News digest

NEW GERMAN AMBASSADOR NAMED

German ambassador Christian Siebek's diplomatic term is expiring in late July, when he will be replaced by a new German ambassador Claus Grivlich, according to a diplomatic source.

The new ambassador is expected to arrive in Baku in early August. There is no information about the diplomat's career yet.

SHEVARDNADZE VISIT DUE IN LATE JULY

Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze is expected to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on July 21-22, according to a diplomatic source. The parties are expected to sign a bilateral agreement on transportation of Azeri gas to Turkey.

President Aliyev met with the head of the Georgian International Oil Corporation Georgiy Chanturiya Friday to focus on preparations for the Georgian President's visit and documents to be signed. The President pointed out to a successful completion of negotiations on Shah-Daniz gas transportation. Emphasizing the significance of the gas pipeline for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, President Aliyev said its construction should commence as soon as possible.

WB MISSION IN AZERBAIJAN

A World Bank mission led by its senior economist on Azerbaijan Christian Petersen has arrived in Baku, a source from the WB Baku office told AssA-Irada Monday. The visit, scheduled to last till July 27, aims to identify credit areas in accordance with the structural reform. The parties are also expected to focus on possible technical assistance in this regard.

Negotiations will center on allocation of the SAC-2 credit to Azerbaijan, as WB plans to loan $30 million to Azerbaijan in 2001.