President off to Turkic Summit

President Aliyev left for Istanbul Wednesday to attend the 7th Turkic Summit scheduled for April 26-27. Before taking off, he told journalists at the Bina airport of Baku that the summit would focus on prospects of cooperation in the area of science, culture, economics. He said the heads of state are expected to sign a Declaration, whereby the presidents intend to voice the sympathy of Turkic states for Azerbaijan’s cause in the Garabagh conflict.

While in Istanbul, Heydar Aliyev will individually meet with heads of state.

Asked whether the issue of military cooperation was on agenda, H. Aliyev replied that this alliance does not discuss political matters.

Touching upon Ilham Aliyev’s statement at the PA CE session in Strasbourg, the President said I. Aliyev had vehemently criticized Armenia in the Council. Heydar Aliyev said he was pleased with the fact that although the Azerbaijan delegation at the PA includes persons with broad political parties, a strong unity and solidarity in evidence.

With regard to thawing Iranian-Armenian relations, H. Aliyev said all countries are at liberty to determine their foreign political priorities.

Asked about the President’s reaction to public outrage in Baku caused by the new mayor’s reforms, H. Aliyev said he had given the mayor the go-ahead for bringing the capital back to order. “But it is hard to please everyone”, he stated.

Concerning the implementation of the trans-Caspian gas project, the head of state said it was up to Turkey and Turkmenistan. “We once supported the project, but then Turkmenistan changed its mind, so we are not interfering now”.*