Negotiations on settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have already entered last stage: Azerbaijani President - UPDATE

Oct. 4
12:20

The negotiation process on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has seen a positive dynamics and it has already entered its last stage, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday, speaking at the 9th summit of the Turkic-speaking countries` Heads of State in Nakhchivan.

"Currently, we are conducting bilateral negotiations on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. However, unfortunately, we`ve not yet achieved any result. The negotiation process has seen a positive dynamics, and, I can say, it has already entered its last stage", said Ilham Aliyev.

According to his words, for nearly 20 years Karabakh region, which is the historical land of Azerbaijan is under Armenian occupation. Four resolutions of the UN Security Council demanding an unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijan`s lands still remain unfulfilled.

"Similar resolutions were adopted by other international organizations as well. But, unfortunately, Armenia still continues to refuse international norms", said the President of Azerbaijan.

According to Ilham Aliyev's words, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be settled only in accordance with the principle of Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity.

"This is Azerbaijan`s principal and unchangeable position, which is based on international principles… The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a great problem not only for Azerbaijan but also for the whole region, it is a big barrier to regional development", he said.

The President of Azerbaijan Aliyev also proposed setting up a TURKSOY fund. He made this statement speaking at the 9th summit of the Turkic-speaking countries` Heads of State in Nakhchivan. 

"We need to boost TURKSOY`s activities in future. We propose setting up a TURKSOY fund that would deal with restoring historic monuments across all Turkic states and lands", said  Ilham Aliyev.

Opening the summit, President Ilham Aliyev welcomed all the guests, expressing confidence that the Nakhchivan summit will further strengthen the unity of the Turkic-speaking countries.

"Today`s summit is a very remarkable event. I believe it will produce beautiful results, we will have an effective work and decisions we'll adopt will strengthen our unity", said the President
 
Azerbaijani President noted the high level of relations between the summit participant states, noting their proximity in historical and cultural aspects.

"I am sure that in future our unity will become even stronger. We have all opportunities to do this. Our countries enjoy high-level relations on a bilateral format, and we also have a strong political dialogue. We cooperate within international organizations. Our countries support one another in the United Nations, Organization of the Islamic Conference, OSCE and other organizations", he said.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his desire to develop trade relations between the Turkic-speaking countries.

"We want very much that our economic relations develop at a more rapid pace. We have good opportunities for this. Our economies supplement one another. They are not in competition, and this is very important. New economic projects will, surely, bring us closer to one another... We need to increase trade among our countries as we cannot be satisfied with the current level of our trade relations. We want to implement joint investment projects...", said the President.

Ilham Aliyev also mentioned the need for the development of humanitarian ties between the Turkic-speaking countries, highlighting the role of the organization TURKSOY in this process.

"We have good prospects for humanitarian cooperation as well. However, we need to boost it as our cultures are closely tied up together. In this respect I would like to praise the work of TURKSOY", he said

President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction that the large projects initiated by the summit's participants are efficient.

"It is with great pleasure that we say that initiatives by our countries, large-scale projects underway yield fruits. Cooperation that we`ve built in the energy sector is a vivid evidence of our friendship, and, at the same time, is a successful result of regional cooperation. Azerbaijan and Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan - we all enjoy successful cooperation in the oil and gas sector… Once a myth, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline has already been operational for three years, bringing benefit to the whole region. Construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline is another triumph of us. Today Azerbaijan exports its oil and gas resources to European and world markets through very important routes", he noted.
 
Ilham Aliyev said that signing of agreements between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan create conditions for a diversified supply of oil and gas resources of Kazakhstan to world markets via Azerbaijan.

"Yesterday Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed very significant agreements, creating beautiful conditions for transportation of Kazakhstan`s oil and gas resources to the world markets through diversification via Azerbaijan. This is what we are all interested in. We all want our economies to be diversified, and it represents huge significance both for oil and gas producing countries, transit countries, and consumer countries," said the President.

Speaking about cooperation in the field of transport, Ilham Aliyev noted the benefits of such projects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars and the new Silk Road for the Turkic-speaking countries.

"We are also working on concrete projects in the field of transport - we are continuing our cooperation in the Caspian Sea, and, at the same time, construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project is successfully underway. Its completion will open a new, very important route between Europe and Asia. We, in some way, are restoring the Silk Road. Of course, these projects require huge investments and big political will. And we have both investment opportunities and also political will. In short, these projects will bring us closer to one another and give our countries additional financial resources, creating wonderful opportunities for ensuring peace, stability and security in the region. And this is what we want to achieve", he said.

The President reminded of the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, noting that despite the seizure of its lands Azerbaijan continues to evolve.

