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and understand that it is situated in a complicated region. The most important part
of the cooperation of the EU with Azerbaijan is implementation of political and
democratic reforms. This is very important part of the European Neighbourhood
Policy. Our contacts with Azerbaijan are not limited to the field of energy. As Presi-
dent Ilham Aliyev pointed out, contacts between Azerbaijan and the EU must be
based on common values, and we are here today to support these values and work
with our Azerbaijani friends.
Alexander Miniyev (Russia): My question is to President Ilham Aliyev. We`d
like to know your views on Georgian –Russian relations. The Caucasus is your re-
gion. What could you say about the future of the CIS?
Ilham Aliyev: In Azerbaijan, we always try not to intervene into internal affairs
of our neighbours and intergovernmental relations. We have good relations with
Georgia and Russia. They both are our neighbours and partners. We have strategic
partnership with both of them. I could talk much about positive experience which
we have gained in this sphere, but I do not want to take your time. I think that nor-
mal relationship among our neighbours will contribute to cooperation in the region.
Azerbaijan attaches special importance to regional cooperation and contacts in the
sphere of energy, along with its internal issues. That is why, to minimize potential
risks is a priority for us. From this point of view, we want to see relations among
our friends and neighbours as relations among real friends.
“Euro Politiks” (Belgium): My question is to President Ilham Aliyev. The ques-
tion is about Elmar Huseynov, journalist murdered in March 2005. As you know, he
was writing critical articles about You and Your government. Proper investigation
of this murder could be appreciated as your support to free press. We ask you to give
information on this issue.
Ilham Aliyev: This murder was a hard blow to Azerbaijan and we still see con-
sequences of that assassination. It was the first time that a journalist was murdered
so brutally in Azerbaijan. You know, if to put aside articles which he wrote, because
he was writing critical articles on different political circles – this event showed that
there are forces who are interested in violation of internal stability in Azerbaijan.
Immediately after this event, we launched a thorough investigation and called secu-
rity services of the US, Britain and Europe to assist us to find criminals. We could
gain information on identification of the murderer as a result of our joint efforts.
Now, we must find those persons. We work with Interpol, because, at the moment,
the criminals are beyond Azerbaijan. It is sometimes hard to detain criminals who
are not in the country. So, it is also hard to find and bring to justice criminals in the
world who are at large. What can we do at the moment? We can wait detention of
those persons, suspected in the murder, by Interpol and extradition to our country.
My question is to Mr. Barroso. As you know, recently individual action plans
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were agreed with Azerbaijan and Armenia. Issues as territorial integrity of states,
sovereignty and especially energy security have been reflected in these plans. I
would like to know the position of the EU on Armenia’s being against the principles
in this plan and violation of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan?
Jose Manuel Barroso: First, I want to say that we completely recognize and
support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We have pointed it out in the actions
plan. The document says that independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan will contribute to protection of peace and stability in Europe. It has been
explicitly expressed in our action plan.
As regards the conflict with Armenia, we call Azerbaijan to continue its efforts
for peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We support mediation of
the Minsk Group, as well as efforts by the EU Special Representative for the South
Caucasus. At the same time, we are ready to join restoration and reconstruction
works in the region after agreement between the parties is made. I declared this idea
in my meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. Thank you very much.
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Signing Memorandum of Understanding between
Azerbaijan and the European Union
November 7, 2006
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and chairman of European Commission
Jose Manuel Barroso signed November 7 Memorandum of Understanding between
the Republic of Azerbaijan and EU on strategic partnership on energy issues.
Briefing was held after the ceremony of signing.
Chairman of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said 400 mln euro
was rendered to Azerbaijan in its hardest days, when economy was in crisis, noted
cooperation with Azerbaijan in political, economic and democratic fields will be
continued. He emphasized the very rapid economic development in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev said current stage of Azerbaijan-EU ties opens new op-
portunities for expansion of cooperation that is of great importance for Azerbaijan.
Except energy resources transportation Azerbaijan is interested in creation of alter-
native pipelines.
Jose Manuel Barroso noted that the EU cooperation with Azerbaijan does not
only cover energy. Ties in political, economic, legal and other spheres success-
fully develop. Territorial integrity principle is affirmed in the action plan on new
neighborhood policy with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and EU supports territorial
integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. We support peaceful solution of Armenia-
Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in frame of OSCE. EU will take close part
in restoration actions after peace is reaffirmed.