the streets,
restaurants and houses – everywhere the Turkish influence is
evident. The singers listened, TV channels watched, the goods in the
shops are all from Turkey… Being in Baku it is easier to understand
the reason of Azerbaijani sympathy for Turkey.

By the end of the last week, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of Ilham Aliev presidency, we participated in several events in
Baku. Among the participants were experts from various countries, from
Bulgaria to Russia: from Turkey – a lecturer of Istanbul University
Irfan Chiftchi, Avni Ozgurel from `Radical’ newspaper, Ibrahim Kiras
from `Gerchek Hayat’. In the course of the meetings, the results of a
large-scale social survey on the first year of Aliev’s presidency were
presented and discussed.

The significance of this research is not so much in the results as in
the fact that such work is implemented in Azerbaijan for the first
time – the state pays attention to the demands, complaints and
political views of the people for the first time ever. This is a
promising start for Azerbaijan.

The research shows that Azerbaijani people aspires to stability,
welfare and freedom and therefore, the trust for President,
Parliament, press and other main institutions is very high, which may
be compared with the indicators of Western democracies.

This step testifies to the possibility of serious achievements on the
way to democracy. The demand for it is also present…

Democracy, meeting international standards, is the most suitable
regime for Azerbaijan, whose population is distinguished by a high
level of development, possessing vast cultural legacy, especially in
the sphere of music and art. It is easier to develop democratic
institutions in the country populated by democratic and peaceful
people.

Doubtlessly, the fact that a part of the territory is still under
Armenian control makes the conditions of this country specific,
however all democratic initiatives give Baku advantage in regional
politics. In particular, on the background of Armenia, closed and
isolated, democratization will open more opportunities for Azerbaijan.

We should not forget that Turkey gained power and influence in the
region not due to the population and economy but democracy. Azerbaijan
also has this potential; it may become an example for democracy in the
region. If the new president Aliev adequately uses this potential, it
will stand the country in good stead. For this breakthrough, achieved
by non-Turkic republics as well, Azerbaijan has a favorable ground.

In essence, we understand that Aliev understood it. The atmosphere in
the country testifies to the fact that Ilham Aliev prepares ground for
such a breakthrough, creating a model of a more democratic
country. The democratic breakthrough of Azerbaijan in its significance
may be equivalent to the liberation from the Soviet captivity.

[29-10-2004 ‘Azerbaijan-Turkey’]
———————————————————————-
AGREED!
Source : “Echo” newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: F. Rizaeva

Turkish Saka-Korkmaz company and Azerbaijani government finally come
to an agreement

The joint memorandum between the Azerbaijani government and Turkish
private Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama company, concerning payment by the
Azerbaijani company of the debt in 1992-1993 on investments of the
Turkish company in Gyanja spinning factory, was signed in Istanbul
yesterday. President of Saka-Korkmaz Pazarlama, Firudin Korkmaz
informed `Echo’ yesterday.

“By the end of this week the Azerbaijani side will pay the Turkish
company 5 million dollars in several transfers”, F. Korkmaz said. He
stated that from the Azerbaijani side, plenipotentiary representatives
of Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture and AZAL state company signed
the joint memorandum. Consul General of Azerbaijan in Istanbul,
Ibrahim Nabioglu also signed the document. From the Turkish side, the
document was signed by F. Korkmaz himself. “Immediately after the
payment of the debt by the Azerbaijani side, the Azerbaijani
transportation means detained in Turkish ports will be set free’,
F. Korkmaz stated.

As Azerbaijani government reported, the money will be paid from the
Azerbaijani reserve fund in compliance with the special decision of
the Cabinet of Ministers. “The Turkish side demanded payment of over 9
million dollars, although the Ministry of Agriculture had a debt of
about 3 million dollars. In the course of negotiations, it was agreed
to pay 5 million dollars. We hold that the document fully meets the
interests of the Azerbaijani side. This agreement resolves the debt
problem; neither of the sides will ever refer to this incident”,
according to a source in the government of the Republic.

We will note that earlier the Azerbaijani side already paid the
Turkish company 871 thousand dollars to cover the debt, therefore
4,129 million dollars need to be transferred for the present. As ANS
reported, the payment will be made through International Bank of
Azerbaijan.

In its turn, the government source emphasized that the suits of state
companies KASPAR and AZAL versus Saka-Korkmaz will be withdrawn. As a
reminder, Azal and KASPAR estimated the moral damage at 10 million
dollars (5 million dollars per each) and property damage – at 578000
and 3424680 dollars respectively. The suits of the state companies are
considered by the Commercial Court of Azerbaijan. `The companies are
state-owned, and if the government of the country makes a decision on
withdrawal of the suits, it will be implemented”, the government
representative stated.

