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  • BAKU: Karabakh's Independence Will Never Be Subject Of Negotiations,

    KARABAKH'S INDEPENDENCE WILL NEVER BE SUBJECT OF NEGOTIATIONS, ALIYEV - PHOTOS

    news.az
    July 13 2011
    Azerbaijan

    Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev chaired the Cabinet of Ministers'
    meeting on outcomes of socio-economic development during 6 months
    of 2011.

    President Aliyev noted that, socio-economic issues were solved,
    GDP rose 0.9%, during this period. He noted that, it decreased
    compared to e year earlier due to reduction of oil extraction: "Our
    main purpose is the development of non-oil sector and diversifying of
    economy". He also noted that, the growth in non-oil sector made 7.2%,
    in agriculture - 6.2% during the same period.

    He stated that, population's monetary income also increased by 17%. He
    said that, the Azerbaijani budget reached $20bn for the first time
    after amendments in budget and strategic currency stocks rose $9 bln.

    He noted that, Azerbaijan's strategic currency stocks make $38bn:
    "We can ensure the development of economy, allocate additional
    financial resources for solution of population's social problems".

    "Azerbaijani citizen is in the centre of our policy", president said.

    According to him, execution of targeted social assistance program
    covering 125,000 families is being continued. Number of people
    living in poverty condition decreased by 5 times, during past
    7 years. 38,000 work places were launched. At the same time, the
    programs on "Azerbaijani youth in 2011-2015", as well socio-economic
    development of Baku and surrounding settlements in 2011-2013 were
    adopted this year.

    Thereafter, Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov, Baku mayor Hajibala
    Abutalibov, Minister of Communication and Information Technologies Ali
    Abbasov, Chairman of Azersu OJSC Gorkhmaz Huseynov informed about the
    socio-economic development processes in the country, during 6 months.

    "Our economic performances are the results of our conducted works and
    the processes in the country continue positively" said the president
    at the final speech and noted that, Azerbaijan had a firm standing
    in the region, spoke about the importance of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway.

    He noted that, it was important the measures on keeping of
    macroeconomic stability, fulfillment of budget expenditure by 100%,
    socio-economic development of Baku and surrounding settlements to
    continue. He noted that, new terminal of Heydar Aliyev International
    Airport is being constructed. More new international airport will
    be constructed in Gabala. Speaking about construction of largest and
    modern seaport in Alat settlement, ship-building plant president noted
    that, number of metro stations will reach 30 during the next 4 years.

    President also noted that, military spending made $3.3 bln. President
    Ilham Aliyev noted that, it was important to establish industrial
    centers, development of ICT sector, entrepreneurship, tourism, solve
    the water and canalization problems during next 4-5 years.

    President Ilham Aliyev: During six months of this year all
    socio-economic issues have been successfully resolved

    During six months of this year all socio-economic issues facing the
    country were successfully resolved. Overall economic growth was not
    so high. Gross domestic product grew by only 0.9 percent. The reason
    for this decrease in oil production that was not dependent on us",-
    Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

    The Head of the State noted that Azerbaijan has increased non-oil
    sector. Growth was 7.2 percent. "In fact, this is the result of
    reforms carried out by us in recent years, since our main goal is
    the development of non-oil sector to ensure diversification of the
    Azerbaijani economy. Indicators of non-oil sector that grew by 7.2
    per cent, we are very pleased. This shows that the country is rapidly
    growing. Reduced dependence of the Azerbaijani economy from the energy
    factor. At the same time, it gives us hope that in the coming months
    and years will create additional opportunities for diversification
    of the Azerbaijani economy", - he said.

    The President stressed that good growth has been achieved in
    agriculture - 6.2 per cent. This is a good indicator. Income increased
    by 17 percent. But inflation rose by only 8.8 percent. This again
    suggests that there were good conditions for human well-being.

    "In short, the overall development of our country during the past six
    months has been very successful, dynamic. All economic, infrastructural
    and social issues were solved. In the first half was amended in
    the budget. As a result, the first budget of Azerbaijan, our budget
    expenditures reached $ 20 billion, a record number. Of course, this
    allows us to provide additional year-end material resources to address
    critical infrastructure and social issues", - the President said.

    President Aliyev emphasized that the growing strategic currency
    reserves of Azerbaijan. From the beginning, the nation's reserves grew
    by $ 9 billion. This is an excellent indicator. We are dedicated to
    spend the proceeds on the scope necessary for the development of the
    economy, and at the same time increasing the reserves. In general, the
    present strategic currency reserves of the country are at 38 billion
    dollars. This is a very big figure, and I'm sure that by the end of the
    year it will grow. This allows us to provide the country's economy,
    to attract additional financial resources to solve social problems
    of people. In short, to achieve the full development of the economy,
    he said.