"Azerbaijan has been rapidly developing in all spheres of live despite the fact that our territorial integrity had been violated. Twenty percent of our lands is under occupation. As the result of the occupation and a policy of ethnic cleansing over than one million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homelands. Despite this problem, Azerbaijan`s economy has been successfully developed. Between 2004-2008 our economy saw a 2.6-fold increase. And this, surely, helps us in coping with economic and social tasks faced by the country", said Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated the past meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking countries in Baku, saying that it has further strengthened their unity.

"Dear friends, recently Baku hosted a remarkable event which strengthened our unity even more - a first meeting of the Parliamentary assembly of Turkish-speaking countries. Our legislative authorities will be in a closer contact with one another… And we support this idea", he said.

President of Azerbaijan once again expressed his desire to strengthen the unity of the Turkic peoples, stressing the benefits they receive from it.

"We want very much that the unity among Turkish-speaking countries be stronger. This is our history, our culture, our roots… We are all well aware that sometimes it is not easy to defend your own position on the international scale. If we stay together, demonstrate shared views on certain issues and systematically work to strengthen our unity, our international positions will be strengthened. After all, the Turkish-speaking countries possess all opportunities - natural resources, oil and gas fields, favorable geographical location, powerful economies, talented people and dynamic infrastructure. Putting all these opportunities together and concentrating on them will turn Turkish-speaking countries into a great power on the global scale… I`m very pleased that over the last few years our unity has been strengthened. Our presence here in Nakhchivan, an ancient Azerbaijani land, our talks, the summit and documents we will sign at its end will cement our unity even more. This is our wish, and I believe we will achieve it", said Ilham Aliyev.

Concluding his speech, the President of Azerbaijan once again thanked the guests for accepting his invitation and wished success to the summit.

It was followed by the speeches of the guests of summit. Then, President Ilham Aliyev made closing remarks at the summit.

He expressed confidence that the summit will determine the direction of future activities of the participating countries.

"Today we'll sign two significant documents. We will set up a Cooperation Council of Turkish-speaking countries and adopt the Nakhchivan declaration. These documents will be a basis for our further activities", said the President of Azerbaijan.

He once again thanked the guests for having accepted his invitation and arrival in Nakhchivan. The President noted the special place that this city has in the history of Azerbaijan.
 
"Strategic importance, history, culture, historic monuments of Nakhchivan are our wealth, huge property. It should be noted that foundations for Azerbaijan`s independence were laid here in Nakhchivan. Heydar Aliyev`s work here - as early as in the Soviet era - was of crucial importance for the independence of Azerbaijan… Nakhchivan is where Azerbaijan`s tricolor flag was raised for the first time following a long break. In following years Heydar Aliyev made a tremendous contribution to building independent Azerbaijan. And today Azerbaijan lives as an independent country, increasing its power and coping with all tasks it faces",  said Ilham Aliyev.

President of Azerbaijan stressed the importance of the work carried out in the framework of the summit for participant states.

"Today cooperation among our countries has beautiful prospects. Our fruitful work will bring us closer to one another, strengthen our position on the international scale and open up good opportunities for coping with all the tasks faced by our countries. Today we`ve discussed these issues both in the bilateral format and together. And we`ve made certain that we have big potential and strong political will", he said.

President of Azerbaijan supported the initiative of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev to hold the next summit in August next year in Kyrgyzstan.

"We appreciate this proposal and support it with satisfaction. It is very important that we hold summits regularly. I believe every meeting will contribute to opening new opportunities", said Ilham Aliyev.

XXX

The Turkish world must play a greater role in international politics, believes, Kyrgyz President, Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The Kyrgyz President made this statement on Saturday, when speaking at the IX Summit of Heads of Turkish-speaking countries in the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan.

"The Turkish world should play a greater role in international politics. Currently Kyrgyzstan and the Turkish states have no unsolvable problems, as during the years of independence, political, trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural-humanitarian relations among our countries reached the level of strategic partnership. Using common values and experiences for the benefit of full cooperation, we can make a contribution to ensuring stability in our countries. It is noteworthy that the inter-parliamentary ties among our countries have continued the trend towards further deepening and improvement, characterized by friendship, openness and understanding, as evidenced by the holding of the first plenary meeting of heads of the parliaments of the member countries of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkish-speaking countries in Baku on Sept. 28-29 this year," said Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

According to Bakiyev, Kyrgyzstan's relations with the Turkish states, based on common history, culture and language, are candid and confidential in nature and actively developing in all spheres, in a spirit of brotherhood, equality and mutual interest.

He noted the need to strengthen cooperation among the summit's participants.

