Seminar within the framework of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council launched

Patrick Hardoun-deputy General Secretary of UNO on issues of regional, economic, and security said in his speech that, in South Caucasus region the seminar in this topic is first held in Azerbaijan.

He said of South Caucasus to be in the center of world attention from the view- point of tireless activity and natural resources:"Azerbaijan and Georgia are one of the most developing economic systems in the world according to the calculations of Reconstruction and Development Bank of Europe. That is why UNO considers it important to cooperate with both countries. I suppose development of society is as important as economic and political development. The seminar is dedicated to development of these fields. "Araz Azimov-deputy Foreign Minister stressed of cooperation between UNO and Azerbaijan to be important. The deputy Minister noted that, Azerbaijan is in war condition, the problem has not been found its solution yet, despite of 10 years of ceasefire:"That is why expenses allocated from the budget for defense are increasing. This impacts economic development. If the problem is solved economy will develop speedier." A.Azimov stated that, oil resources of Azerbaijan may cause confrontation of certain interests. Therefore, Azerbaijan Government acts carefully when adopting laws:" Sometimes Azerbaijan is criticized because of reforms being slow. But if we get acquainted with the situation it turns out Azerbaijan acts rightly."

The deputy Minister noted that Azerbaijan Government holds talks on removing the invaders from the occupied territories and helping refugees and displaced people to return back to these territories:" Relations between Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Garabagh as well as between Azerbaijan and Armenia may be possible to be restored only after these problems solved. Resolution adopted by Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe shows that Europe acts rightly concerning this matter."

The ceremony lasted without participation of media representatives after A.Azimov's speech.

/APA/