CE Monitoring Group to visit all Caucasus countries

"It is not right. Every art worker has important role in the development of the art. The honorary titles are granted on president's decree and the president's decree should not create doubt. It is not tragedy that some one was not rewarded honorary title. Every-one is equal for me and for Azerbaijani state," Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfez Garayev told the APA exclusively.

Expressing his positive attitude to the results of last year, the minister stressed that to be realized projects demand big funds.

He also said that the volume of the investment has increased in comparison with last year and stated that he is not satisfied with the ideas of Ferhad Bedelbeyli, Arif Melikov, Habil Aliyev and some other famous art workers that the state does not pay enough attention to talented youth, symphonic and orchestra music of our country. Garayev noted that the talented youth are sent to foreign countries, their successful works are bought by state.

"Who wants to show his talent, our doors are open for them," he said.

Saying that he has approved the project of new building of State Film Foundation, the minister noted that many reforms are expected in the work of the institution and said that there are projects considering to turn Nizami cinema to modern festival center.

"I think to involve all famous figures of Azerbaijani art to film-making and to display the film, answering all international standards to the world. The privatization will cause the film turn to profitable business. Our duty is to create condition to some people to participate in commerce programs," he said.

The minister stated it is not possible to establish special culture channel in Azerbaijan early that two-three years.

He said that CE conducts monitoring in occupied Azerbaijani territories. "The monitoring group plans to visit all Caucasus countries in the first part of next year. I hope that they will investigate without any discrimination. The list was presented by relevant bodies to international organizations. The book about our monuments will be published in three languages soon. This book also will have internet version. Besides, CE adopted program considering the protection of cultural heritage of south Caucasus countries, I suppose that program will be realized from next year. UNESCO is concerned over this issue," he said.

Saying that the master-plan of Icheri Sheher will be presented next year, the minister noted that law about Theatre is expected to be adopted and the amendments issues concerning some other law will be raised.

"There is a contrary between laws adopted in 1998-99 and present realities. The adoption of the law on Show-business becomes necessary," he said.

Stating that the state programme on tourism was worked out and submitted to the Cabinet, the minister noted that the programme covers years 2007-2016.

"The programme includes formation of new tourism zones, especially in subway, Khizi-Devechi-Siyezen zone, Lenkeran, Guba-Gusar and Sheki-Zagatala. We will also prepare projects for Goygol and Karabakh zones when the positive results are gained in the peace negotiations. The programme is being implemented in Nakhchivan. A number of monuments have been reconstructed by the World Bank; the structure for tourist flow is improving. This programme will provide great opportunities to form an attractive climate for tourism in Nakhchivan and Baku," he noted.

The negotiations with a number of companies for the construction of the hotel are ongoing. 61 hotels and inns have been opened during the last two years.

"At present, 20 hotel and inns are being constructed in the country. There were 86 hotels in 2001 while there are 295 hotels now," he said.