Baku hosts international conference "For Democracy and Stability"

International conference "For Democracy and Stability" dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev today has begun in Gulustan Palace, in Baku. The event brought together over 60 representatives from 33 countries.

Head of the Presidential Administration Mr. Ramiz Mehtiyev read out President Ilham Aliyev’s congratulatory message to the conference participants.

The letter reads: "In the modern world, where priorities are democratic values and human rights, the main factor is stability and security. Experience shows that in the transitive countries, protection of stability, ensuring of social reforms and national unification are important for strengthening democratic principles.

Democratic norms and principles fully comply with the historical tradition of Azerbaijan, sociopolitical environment, basing on tolerance and construction of civil society. Owing to it we managed to create the original public life of Azerbaijan, national unification and dynamic economic development.

Our countries for four consequent years shows the highest growth rates in the world. This raises Azerbaijan's chance to make worthy contribution to the regional and world cooperation", said the letter.

In the letter, the head of state notes that devotion of the conference to the 85th jubillee of national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev attaches special importance to the event, as in the very period of Heydar Aliyev's presidency, Azerbaijan chose way of democratic development and undertook decisive steps for construction of civil society.

The President noted that Heydar Aliyev undertook serious steps for the peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, return of IDPs to their homes and establishment of long-term peace in the South Caucasus region.

Ali Ahmedov, deputy chairman of the Yeni Azerbaijan Party, executive secretary of the party, speaking at the event, noted that there is a need for the due conditions for establishment of democracy. He said, democracy and stability go together.

"It should be noted that the conference is devoted to the 85th jubille of national leader Heydar Aliyev not by accident, as in the modern history of Azerbaijan, the most significant events are connected with his name. Under his leadership Azerbaijan followed the way of democracy and formed the oil strategy", said Ahmedov.

Former German Secretary of State, chairman of the Germany-Azerbaijan Forum Otto Hauser noted that conduction of such a conference in Baku indicates that Azerbaijan has reached definite achievements on the way to democracy.

Heydar Aliyev laid foundation of external policy of the country, aimed at integration with the West. We, being Europeans, hold a hand of assistance to Azerbaijan for strengthening democracy. If we accept Azerbaijan's assistance for supporting energy security, we should provide aid to preservation of stability in this country. We can not agree with occupation of 20% of Azerbajani lands. I call on the United States and European countries to prevent violation of international norms and law", said Howser.

Deputy chairman of the US Democratic Party Susann Torbol noted that no country is created with democracy and for it a long way should be passed.

"Presence of independent press and court system as well as participation of citizens in the political processes are important for democratic countries", said Tornball.

/Day.Az/