    According to him, in the first half of this year, as always, social
    issues were the focus of attention in this direction have been taken
    very important steps. "Was increased salaries of some categories
    of people who work in organizations financed from the budget. The
    biggest achievement is associated with an increase in pensions. As a
    result of decisions taken a few days ago, July 1, the average pension
    of pensioners who retired before 2006 increased by approximately 40
    percent. Now comes the adjustment carried out the calculations. This is
    a very big increase. I can say that over the years, perhaps world-wide
    there was no similar events. In some countries, where there has
    an effect of financial crisis, pensions are not only not increase,
    and vice versa - are reduced, or curtail wages and social programs,
    lower wages and social security of people working in the organizations
    financed from the budget. And in Azerbaijan pension of about 900
    thousand pensioners have increased by 40 percent. This is another
    indication that the policy of the Azerbaijani authorities socially
    oriented. In the center of the country's policy is a citizen of
    Azerbaijan. All economic success allows us to take more serious steps
    in the social sphere. The President expressed his confidence that as
    a result of improved social welfare pensioners significantly improved
    financial position of about one million citizens of Azerbaijan" -
    he said.

    The President noted that implementing a program targeted to a social
    assistance. Currently, the program covers 125 000 households. Monthly
    to each family assisted an average of 104 manat. This concern
    displayed by the Azerbaijani government on the poor segments of the
    population. "Our goal that I set a few years ago, lies in the fact
    that Azerbaijan was liquidated in such social ills as poverty. The
    experience of recent years shows that we achieve this goal. Over the
    past seven years, the number of people living in poverty decreased
    by 5 times. I hope that by the end of this year this figure will be
    reduced again. For to do this, comprehensive measures are taken.

    Economic policies, political stability, business development and
    agriculture, the allocation of loans and grants, purchase equipment
    and provide it to farmers on lease, the issuance of fertilizer and
    fuel to farmers on easy terms - all of these comprehensive measures,
    and implementation in our country, major infrastructure projects laying
    of transmission lines, construction of roads, including rural areas,
    carrying out gasification led to the current situation" - he said.

    The Head of the State said that Azerbaijan has implemented several
    programs. Each of them has a specific meaning. No program is not just
    any intention, not of a nature lozungovy. At the core of each program
    is implementation arrangements, financial resources and thoughtful
    work schedule.

    In the regions, including as a result of regional development programs,
    only six months of this year, was opened 38 000 new jobs, and this
    process continues. In recent years, was discovered about 1 million
    new jobs.

    In the first half of this year were the adoption of two important
    programs. One of them is the "youth of Azerbaijan in 2011-2015". This
    program has been adopted recently and is specific. He expressed
    confidence that as a result of this program will be resolved important
    questions.

    "We can say all the issues raised by young people in my meetings
    included to those programs. Were also analyzed proposals received
    from the field. I am confident that all issues identified in the
    program until the year 2015 will find a solution and thus will be
    provided and youth employment, and problems associated with her
    education, recreation, the formation of a special fund for the youth
    and the implementation of various programs to its line. The program
    is published in print, do not talk about it much. I want to say that
    this program will have great influence and we soon begin to implement
    it", - Ilham Aliyev said.

    "The second most important program is a program of social and economic
    development of Baku and sub-urban settlements. This program is even
    more short-term - it covers the years 2011-2013. If we consider that
    half of 2011 is behind us, then for two years in Baku and in all
    suburban townships will be held tremendous creative work, landscaping.

    We started this work. Now towns are laid new water line. Steps are
    being taken for the construction of sewer lines, roads are paved. In
    most of these villages, most roads were dirt, were in disrepair. Once
    was rain or snow on them could neither walk nor ride. Today, every
    village laid great roads, building new schools, health centers,
    clinics, hospitals, existing repaired. That is, until 2013 should be
    updated all the infrastructure of villages. This is a very big target,
    a great program and it is very difficult to meet for two and a half
    years. I understand that, but at the same time, the goal that we have
    done this job for a short time", - he said.

    According to him, if we mobilize all possibilities then we can achieve
    this. At the same time to define concrete measures for the employment
    of people living in villages. Including the National Fund for
    Entrepreneurship Development has begun the process of granting loans
    to suburban Baku. In subsequent years, certainly, the government will
    do this on a larger scale, to set up small refineries, small factories
    and implemented the necessary projects for agricultural development.

    "These two programs are a product of 2011 and are another indication
    that we have a well thought-out policy, which covers all areas", -
    Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

    Azerbaijani President: "Armenia's last actions are inconceivable"

    The minimal pass mark demanded for participation in the contest
    is promising.

    The Helsinki Final act is assumed as a basis and the change of
    "status-quo" is especially underlined in this declaration. In this
    case the Azerbaijani lands must be liberated. The third important
    factor is the increase of activity by the co-chair countries on the
    conflict's settlement", said Ilham Aliyev.

