YouSaid · the spoken record

Tofik Zulfugarov

lines on the record: 48
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 1999-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“With reference to relations between my country and the United Nations in general, I would like again to draw attention to the fact that Azerbaijan is still not represented in the United Nations Secretariat. The world is tired of crises and wars. Mankind deserves a peaceful, prosperous and happy new millennium. Our Organization is designed to play a leading role in overcoming obstacles to global peace and progress. It must be in a position to implement that noble mission. This is not an abstract desire, but a realistic task based on an assessment of the situation and an awareness of both needs and possibilities.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The UNDP is actively assisting the Government of Azerbaijan and bilateral and multilateral humanitarian organizations in addressing development issues. At the same time, my Government is deeply concerned at the fact that UNDP is entering the new millennium with an extremely decreased financial base. We all need a UNDP able to cope with the development problems that we are not in a position to solve alone. All participants in this process — donors and recipients of assistance — should provide sincere and solid support to the development activities of the United Nations. In this context, I would like to call upon all concerned to improve significantly the very difficult current financial situation of the Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Given the limited financial resources of our State, humanitarian assistance from the United Nations and other international organizations is a necessary element not only of the physical, but also of the moral survival of people who have lost their homes. We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to the United Nations, to the relevant United Nations agencies and to donor countries providing humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan, and we call upon them not to reduce the volume of that assistance. Allow me to touch briefly upon the role that the United Nations and its agencies are playing in Azerbaijan. At the last session, I spoke about the constructive work being done with respect to the social and economic development of our country by the United Nations Development Programme.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As a State located at a key point between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is keenly interested in securing access to trans-European and trans-Asian communication networks; this would facilitate the development of industrial and trade links among participating countries, improved access to markets, 17 increased integration links, and closer cooperation among the economies of European and Asian countries. Unfortunately, the process of the profound transformation of the national economy is facing the serious consequences of the presence in the country of 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons. Coping with this emergency situation has been a primary concern of the Azerbaijan State for many years.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Another emerging topical area of activities is the provision of humanitarian relief assistance in emergency situations and periods of natural disasters, such as those that we have witnessed in recent months. In this connection, Azerbaijan calls for increased assistance to the victims of the tragic earthquake in brotherly Turkey, which claimed thousands of human lives. Despite the objective difficulties caused by the armed conflict and the transitional period, Azerbaijan believes that there is no alternative to its chosen course of reform aimed at building a democratic society with a market economy.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“My country is interested in taking an active part in combatting international terrorism, organized crime and illegal drug trafficking. The fight against these evils can be effective only if it is based on joint efforts by all countries, at both the regional and the global levels. We support the idea of convening in 2000 an anti-terrorist conference or a special session of the General Assembly on this issue, and the elaboration of a declaration of principles on the interaction of States in combatting terrorism. We hope that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be able to mobilize additional resources to continue the joint project on drug-abuse control of the UNDP, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and the Government of Azerbaijan.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Azerbaijan’s formal accession to the Convention is directly dependent on the issue of the continuing occupation of its territory by Armenia. Azerbaijan has a highly positive view of the establishment of the International Criminal Court, and supports the work of the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court on a number of provisions of its Statute. We regard as very important the work being done by the Commission to define the crime of aggression, and believe that the definition should be clear and viable, and that it should make provision for a norm establishing personal criminal responsibility. As a victim of aggression, Azerbaijan maintains that the Court should become an effective organ for the prosecution of those who commit crimes against humanity.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Azerbaijan supports convening an international conference on the illicit arms trade in all its aspects not later than 2001. We attach great importance to the timely convening of a fourth special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, which could determine the future course of action in the field of disarmament, arms control and related international security matters. Azerbaijan stands by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, and welcomes its entry into force; we welcome also the outcome of the First Meeting of States Parties, held in Maputo. A national agency in this sphere has been created in Azerbaijan; it has begun its activities and has started to establish cooperation with its international counterparts.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Azerbaijan welcomes the increased attention of the Security Council to acute humanitarian problems in conflict situations, and supports the inclusion in the mandate of peacekeeping forces of concrete and adequate provisions for the demilitarization of conflict zones and the disarmament of combatants, as well as of special provisions on the protection of and support for the civilian population, including women and children. Illegal arms transfers to conflict zones make the prospects for settlement more remote and aggravate humanitarian disasters. Recently this has become a pressing problem which requires special attention and specific joint action by the international community. In this context, breaches of the relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions, especially by some of the Council’s own members, are unacceptable.