[29-10-2004 ‘Karabagh Conflict’]
———————————————————————-
BAKU MADE CERTAIN ACHIEVEMENTS ON KARABAGH ISSUE IN UN
Source : “Azg” newspaper (Armenia)
Author: Tatul Hakobian

OSCE Minsk Group does not welcome the initiative of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan makes consecutive attempts to distract the attention of
international community from the essence of Karabagh conflict
settlement – MKR status. This time, Azerbaijan used a new tribune for
this purpose -UN.

On October 27, General Commission of UN General Assembly made a
recommendation: to include the issue of the `situation on the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan’ in the agenda of 59th session. On
Azerbaijani initiative, 9 out of 28 countries voted `for’ the issue
included in the agenda of the Commission, 14 abstained, none of them
voted `against’ and 5 more countries did not take part in voting. In
particular, `pros’ were Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia. The
issue of the `situation on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan’
entered the agenda of the General Commission of UN General Assembly
based on the letter previously disseminated by the permanent
representative of Azerbaijan in UN. The letter reads, in particular,
that despite the fact that Karabagh problem settlement is the
competence of OSCE Minsk Group, the Co-chairmen did not succeed. At
the same time, Azerbaijani Ambassador to UN thought it necessary to
remind that strange things happen on the occupied territories around
Mountainous Karabagh, in particular illegal resettlement is underway
for artificial changing of the demographic situation in these regions.

Prior to the approval of the Azerbaijani initiative, RA MFA press
secretary Hamlet Gasparian said that Azerbaijan always insists on
alleged resettlements and brings similar accusations. `Armenian side
has always refuted these statements and invited the representatives of
international community to make sure the statements are groundless
right on the spot. As a rule, Azerbaijan itself blocks our proposals
in the international organizations. We state once again that there is
no state policy of resettlement’. Mr. Gasparian also noted that `on
these territories there are occasional migrants – refugees from
Shahumian and Getashen districts’. `We repeatedly stated and once
again assert that separate issues, raised by Azerbaijan from the
entire package of debates concerning the Mountainous Karabagh status
and submitted to the attention of international community, should be
considered directly with Mountainous Karabagh. We hold that the recent
initiative of Azerbaijan in UN does not concern us’, Mr. Gasparian
noted. Yesterday, after it became clear that Azerbaijani initiative
in UN was a success, RA MFA disseminated another statement, `Indeed,
on the initiative of Azerbaijan, the General Commission of UN General
Assembly passed a resolution – to include the issue of the `situation
on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan in the agenda of 59th
session. This step by Azerbaijan is viewed by us as another attempt to
distract the attention of the international community from the main
issue of Karabagh settlement – Mountainous Karabagh status’.

Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs thought it necessary to state
that representative of France in his speech on behalf of the OSCE
Minsk Group stated that UN General Assembly session is not a forum for
raising such issues.

The representative of France on behalf of Russia and USA noted in his
speech that putting the issue on the agenda of UN General Assembly
session may have negative consequences, particularly hampering the
peaceful settlement of Karabagh problem. Representative of France
noted also that UN General Assembly 59th session is not a suitable
tribune for debates.

Ambassador of Armenia to UN, Armen Martirosian reminded in his speech
that former autonomous region of Mountainous Karabagh was populated
and now is also populated by Armenians. Martirosian stated that the
territory around MKR passed under the control of Karabagh Armenians as
a result of war waged by Azerbaijan. Martirosian noted that on the
territories under the control of Karabagh forces there are no
settlements beyond Karabagh territory, and Armenia does not conduct
policy of resettlement on these territories.

Irrespective of the explanation given by official Yerevan, it is
evident that Azerbaijan succeeds in separating certain details from
the Karabagh issue and organizing discussions in reputable
international organizations around these issues. The resolutions of
UN general Assembly are not binding but are important from the
political and propaganda aspects. We will also add that UN Security
Council adopted 4 resolutions on Karabagh issue in 1993 and after
Ilham Aliev’s coming to power, Baku makes regular attempts to put
these resolutions in force.