    The head of state said that Armenia has not wanted the change of
    "status-quo" for 20 years.

    Saying that the negotiations on settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
    conflict were held basing on Prague, then Madrid principles, the
    Minsk group co-chairs presented the renewed Madrid principles to the
    both sides in 2009. He said that Azerbaijan unambiguously accepted
    these principles at Sochi meeting initiated by the Russian president:
    "Armenia refuses to accept these principles under various pretexts.

    Informing about the significance of Madrid principles, the president
    said that the new situation was established, Azerbaijan was again
    demonstrating the constructiveness".

    The president also said that despite the attitude of the entire world,
    European organizations, especially the co-chair countries, Armenia's
    actions in recent days are inconceivable.

    Saying that "one of the main reasons of the international union's
    activization in recent years is the existence of Azerbaijani state
    and army", the president said that Azerbaijan was more interested in
    the quick settlement of this issue.

    President: Negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are on the
    decisive stage

    "Negotiations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts
    are conducting long time and we are almost on the decisive stage of
    the negotiations. So would like to inform Azerbaijani people on the
    latest events that happened", - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
    said, APA reports quoting AzerTAc.

    The Head of State firstly said that the last joint declaration by
    OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are very encouraging and makes us feel
    satisfied. Because this statement referred to the Helsinki Final Act
    theses. The Helsinki Final Act is showed as a basis for resolving the
    conflict. There is no contrast between the principles of territorial
    integrity and the principles of self-determination of peoples, and
    the issue on resolving conflict in the framework of the countries'
    territorial integrity.

    According to him, the second important point is that the statement
    and subsequent statements the Co-Chairs said that the status quo must
    be changed, the status quo is unacceptable. This means that changing
    the status quo must ensure the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from
    occupation. Within last 20 years, the Armenian side has tried and tries
    to keep status quo unchanged and, thus, no change in the situation.

    The third important point is the activity of Minsk Group co-chairs
    relating to this matter. "We see this activity, the public also knows
    this. Prior to the meeting in Kazan, I had a telephone conversation
    with President Barrack Obama. On the eve of the meeting in Kazan,
    French President Sarkozy has sent me a message related to the
    Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Kazan meeting, as you know, was held at the
    initiative of Russian President Medvedev. After meeting U.S. Secretary
    of State Hillary Clinton turned to me with a message, and then I had
    telephone conversation with Hillary Clinton", - he said.

    Aliyev said that after the meeting in Kazan, Azerbaijani Foreign
    Minister met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, and finally,
    President Medvedev sent to Baku of his foreign minister, who presented
    the message of the Russian President. That is, the mere enumerations
    of these facts indicate that the activity really reached a high limit,
    and we are very pleased and encouraged. Therefore, we hope that this
    activity will lead to real results. We see that currently co-chair
    countries are trying hard to basic principles were agreed upon as soon
    as possible and thus created the conditions for the preparation of a
    peace treaty. We also want this, want to, perhaps more than anyone
    else. Since this is our land, and the Armenian invaders for nearly
    20 years of occupying them. The most interested side in the resolving
    this conflict is Azerbaijan", - he said.

    At the same time, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan has
    always demonstrated a maximum constructive. In 2004, the format of
    the talks appeared under the name "Prague process", and this process
    goes forward, was agreed some issues exchanging of views on complex
    issues in the negotiations. As a continuation of the Prague process,
    the parties were represented the Madrid principles. These principles
    consist of several paragraphs and were very general in nature.

    Azerbaijan in a very few exceptions generally adopted the principles.

    Based on these principles until the end of 2009 the OSCE Minsk Group,
    that is, all three co-chairs - the United States, France and Russia
    have presented both sides of the updated Madrid principles. It was in
    late 2009. In the beginning, rather, in January 2010, Russian President
    Medvedev invited the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Sochi,
    where he held a trilateral meeting. At that meeting, Azerbaijan made
    clear that receives updated Madrid principles.

    "We did not write these principles. We have not invented these
    principles. These were the principles which jointly presented and on
    which many years of working America, France and Russia. The Armenian
    side has not adopted these principles, and then we can say in the
    negotiations there is some congestion, as the regular meeting held
    within six months, in June 2010 in St. Petersburg", - President
    Aliyev said.

    "What are the updated Madrid principles? I believe that this issue
    should not be any doubts and misunderstandings. I think the time has
    come to talk about it. First of all, there is provided for withdrawal
    of occupation forces of Armenia from the occupied lands. Included the
    immediate withdrawal of Armenian troops from five districts in five
    years - from the two regions and the return of Azerbaijani citizens to
    their native lands. These proposals also have been providing temporary
    status to Nagorno Karabakh. The functioning of the corridor between
    Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia was also in those principles. To ensure
    the safety of both Armenian and Azerbaijani population was necessary
    input to the region of peacekeeping forces. Also was to be ensured the
    return of all the people in the former places of residence", - he said.