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We continue to believe that, together with that, objective reality calls for the allocation of one additional non-permanent seat to the Eastern European Group. With regard to the reform and strengthening of the effectiveness of the work of the Security Council, I cannot fail to draw the attention of the Assembly to the fact that the four resolutions adopted by the Security Council on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993), have still not been implemented. We believe that the lack of an adequate reaction to the violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and the non-compliance with decisions adopted within the United Nations is seriously undermining the image of the world Organization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Azerbaijan supports the reform process in the Organization, based on the proposals of the Secretary-General and the decisions of the General Assembly. Reform of the Security Council continues to be the priority problem. Azerbaijan fully agrees with the approach reflected in resolution 53/30, in accordance with which any decisions on this issue would require the positive vote of a minimum of two thirds of the Member States. We still believe that the representation of the States of Asia, Africa and Latin America in all membership categories of the Security Council should reflect modern 16 political realities. Azerbaijan reconfirms its support for the election of Germany and Japan as permanent members of the Security Council.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We believe, in particular, that the sequence of steps provided for in the Security Council resolutions on the conflict continues to be optimal. Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful settlement and unconditional implementation of the ceasefire until a political agreement on the cessation of the conflict is concluded. Guided by a spirit of goodwill and a sincere desire to reach progress in the settlement process, on 18 September 1999, during the visit of Knut Vollebaek, the Chairman-in-office of the OSCE, the President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, announced the unilateral release of all Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan. We expect an adequate reaction from the Armenian side in the near future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We regard it as absolutely unjustified that some members of the Minsk Group use the fact that there are direct contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia as an excuse for their stepping aside from the process and for their inactivity. In this connection, we call upon the Co-Chairmen of the Minsk Group to make every effort necessary to bring about in the near future a revised proposal for the settlement of the conflict that would represent an acceptable combination of elements. It will be necessary effectively to use the time remaining before the OSCE summit in Istanbul in order to come closer to achieving concrete results. It is extremely important that the consistency and determination of the international community be maintained in advocating its declared positions on the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Seeking a realistic formula for a compromise based on adherence to the norms and principles of international law, taking into account national and State interests, the President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, has maintained direct contact and held talks with the President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian. It is Azerbaijan’s hope that this approach can open new possibilities to steer the settlement process out of the deadlock that we have witnessed during the past year. It is now possible to speak about the achievement of a positive climate, which should be complemented with more active work by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, which is responsible for the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, so that the negotiation process can be resumed in the near future.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“An example is the concept of the common State, which was proposed as a model for settlement in the context of certain conflicts, but failed to find the support of the countries concerned. That concept is pernicious, because it attempts to distort the notion of statehood and State sovereignty; in fact, it is an attempt to provide a legal framework for the ideology of militant separatism. It goes without saying that an important factor in any settlement is the readiness of the parties involved to find a compromise. At the same time, by definition, compromise implies reciprocity and clear limits.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The only valid premise for a lasting settlement of conflicts is a timely display of determination and solidarity by the international community, first and foremost by the United Nations, which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, for the protection and observation of the norms and principles of international law and for making every effort to secure the implementation of decisions taken. Like other countries facing aggression and militant separatism, Azerbaijan rejects settlement models that infringe on its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the unity of its State and run counter to its national interests.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The clear trend towards putting up with the behaviour of the aggressor and sometimes even conniving at his attempts to legalize the situation in the conflict zone, as well as the eagerness of some mediators to reach an easy settlement on the basis that the “ethnic cleansing” of the Azerbaijani population and the occupation of its territories is a fait accompli, will only lead to continued tension and further delay the prospects for a settlement of the conflict and the restoration of durable peace and stability in the region, based on the norms and principles of international law.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We consider it unacceptable to set priorities in this respect, and wish to draw the attention of the international community to the intolerable fact that 15 one fifth of the territory of a sovereign Member State of the United Nations — the Republic of Azerbaijan — has continued to be under foreign occupation for more than six years and that, as a result of “ethnic cleansing”, one out of seven of its citizens is a refugee or displaced person in his own country.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We believe that a transformed Organization, adapted to modern realities, will be in a position to cope with an increasing number of challenges and risks to international peace and security. Threats to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of the Member States of the United Nations have become appallingly routine. States often face aggression, military occupation, “ethnic cleansing”, separatism and terrorism. A conflict that is not dealt with in a timely and resolute manner is later transformed into a humanitarian disaster that brings about a very sensitive reaction on the part of the international community. Given the resolute action by the international community in the Balkans, the situation with regard to the unresolved or frozen conflicts in other regions seems especially tragic.