—
Yerevan Press Club of Armenia, ‘Yeni Nesil’ Journalists’ Union of
Azerbaijan and Association of Diplomacy Correspondents of Turkey
present ‘Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkey: Journalist Initiative-2002’
Project. As a part of the project web site has
been designed, featuring the most interesting publications from the
press of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on issues of mutual
concern. The latest updates on the site are weekly delivered to the
subscribers.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION NEEDS TOILETS TO CHANGE POWER

Aravot, Yerevan
2 Nov 04

At his recent press conference, the head of the political council of
the Republic (Anrapetutyun) Party, MP Albert Bazeyan, announced:
“Certain social issues need to be resolved before we organize mass
protest rallies.”

“People cannot be expected to spend three to four days in the streets
if the necessary conditions are not there. They must be provided with
food and water and some other problems need to be solved. For example,
there are no public conveniences for them to use in Yerevan today. To
solve these problems we need money which the opposition has not got,”
(he said).

NKR FM SAYS BAKU’S MOVE TO DEBATE KARABAKH IN UN NOT GENUINE

Mediamax news agency
2 Nov 04

YEREVAN

The foreign minister of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic (NKR), Ashot
Gulyan, said in Stepanakert today that Azerbaijan’s initiative to
discuss “The status of occupied territories in Azerbaijan” at the UN
General Assembly “is fully within the Azerbaijani policy which is
aimed at diverting the attention of the international community from
the core of the Karabakh problem by means of propagandistic tricks”.

Ashot Gulyan said that “Azerbaijan knows perfectly well that these
territories are under the control of the Karabakh forces, and Armenia
has nothing to do with them”, Mediamax’s correspondent reports from
Stepanakert.

(Passage omitted: Azerbaijan has brought many accusations against
Karabakh for many years)

The NKR foreign minister confirmed Nagornyy Karabakh’s readiness to
discuss with Azerbaijan any complex issues, including those regarding
the territories.

At the same time, he pointed out that “Baku has always avoided such
discussions and is trying to wrest from the whole package only those
issues which meet its own interests to form an impression that it is
extremely interested in promoting the settlement process”.

Ashot Gulyan stressed that the shortest way to settle the conflict was
the resumption of the negotiating process in the full format with the
participation of Nagornyy Karabakh as a full party to the talks.

ESTONIAN MP VOWS KARABAKH ISSUE TO BE PUT ON EU AGENDA – AZERI TV

ANS TV, Baku
1 Nov 04

(Presenter) A delegation led by the chairman of the foreign relations
committee of the Estonian parliament, Marko Mihkelson, is in Baku. The
chairman of the Milli Maclis (Azerbaijani parliament), Murtuz
Alasgarov, received him today. The main topics of discussion were
bilateral relations, as well as the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. The
Estonian MP made a promise at the end: to put the Karabakh problem on
the agenda of the European Union.

(Correspondent, over video of the meeting) At a meeting with the
chairman of the foreign relations committee of the Estonian parliament
and the head of the (Estonian) parliament’s delegation to the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PA CE), Marko
Mihkelson, the chairman of the Milli Maclis, Murtuz Alasgarov, said
that more than a fifth of Azerbaijan’s territories has been occupied,
over a million people are living as refugees and displaced persons and
those driven out of their land have now been living in more than 60
districts. The parliament speaker also told the visitors that the
aggressor state of Armenia had been defying the resolutions issued by
the UN and other international organizations.

(Murtuz Alasgarov, captioned, shown speaking at the meeting) The
Council of Europe has adopted a document saying that Armenia is an
aggressor state, and a report on the Karabakh issue will be heard by
the Council of Europe late November this year. I would like to tell
you that Armenia brings its radioactive waste from the Metsamor
nuclear power station into Azerbaijan and buries it in Nagornyy
Karabakh.

(Correspondent) Murtuz Alasgarov said that there should be no
concessions to terrorism and separatism and the culprits should be
punished and stressed that Azerbaijan does not intend to yield even an
inch of its land to anybody. The chairman of the foreign relations
committee of the Estonian parliament and the head of the parliament’s
delegation to the PA CE, Marko Mihkelson, said that his country was in
favour of a fair solution to the conflict and would continue
supporting Azerbaijan’s position.

(Mihkelson, speaking in English with Azeri voice-over) We have also
visited Armenia and Georgia. Now, we are in Azerbaijan. The purpose of
our visit is to study the South Caucasus region. We will try to assist
in the resolution of the conflict as a NATO member state.

(Correspondent, over video of Mihkelson speaking, meeting) Marko
Mihkelson said the European Union is interested in the establishment
of stability in the South Caucasus, because without that there can be
no talk about reforms. Marko Mihkelson thinks that the only way of
resolving frozen conflicts is through negotiations. He also stressed
that the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict would be included in the agenda of
the European Union.

Afat Telmanqizi, Azar Qarayev for ANS.