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Situation in South Caucasus, development of Azeri-German political, economic and other relations were discussed in all the meetings and talks of the German government delegation led by Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer in Baku.

Meetings were held at the MFA, the OSCE office in Baku, political parties. The delegation also attended a business forum of Azeri and German entrepreneurs. The delegation was also received by President Aliyev.

Minister Fischer indicated in a news conference at the President’s office after the official visit program was over that Azerbaijan and Germany have good relations and expressed a hope that they would be further expanded. He emphasized that Germany, as a member of the Council of Europe and OSCE, is interested in resolving regional conflicts.

In regard to the human rights theme and the rule of law, Mr. Fischer said these issues represent tremendous importance to Germany. In his opinion, Azerbaijan has assumed certain commitments in the Council of Europe and has to eliminate all problems hindering the observance of human rights, democratization and the rule of law.

The distinguished said opportunities of economic cooperation were high on agenda in his meetings, largely in the energy and banking sectors, privatization, telecommunication and production of automobiles.

Asked about GM40 million worth of assistance that Germany has provided to the aggressor state of Armenia, Mr. Fischer said, “we maintain good contacts with all Caucasus nations and we are trying to contribute to peace and stability in the region through providing technical assistance in economic development”.*