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The truth, which is not always pleasant, is expressed here with hope for justice, understanding and support. States, including the Republic of Azerbaijan, that have regained their freedom and now face threats to their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, count on the support of the international community. They are also deeply concerned about the current difficulties of the Organization. Member States look to the United Nations with trust and hope. This places on the Organization an important responsibility for finding a way out of the current complex situation. In this connection, the Republic of Azerbaijan actively supports the United Nations reform process, which our times demand.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Allow me first of all to sincerely congratulate Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab on his unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session and to express confidence that under his skilful leadership the Assembly will cope successfully with the complex issues before it. I would like also to commend the President of the previous session of the General Assembly, Mr. Didier Opertti, on his remarkable commitment to the success of the session. I wish also to congratulate and to welcome the new Members of our Organization — the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga. Speaking from this lofty rostrum, representatives of the States Members of the United Nations are trying to communicate to their colleagues and the international community the most pressing problems that their countries face.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Approaching the end of the historic nineties, the United Nations, bringing together both the prosperous States and those who have overcome numerous calamities but have gained their independence and stability, must take all necessary measures to justify the efforts already made and to achieve the objectives that have been set. Fulfilment of the tasks at hand and finding solutions to the problems we face constitute the baggage that this respected Organization and its Member States will take with them into the twenty-first century.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Azerbaijan welcomes the results of the Rome Diplomatic Conference to establish an International Criminal Court. We are convinced that an efficient, capable, independent and authoritative court will contribute to strengthening international cooperation for the effective prosecution and suppression of aggression, genocide and military crimes, which are the most heinous crimes constituting a threat to international peace and security. As a State that is experiencing all the sufferings and tragedy of aggression by Armenia, Azerbaijan is deeply interested in the establishment and effective functioning of international legal mechanisms for the prosecution of those responsible for the aforementioned crimes. There are fewer than 500 days remaining until the end of this century, and we have no time to relax, no right to rest on our laurels.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“At the same time, given the difficult financial constraints facing UNDP, I should like to call upon all Member States to increase their voluntary contributions to the budget of the Programme so that the recipient countries, including Azerbaijan, can more effectively use its potential to their advantage. The consolidation of efforts of Member States with a view to launching a decisive attack against crime, drugs and terrorism continues to be a priority. Combating these phenomena can be successful only if all countries truly join forces. Azerbaijan, which has had to confront these real threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in particular from Armenian terrorism, considers itself an active participant in the fight against these evils.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“16 I should like to advantage of this opportunity to briefly refer to our cooperation with UNDP, which is playing a very positive role in the social, political and economic development of our country. Assistance from UNDP, the major source of subsidies necessary for carrying out development activities, is vital to resolve a number of serious problems in Azerbaijan that were mentioned earlier. We welcome the system of Resident Coordinators and highly commend the activity of the Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, designated by the Secretary-General, who is acting as the leader of the United Nations team in the country.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“This project is being carried out by the Government of Azerbaijan, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other agencies and organizations. However, the emerging trend of reduction in the volume of humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan cannot fail to disturb us. While expressing our most sincere gratitude to the United Nations, its specialized agencies and donor countries for their support and concrete assistance, we call on them not to decrease in the future the volume of their humanitarian aid to the people in Azerbaijan who are suffering from aggression and who live in the most unbearable conditions.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Coping with the refugee emergency and the restoration of what has been lost are two of the main concerns of the Azerbaijan State. These problems cannot be resolved until the occupying forces are withdrawn from Azerbaijani territory and all the refugees and displaced persons have been returned to the places from which they were expelled by force. The Azerbaijan Government is doing a great deal to alleviate the situation. The role of the United Nations and its agencies in this process can scarcely be overestimated. In addition to providing direct humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons, at the present time a project is under way to restore a part of the Fisuli district, which was freed from the occupying Armenian units.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It is unfortunate that emergencies arising from military conflicts and acts of military aggression are still a pressing issue today. Millions of people continue to lose their homes, health and property, and are becoming internally displaced persons. The people of my country have experienced the pain and misfortune of such a loss, having fallen victim to the Armenian aggression of which I have spoken. Every seventh citizen of Azerbaijan bears the burdens of the refugee?s life, deprived of his home in his native land, suffering from heat in summer and cold in winter in temporary tent camps. In occupied Azerbaijani territory, hundreds of towns and villages have been destroyed, practically all of the houses, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities have been burned down or plundered and ancient cultural monuments have been razed.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Given the fact that the number of countries in the Eastern European Group has doubled, we once again point out the need to allocate to that Group an additional non- permanent seat on the Security Council. Addressing the question of the reform of the Security Council and the enhancement of the efficiency of its work, we cannot fail to draw attention to the fact that the four Security Council resolutions on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan have still not been implemented. We have repeatedly stressed that a review of the personnel policy of the United Nations should be an integral part of the Organization?s reform. We remain extremely concerned by the fact that the Republic of Azerbaijan is still not represented in the Secretariat.