"This summit is the ninth in a row, and we already have considerable experience of cooperation within our community. The time has shown that our partnership is gaining momentum, primarily due to the reconciliation of interests of each country with common goals, meeting the requirements of our long-term cooperation. The closeness of the positions of the Turkish states contributes to high-level bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Today's discussions have demonstrated the need to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation regarding globalization and rapidly changing priorities," said the President of Kyrgyzstan.

According to President Bakiyev, signing the Agreement to establish the Council of the Turkish-speaking countries is a unique chance to unite the efforts of the Turkish-speaking countries.

"I am confident that the establishment of this body will strengthen the solidarity, which in turn will give impetus to the development of comprehensive relations," he said.

Concerning topics of the economy, the Kyrgyz President has invited to intensify efforts to create giant joint projects of the Turkish-speaking countries in various spheres.

"Speaking about economic cooperation, I want to emphasize that the overall development of this sphere of interaction is ongoing. But despite this, it is necessary not to weaken attention to this area and to undertake further concerted measures to expand trade and economic ties. In this regard, taking into account the existing capacity of all parties, the Kyrgyz Republic suggests activating efforts to establish large-scale joint economic projects in energy, transport, communications and tourism. Implementation of projects on the above areas will be able to substantially increase bilateral trade, expand the structure of export-import relations and generate investment opportunities in our countries," Bakiyev said.

President Bakiyev noted the role of the TURKSOY organizations in embracing cultural values of Turkish-speaking peoples.

"We must not forget that the mentality of our people, our present and future largely depends on understanding of the historical nature and a profound knowledge of the spiritual values that our people have made in the world's cultural heritage. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the work done by the Organization for the Joint Development of Turkish Culture and Art (TURKSOY), which is in September this year in the cities of Ankara and Baku, provided the performance of the Koroglu , performed by the Abdylas Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet on the works of classic of the Azerbaijani Music, Uzeyir Hajibayli," he said.

The Kyrgyz President noted the importance of interaction among the Turkish-speaking countries in the fight against cross-border threats such as terrorism, religious extremism and drug trafficking.

"In this regard, I wish to inform you that in September 2009 Bishkek held the regular 12th meeting of the Conference of the special services of the Turkish states, which addressed issues of adjusting practical interaction among the intelligence agencies to prevent, detect and dismantle clandestine terrorist groups operating in the territory of the participant countries. I am confident that the outcome will contribute to maintaining peace, stability and security in the region," Bakiyev said.

In conclusion, the President of Kyrgyzstan expressed confidence that the future cooperation among the Turkish-speaking countries will grow and that the summit will yield fruits.

XXX

The countries of the Turkish world occupy an important place in international politics, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Khydyr Saparliyev said, when speaking at the IX Summit of Heads of the Turkish-speaking countries in the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan, AzerTaj state news agency reported.

Saparliyev conveyed the greetings of the Turkmen President on the occasion of the IX Summit of Heads of the Turkish-speaking countries. He noted that the meeting would take an important place in the modern history of the Turkish peoples.

Stressing that the Turkish-speaking peoples are closely connected with several factors, Khydyr Saparliyev noted that the countries of the Turkish world today occupy an important place in international politics, cooperate in the field of economy and culture.

Saparliyev noted the importance of the Summit to develop cooperation among the Turkish-speaking states.

"High-level meeting of Heads of State and the meeting of intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, and hundreds of documents signed are too important to establish mutually beneficial cooperation and to strengthen the already existing brotherly and friendly relations.

The current meeting of the heads of state of the Turkish-speaking countries, taking place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, will also contribute to the further development of close relations among the Turkish-speaking peoples," he said.
Saparliyev expressed confidence in further maintaining close relations among the Turkish-speaking countries.

"We have the same roots, one destiny. We are pleased to note that we today are keeping the traditions formed by centuries of friendship and brotherhood. We will always continue to maintain brotherly relations," he stressed.

Khydyr Saparliyev expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the high-level organization of the IX Summit of Heads of the Turkish-speaking countries.

"We are confident that this meeting will create opportunities for deepening cooperation among the Turkish peoples, expanding ties in the humanitarian and cultural fields," he said.

XXX

Then, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and President of Turkey Abdullah Gul signed the Nakhchivan agreement on the establishment of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking countries.

Following the IX Summit of Heads of State of Turkic-speaking countries, the presidents signed a Nakhchivan Declaration.

Oct. 3
19:25

Participants of the summit visited Duzdag Physiotherapy Center in Nakhchivan after the summit of presidents of Turkic-speaking countries on October 3, AzerTaj state information agency reported.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told the guests that Duzdag Mountain is famous in Azerbaijan with not only pure salt but healing properties. Construction of Duzdag Physiotherapy Center was launched in Nakhchivan in 2006.

Azerbaijani President stressed that similar centers are being established in all Azerbaijani regions.

