Round table dedicated to national associations of local authorities held

Opening the session conducted on the basis of the joint project of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities on "Creation of national associations of local authorities of Azerbaijan", the expert of the Council of Europe Owen Masters has noted value of the action. He said that the key goal of the "round table" is to carry out discussions connected with creation of national associations of local authorities in Azerbaijan, and rendering of assistance to the relevant structures in this cause.

The ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway in Azerbaijan Steiner Gil in his remarks has noted, that the government of his country supports the project of creation of the national associations of local authorities in Azerbaijan and renders any necessary assistance.

Chairman of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Halvdan Skard has expressed to the President, the government and people of Azerbaijan gratitude for hospitality rendered to him and delegation. He has expressed satisfaction in connection with development of local democracy.

He said: "We know, that municipalities in Azerbaijan wish to create three associations. We, too, approve and support it. The main thing, we are ready to support everything that municipalities wish. We also can inform you on experience, achievements and failures in this field in many European countries."

Then, speaking was deputy chief of the department on work with bodies of regional government and local self-government of the President Administration Huseyn Movsumov, the deputy minister of justice Vilayet Zahirov, who expressed hope that similar actions would make certain contributions to development of local democracy in Azerbaijan.

Then, at the "round table", discussed were questions of the effective organization of work of municipalities in Azerbaijan, solution of their problems and creation of national associations, expressed support of the decision on creation of national associations in city, settlement and rural municipalities in Azerbaijan.

The "round table" ended in a news conference for media representatives, AzerTAg reports.