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Azerbaijan regards the work already done to this end as a solid basis for further adaptation of the Organization to the quickly changing needs and imperatives of today?s world. We stand ready to further contribute to the implementation of these decisions intended to prepare the world Organization better to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Undoubtedly, in this regard, the reform of the Security Council is of special importance. In our view, it is expedient to adopt relevant decisions on this extremely sensitive issue on the basis of the broadest support of Member States and in accordance Article 108 of the Charter. Asia, Africa and Latin America should be represented in both categories of membership of the Security Council in a manner appropriate to current political realities.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Nobody should be in any doubt that progressive development of the States of the region can only be achieved through the establishment of just and lasting peace and stability in the southern Caucasian region on the basis of respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of its States. Azerbaijan believes that international organizations, as well as the entire international community, should more actively utilize their potential to further promote the peaceful negotiation process and the achievement of a political settlement to the conflict. During its last session, in response to the recommendations of the Secretary-General, the General Assembly adopted important decisions aimed at reforming the Organization.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Azerbaijan once again states its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the strict 15 implementation of the ceasefire regime, until an agreement on the settlement of the armed conflict is reached, in the hopes that the same approach will be taken by the Armenian side. Azerbaijan calls on Armenia to accept the proposals of the Co-Chairmen of the Minsk Conference as a basis for negotiations within the format of the Minsk Group. Today, as never before, it is important for the international community to preserve its consistency, determination and persistence in upholding its declared position on the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“A just and lasting settlement cannot be achieved by Armenia?s military pressure on Azerbaijan, by its continuing occupation of parts of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and by increasing its military potential there, by putting forward preconditions for the resumption of negotiations on the basis of the results of Armenia?s aggression, or by imposing new procedural frameworks on the negotiations process, in order to perpetuate the situation resulting from the conflict. Illegal transfers of arms from Russia to Armenia, worth more than $1 billion, and regular joint military exercises of those countries designed to increase the offensive potential of the Armenia?s armed forces not only prevent a facilitation of the settlement, but also have a direct destabilizing impact on the situation in the region.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“An institute of mediation has been created, comprising the Minsk Group of the OSCE and its Co-Chairmen. The parameters for the settlement process have been established, providing for the elimination of the consequences of the armed conflict and, on this basis, a resolution of the political problems. As a result of Azerbaijan?s persistence, it was possible in October 1997 to find points of contiguity with Armenia?s position, and real opportunities for progress have emerged. The subsequent internal political events in Armenia, however, and the resulting drastic revision of its attitudes led to a decline in the dynamism of the Minsk process.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In this context, it is necessary in particular to stress the codifying role and universality of the principles contained in the Lisbon statement made by the Chairman- in-Office of the OSCE. These principles, namely, recognition of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, a high level of autonomy for Nagorny Karabakh within the Azerbaijan State and the provision of security and safety for the entire population of Nagorny Karabakh, are fully in keeping with the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and are comprehensive in nature, which makes possible their application with an equal degree of effectiveness not only to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but to all other regional conflicts as well. A positive balance has recently been achieved.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We expect international financial institutions and other investors to show due interest in these projects, which can rightly be called a bridge to the third millennium. Unfortunately, however, we are obliged to admit that the model of the progressive development of sovereign States of the region proposed by Azerbaijan is not accepted by all. The position taken by Armenia in the region still remains a serious obstacle to this process. The question of a settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has lasted for more than 10 years now, is a key issue in Azerbaijan?s foreign policy. Relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the decisions of the OSCE have made it possible to create a necessary normative legal basis for the settlement of this conflict.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We are convinced that the restoration of the historic silk route and the involvement of other countries and regions in this project would provide a strong impetus to the process of rapprochement and reciprocal enrichment of our peoples, a strengthening of their independence and sovereignty, as well as the successful implementation in those States of democratic and market-oriented reforms. Carrying out plans to deliver carbohydrate resources produced by Azerbaijan and other countries of the Caspian basin to world markets by means of multiple pipelines is an integral part of the East-West concept, which is of inestimable importance for strengthening the independence and security of sovereign States, as well as for their economic and other development.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The major outcome of the Conference was the signing of the Principal multilateral agreement on international transport for development of the corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia, which is an important institutional mechanism for promoting the development and regulation of international transportation, as well as for coordinating and harmonizing transportation policies and legal frameworks in this field of transportation. The Baku Conference has become a major cornerstone in terms of strengthening and enhancing cooperation aimed at the further development of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transportation corridor in the interests of the economic progress of all the participating States. The delegation of Azerbaijan is counting on the support of the other Member States for this programme.