Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubeyli – APA. Today, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Justice Fikrat Mammadov who is on the visit in Strasbourg by the invitation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe spoke at the 27th session of the Congress, representing the country’s chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
APA’s European bureau reports, Fikret Mammadov stressed in his speech that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship comes to an end active works of Azerbaijan in these previous five months.
The Minister said that the Ukrainian crisis was during this time a priority, and during that time have been held several discussions on the crisis in the country. Talking about the priorities of Azerbaijan in the framework of the Congress, Fikret Mammadov said that the country attaches great importance to the development of young people, quality education, and the role of youth in the development of democracy. Noting the commitment of Azerbaijan European Neighborhood Policy, the Minister expressed the hope that the related event in Baku, scheduled for November 7-8, will be held at a high level.
F. Mammadov said that multiculturalism has become a way of life in Azerbaijan, while recalling that in September, the country hosted a conference on cultural and interfaith dialogue. With regard to the fight against corruption, the minister said: “Fighting is a threat to democracy and the rule of law, corruption has become a priority of the Council of Europe. The fight against corruption is a priority for the Azerbaijani government, and in this direction in our country there is a significant advancement. Last summer was held in Baku event dedicated to the fight against corruption. And in November of this year be held in Baku 3 session, established the International Assembly of the United Nations against Corruption. We know that Congress is serious work on this subject. It’s priorities and our presidency, I want to note that we are serious about this issue will continue to be engaged. “
Then, Fikret Mammadov spoke about the development of local and regional democracy, the work of self-government in the country, “” In Azerbaijan, the local government pays special attention to the strengthening of municipalities. Improved legislation in this area taken hundreds of pieces of legislation.
The Minister noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved an action plan to fight corruption and ensure transparency of governance and human rights, which plays a positive role in the development of local self-government, “accepted the concept of development of the country until 2020, which adopted and defined development strategy and objectives. Among other issues, it is assumed here and strengthen the capacity of municipalities.”
In conclusion, Fikret Mammadov touching the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict recalled the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia: “Of course, measures to improve the activities of municipalities will continue. In Azerbaijan, this is an ongoing process, and I want to assure you that will be continued in the future. But unfortunately the Armenian occupation makes it impossible to organize the activities of municipalities by 20% of the territory of Azerbaijan. Became refugees and IDPs million Azerbaijanis have no local government.”
/Apa/
