News digest

MOST RESPONDENTS WANT WAR

Chairman of the society "For democratic reforms" Razi Nurullayev has announced the outcomes of a public opinion survey the society held among 110 respondents. 79 of respondents preferred a military way of solution to the Garabagh conflict, 85 regarded the work of the authorities as dissatisfactory, while 88 turned a cold shoulder to Iran's meditation. The rating of parties eager to come to power has been determined as follows: 25 support Musavat and ADP, 24 PFPA, 6 Civil Unity Party, 5 PNIA, 3 ALP, 2 Civil Solidarity Party, and one the Union of Pro-Azerbaijan Forces. Most of the respondents (58) have encouraged the recent presidential decree on transition to Latin script.

CIS SUMMIT DUE IN MOSCOW IN NOVEMBER

According to a diplomatic source, the CIS Summit is due in Moscow on November 30. The meeting agenda will be determined by CIS foreign and prime-ministers councils due to meet also in Moscow in September. The heads of state are expected to focus on issues relating to free trade zones, counter-terrorism measures and trade and economic relations within the Commonwealth. CIS presidents will also gather in Sochi on August 1-3 for an informal summit.

BY-ELECTION SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 16

The Central Election Commission met Wednesday to approve candidacies of 4 new members: Gabil Orujov (CEC secretary), Tofig Hasanov, Ramiz Ibrahimov, and Valida Kazimova. Also, the commission has scheduled the additional election in the 52nd Agjabadi and 87th Tovuz constituencies for November 16.

POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY IN PREPARATION

The Azerbaijan government is working on a Main Poverty Reduction Strategy and has embarked on the formation of different working groups together with the World Bank specialists. According to the WB Baku office, a delegation led by the Azerbaijan expert Nicolas Mathew, in Baku since July 9, has held talks with the Azerbaijan government officials resulting in the establishment of 15 groups. The Ministry for Economic Development has been chosen as the main partner on behalf of Azerbaijan. The main strategy will be compiled on the basis of the IMF and WB-approved poverty reduction strategy and be ready in early 2002.