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“During the last five years close interaction between the States involved in the programme and active support by the Commission of the European Union have contributed to substantial progress in modernization and construction of communications, the development of relevant laws and codes and the 14 improvement of the customs and tariff policies of participant States. The results of five years of work were reviewed at the International Conference on the Restoration of the Historic Silk Route, held at the capital of Azerbaijan, the city of Baku, on 7-8 September this year. That Conference brought together delegations from 32 countries, including nine heads of State, and representatives of 13 international organizations.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In this connection, the country?s leadership regards as strategically important the concept of creating an East- West corridor, and in particular the development of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transportation link. The Transport Corridor: Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) programme, established by the Commission of the European Union in 1993, is designed to promote the development of interconnected national and regional transportation infrastructures to enhance cooperation between countries in Europe, the Black Sea region, the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea region and Asia. Implementation of this programme will provide reliable access to the trans-European and trans-Asian transportation systems for the landlocked countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“I would like to offer our assurances of the irreversibility of the course of economic reforms taken by our Government and to express the hope that these important financial institutions will increase their assistance to Azerbaijan. In its economic policy, our country attaches the highest priority to its integration into the world economy. Situated at the junction of Eastern and Western civilization, and having been for centuries a link between Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is implementing a systematic programme aimed at its smooth integration into the world economy, and attaches great importance to the development of fruitful and mutually beneficial regional cooperation based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and interests of all States, as well as on the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“In fact, inflation rates have practically been reduced to zero, and since 1996 steady growth in the gross domestic product has been restored. Internal stability achieved as a result of the leadership?s consistent policy, as well as reforms implemented, have provided a favourable climate for investments in the country. Today, Azerbaijan continues with the reform of its banking system and privatization of State-owned enterprises. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for their support to the stabilization programme in Azerbaijan and for financing the structural transformations in its economy.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“It has resulted in the occupation of one fifth of its territory, the emergence of about 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons and the continuance of the 10-year-old blockade of the Nakhichevan region of Azerbaijan by Armenia. The course of building a democratic society based on a market economy, taken by the leadership of the country, has created the prerequisites for drastic economic reforms. Since 1995, the Government of Azerbaijan has been implementing a comprehensive programme of economic stabilization. Fiscal, monetary and credit policies have been streamlined and structural reforms to liberalize the economy have been completed. We have achieved macroeconomic stability, as well as stability of the national currency.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The leadership of the country has declared its commitment to conducting free and just elections, considering it a significant event in the history of the Azerbaijan State. Positive developments resulting from current reforms can also be observed in the country?s economy. At the initial stage of its formation the young Azerbaijan State faced internal instability, lack of a progressive legislative basis for the market economy, disintegration of traditional economic and trade relations, economic recession and a huge budget deficit. These elements have created serious obstacles to economic development. Armed aggression by neighbouring Armenia has had the most negative impact on the situation in Azerbaijan.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Actions already undertaken by the leadership of the country have laid the foundation for genuinely free and just elections. A new law on presidential elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan was thoroughly examined by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe and meets the most rigorous international standards in this field. The election process will be observed by 300 international monitors from the OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international organizations, as well as from institutions of individual countries, such as the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in the United States. The widest possible participation of national monitors has been provided for.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Respect for fundamental political and civil rights and freedoms, the functioning of the multi-party system, the protection of the interests of each citizen in our society irrespective of ethnic origin, independence of the judiciary, as well as the advancement of other elements of democratic society, are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was adopted on 12 13 November 1995 in a national referendum. A great deal has been done to bring the legislative system of the country in line with relevant international standards. Presidential elections that are to take place in Azerbaijan on 11 October this year will constitute a milestone in the process of further strengthening the democratic foundation of the society.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“All aspects of life in Azerbaijan are covered by the process of radical reform directed at creating a democratic, secular society governed by the rule of law and based on a market economy. In spite of the current objective difficulties caused by the consequences of armed conflict and the problems inherent in the transitional period, Azerbaijan does not see any alternative to the course of democratic transformation it has taken, and considers the strengthening of its democratic institutions a priority of its State policy.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Allow me first of all to sincerely congratulate the President on his unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-third session, and to express confidence that under his efficient leadership the Assembly will cope successfully with the complex issues before it. I would like to express our special gratitude to Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, whose vast experience and great professionalism greatly contributed to the success of the previous session, and whose work as President during the fifty-second session epitomized the United Nations commitment to the process of transformation aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)