Ilham Aliyev: “Non-constructive approach by Armenia impedes peaceable resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict”

But we hope the talks to yield effective ends», Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in Lankaran on Thursday.

Addressing a ceremony of unveiling a monument to ex-President Heydar Aliyev in front of the Baku City Executive Power, Aliyev remarked the successful political and diplomatic steps, though there is no result. He reminded that in 2004 the military expenses of Azerbaijan made up $175m, in 2005 – $300m, while in 2006 it will be $600m. «The enemy should know that Azerbaijan is ready to liberate the lands any time it desires», he stated.

Aliyev also noted that minimal wage rate will be increased to 150,000 manats in Azerbaijan from 1 October 2005. Over the first 8 months of 2005 a rise of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) made up 20%, while in industrial production it was 23%.

Touching upon the forthcoming parliamentary elections in the country the head of state said that the first part of preparations was successful and 2059 candidates to MP were registered at the CEC.

It testified the confidence in the fair parliamentary elections. In this case I hope the elections will be democratic”, he underlined.

The same day the Azerbaijani President attended the stone-laying ceremony of the new treatment-diagnosis center in Lankaran, which will be built with support from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan. After there was held a ceremony of commencement of the construction of Lankaran airport. Aliyev visited the local stadium and said a hotel for 100 people will be built at the expense of $15m investments. The head of state also got familiar with the Girkan National Park.