    "In short, these principles are consist of them. Parameters of the
    corridor that connects Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia were also part
    of those principles. I believe that this option could be adopted. Of
    course, it is basic principles. On this basis, should be negotiated
    based on which is to be prepared a peace treaty. Of course, when it
    is ready to a peace treaty, the final decision to take the people
    of Azerbaijan. Updated Madrid principles put forward by the co-chair
    countries to continue the negotiations could be taken. Unfortunately,
    the Armenian side did not accept these principles, refused them, and
    then, in the negotiating process until mid-2010 appeared stagnant. And
    then began to put forward new proposals. Sometimes these deals are
    negotiated and changed the basic principles of negotiation that we
    had in the past seven years"- the Head of the State said.

    "So now we face a new situation. Azerbaijan is interested in
    constructive negotiations. Azerbaijan has demonstrated its will in
    2009 and in early 2010. Has shown once again that the commitment to
    peaceful negotiations and these negotiations must lead to a peace
    treaty. We are negotiating not just for the sake of negotiations or
    for simulating and creating visibility. Here, between Azerbaijan and
    Armenia, quite a big difference. Armenia always tries to make the
    status quo remain unchanged, aims to show that they were allegedly
    involved in the negotiations and demonstrate a constructive approach.

    Although they have always tried to disrupt the talks", - he noted.

    President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan has clearly demonstrated
    its constructiveness. And today, ready to demonstrate, those
    principles. All citizens of Azerbaijan have to return to areas that
    are now under occupation. After that, peace can be established. After
    this, cooperation can be. With regard to the legal status of
    Nagorno-Karabakh, in the principles of 2009, it was stated that issue
    of the future, and if the parties consent it can be solved. That is,
    without the consent of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh can not be any
    legal status. "That's why I have repeatedly said, and today I want to
    say again that the separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan,
    Nagorno-Karabakh granting independence or joining it to Armenia has
    never been and never will be the subject of negotiations. Neither
    the government of Azerbaijan, nor the people of Azerbaijan will never
    accept this", - Azerbaijani President said.

    According to him, listing all of these issues shows the world the
    good will of Azerbaijan, which has always demonstrated a constructive
    approach in negotiations. At this stage, the whole world pays great
    attention to this issue. "Recently I visited European Union. The
    visit had great importance to strengthening ties between the EU
    and Azerbaijan. Most importantly, this visit was very important to
    choose the right directions for future cooperation between the EU
    and Azerbaijan. We feel close enough to our positions concerning
    the future of joint cooperation, so it should be. Since we intend to
    carry out long-term cooperation with the European Union. Therefore,
    each question must be marked clearly. Among the issues discussed and
    the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Messages, phone calls, the leaders of
    the co-chairs of the Minsk Group - with all this activity, a positive
    atmosphere is extremely inappropriate, absurd, hysterical statements
    by the Armenian government has recently acted contrary to the spirit
    of the negotiation process. We try not to miss this opportunity. We
    are trying at this stage to take steps so that the basic principles
    in a short time had been agreed", - President Aliyev said.

    "The President stressed that the Armenian side does the same the other
    way around. Recent statements by the Armenian leadership show their
    intent. As such, they threaten to Azerbaijan by the war. Savages,
    who led a war against us, carried out against the policy of ethnic
    cleansing of Azerbaijanis, committed Khojaly genocide, now again
    threatened Azerbaijan by the war. Themselves were shaking with fear
    before the war and still threaten us with war", - He stressed.

    The Head of State pointed out that perhaps one reason that observed in
    recent months, international activity is that the state of Azerbaijan
    is a strong state, and the Azeri army is a strong army. Everyone,
    including Armenia, wallowing in poverty, living at the expense of
    foreign handouts, it is known that Armenia and Azerbaijan are at
    disparate levels. "We develop, get stronger, our people are richer,
    our country is growing, and they live in poverty. Over the past
    six months 70 000 Armenians left the country forever. After 5-10
    years there will be less than 1 million Armenians. That is, everyone
    understands that the processes are developing in this direction. Grow
    financial resources, political power in Azerbaijan, strengthening its
    regional position, increasing the army, rising population figures. Our
    population is growing, but their - is declining. After 5-10 years, the
    number of our population is 11 million, and they - one million people.

    Everyone understands what that means. We can decide these paths in
    their favor. Therefore, one of the reasons for this activity lies in
    the fact that as soon as possible to resolve the issue. We want this.

    But, again, based on proposals from the data itself by the Minsk
    Group", - Azerbaijani President said.

    "We must think about future plans. Minsk Group should again come to
    the region. Now the situation is so. I would like to see and history,
    and current status, and, most importantly, the desire of Armenia
    again disrupt the peace process were clear to both the Azerbaijani
    and world public", - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

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