Official reception in honor of the guests of IX summit of Turkic-speaking countries' presidents was held on behalf of the Azerbaijani President on October 3.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev participated in the reception.

19:22

"It is high time for a final settlement of regional conflicts in South Caucasus, including the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict within the framework of territorial integrity," Turkish President Abdullah Gul said while speaking at the IX Summit of Heads of Turkic-speaking countries in the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan.

"It is high time for a final settlement of regional conflicts in South Caucasus, including the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict within the framework of territorial integrity of states. We attach great importance to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We believe in the importance of the early liberation of the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. We believe that the time has come for this. We are confident the Karabakh problem will be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy, and, thus, will bring peace to the entire Caucasus. Of course, this can be achieved only by ending the occupation," said the President of Turkey.

Nakhchivan is of great importance for Turkey. The border between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the Nakhchivan region is physically small, but in the political sense, it is of great importance. The political significance of 10.12-kilometer boundary is extremely high. Our border is a very symbolic passage, which is geographically connects Turkey with the Turkic republics. On the other hand, due to the fact that Nakhchivan is separated from the other lands of Azerbaijan, we have close relations, besides good neighborliness and brotherhood. Therefore, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Turkish delegation accompanying me, I wish to express once again sincere gratitude to the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Ilham Aliyev for hosting this summit in Nakhchivan ," said Gul.

16:10

The Nakhchivan declaration, as well as the agreement on establishment of Cooperation Council of Turkish-speaking countries were signed as a result of the work of Turkish-speaking states' summit on October 3, AzerTaj state agency reported.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reviewed results of the summit and said that the next summit will be held in Bishkek in Aug. 2010.

Addressing the summit, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Turkmen deputy Prime-Minister Khydyr Saparliyev stressed great progress in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations between Turkish-speaking countries, discussed regional and international issues and voiced proposals to more strengthen relations.

13:12

The first summit of leaders of the Turkish-speaking countries was held in 1992 in Ankara, the next was held in 1994 in Istanbul, in 1995 in Bishkek, in 1996 in Tashkent, in 1998 in Astana, in 2000 in Baku, in 2001 in Istanbul and in 2006 in Antalya.

President Ilham Aliyev met with Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Vice Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Khidir Saparliyev at the conference hall of Duzdag Hotel where the summit is underway.

Opening the summit, President Ilham Aliyev welcomed the leaders of Turkic states and delegations.

The Azerbaijani president noted that over the past 17 since the first summit in 1992, bilateral and multilateral relations and mutual cooperation have strengthened.

He said a good exchange of views on regional and international issues was held during past summits adding that great progress has been achieved in strengthening ties and economic and social development have been accelerated.

The heads of the Turkic speaking nations will make speeches and sign documents during the summit.

10:02

Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkey arrived in Nakhchivan on Oct. 2 to participate in the summit of Turkic-speaking countries.

Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Abdullah Gul of Turkey, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan visited the Heydar Aliyev Museum-Complex.

The visitors became familiar with photos and books on life and activities of the nationwide leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev.

Turkish, Kazakh and Kyrgyz presidents signed the Museum`s guest book.

Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Abdullah Gul of Turkey, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan visited Friday here the monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Wreathes were laid at the monument to the national leader on behalf of the Heads of State.

Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Abdullah Gul of Turkey, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan have Friday familiarized themselves here the “Ajami” gardens. First, the Heads of State visited here a bust of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Then they viewed exhibits of a museum located in the park. They were informed that the museum was established in 2002.

The exhibits show that Nakhchivan has an old history.

Then the Presidents visited Momine Khatun Mausoleum.

They were told that the Mausoleum built by prominent architect Ajami Nakhchivani was one of Azerbaijan`s old monuments.

Mausoleum was constructed in 1186 in honor of Momine Khatun who was wife of Muhammad Jahan Pahlavan.

The Presidents were also informed of the state care for restoration and protection of the Mausoleum.

The Heads of State posed for photographs in front of the Mausoleum.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met Friday Kyrgyz counterpart Kurmanbek Bakiyev who is here to attend the 9th summit of Turkish-speaking countries Heads of State.

President Ilham Aliyev said the summit would contribute to strengthening relations among two peoples and countries even more.

Touching upon bilateral relations, the Azerbaijani President said they are developing dynamically, adding there is good potential to expand bilateral economic cooperation.
He also underlined the importance of the Kyrgyz President`s current visit in terms of boosting bilateral relationship.

Kurmanbek Bakiyev, in turn, underscored the importance of the summit, saying it contributes to enhancing ties among Turkish-speaking countries.

The Kyrgyz leader said he always honors the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev.
He also pointed out his current trip will serve expanding bilateral ties.

/AzerTaj, Trend News/

Click to enlarge:



























/AzerTaj, Trend News, APA/