Working Group aims at rendering assistance in development of municipalities of Azerbaijan. Expert of Council of Europe, Owen Masters, underlined that professionalism of group members has been improved. Besides, he informed that the events for learning demands of municipality would be held.

Although opinions regarding creation of the unions of local steering authorities in the South Caucasus were repeated, however accordingly to O. Masters today given project cannot be realized. Expert informed that "Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia prevents it", but in future Council of Europe intents to realize such a project.

Masters emphasized the importance of the uniting of all municipalities of Azerbaijan within one organization. He informed that within the frames of the project on creation National Association of local authorities in Azerbaijan, training would be held abroad: "This step aims at informing municipalities regarding Association and bringing importance of the given issue to their notice. Project will concern municipalities of Azerbaijan; it will be completed in 2007. Then the Association itself will be established."

"In the name of Civil Society" NGO Coordinator, Fikret Rzayev, gave information about members of Working Group. He said that depending on the venue and possibilities, he get acquainted with all municipalities.

Head of department of Presidential Administration on the work with municipalities, Ramig Gashimov, informed about his intention to cooperate with the Council of Europe for development of the above structures. Council of Europe will provide possibility for Azerbaijani municipality to make their own choice.

Project Manager, Karlen Martin, informed that meetings are expected to be held at the regions for informing purposes. Besides, it was stressed that abroad there would be held training. According to Martin publishing of journal of National Association would be possible. Project Manager underlined that proposal on appointment of mayor of Baku via election not via direct appointment will be considered.

"Although a proposal on appointment of mayor of the capital via election was submitted, no discussions were held in this connection," Ramig Gashimov, Head of department of Presidential Administration on the work with municipalities, said.

According to him, the above proposal was submitted by the President of Congress on Regional and Local authorities, Dee Stazi. However, today country is experiencing process of formation of municipalities that is why the issue on creation of municipality of the city is high on the agenda.

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