Nation

NEW SECURITY SYSTEM LAUNCHED

By Anar Jabrayilli Azernews Staff Writer

The high crime rate in Baku could not but perturb the Group-4 international security service. The agitation emerged after one of its clients was robbed after failing to duly install an alarm system. The incident prompted the company to introduce advanced security systems in its operations.

Group-4 in Azerbaijan now offers electronic security systems developed on the basis of 911 service. This type of service entails alarms, fire extinguishing systems, guarding systems, and surveillance cameras.

Systems mounted in apartments and other installations are linked to the 911 central monitoring unit. Every time the system's operation is disturbed by outside intrusion, a signal is sent to the central station.

Afterwards, a person on duty informs an operative group consisting of former interior officers, paramedics and sportsmen. The group arrives at the scene of the incident and takes appropriate measures.

This kind of service is in effect in nearly all Group-4 represented countries. The company offers immense opportunities to both expatriate and local residents.

Group-4 uses the world's most advanced electronic security systems for its 911 service and provides installation, upgrade and guarantee of the systems.

We offer you the use of the service to guard your property and yourselves.

Our address: 56 J. Jabbarli

Tel: (994 12) 97 25 04; 97 46 67

Fax: (994 12) 97 25 02

E-mail: group4falck@azeronline.com

Web: www.group4.co-az.net

AZERI-IRANIAN RELATIONS ON THE MEND

With Aliyev's Iranian visit still on agenda

By Farahim Zeini Azernews Contributor

An Azeri delegation led by foreign minister spokesman Shahin Abdullayev left for Iran Saturday to start laying groundwork for President Aliyev's upcoming visit to the neighboring state on September 17. The stage of preparations, which started with last week's visit to Iran by the national security minister Namiq Abbasov, has been now underway for over a week.

Throughout his meetings with Iranian officials, Mr. Abbasov reached agreement on several national security issues.

During the visit the parties regretted the lack of any contacts between national security bodies of the two countries and agreed on joining efforts in combating international terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration, the Ministry for National Security said.

Min. Abbasov also met with the secretary of Iran's Supreme Security Council Hasan Ruhani.

Much to the surprise of the Azeri delegation, the Iranian security chief openly stated that Azerbaijan represents a bigger threat to Iran than any other country in the Caucasus. Mr. Ruhani then stressed the importance of curbing any activity that leads to tension in bilateral relations and voiced a hope that the visit would help expand and deepen current relations.

High on agenda was the legal status of the Caspian, as the parties reaffirmed that the sea must be a safe and demilitarized basin. Both sides decided to carry on with negotiations until coastal nations sign a mutually acceptable document. But there is still much controversy surrounding the division of the Caspian among littoral states.

Also dominating the talks was the opening of Azerbaijan's consulate in Tabriz, but the issue was put off until after President Aliyev's visit.

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami told General Abbasov that he was fully aware of how President Aliyev's official visit can improve bilateral relations.

Minister Abbasov also held what is described as fruitful talks with his Iranian counterpart, minister for security and information Ali Yunusi and invited him to pay a working visit to Baku.

Observers say Tehran seems to have softened its position following US and Turkish support for Baku in the wake of recent developments in the Caspian. President Aliyev's visit to Iran is in the focus of not just the two countries, but also those with interests at stake in the region.

HANDICAPPED NEED HELP

The condition of the incarcerated Garabagh war invalids Gunduz Rahimli and Fuad Baladadashov is critical, both from psychological and medical viewpoints. According to the chairman of the abolished society of the Garabagh war handicapped Etimad Asadov, the human rights committee of the invalids has requested a renowned psychiatrist Agabay Sultanov and IRCR doctors to visit the disabled in prison. He added that MP Igbal Agazadeh had prepared an appeal to the President asking for mercy for the handicapped.

BRITISH DIPLOMAT NEGOTIATING IN BAKU

Deputy head of Eastern Department under the British Foreign Office Paul Brummel visited Baku last week meeting with politicians and economists of the country. A source from the British embassy has told Azernews that Mr. Brummel met with the deputy foreign minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev, chairman of the parliamentary commission on international relations Samad Seyidov and leaders of political parties to focus on political relations and democratic transformation in Azerbaijan.

The diplomat has also met with executives of British companies active in Azerbaijan and the AIOC President David Woodward. The fact-finding mission completed on Saturday.

AZERIS TO STUDY IN UK

Four successful candidates are expected to leave Baku this month to start their post-graduate courses in the UK. These will be studying for MBAs at the universities of Bath, Birmingham and Lancaster. The fourth, co-sponsored by the Anglo-Azeri Society, will be studying for M. Phil in European Studies at Cambridge University. A fifth scholar, co-sponsored by EBRD, is expected to start her MBA courses at Imperial College in London in February.

On September 12 the British ambassador is expected to host a party to say farewell and good luck to the scholars.

ROUNDTABLES ON PROBLEMS OF AZERIS IN GEORGIA

A roundtable conference on "Strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia: realities and prospects", organized by the PFPA conservative wing, was held at the Press Club of Baku Monday. The event was attended by the leader of Georgia-based Azeri national movement "Geyrat" Alibaba Asgarov, member of Georgian parliament Zumrud Gurbanov, leaders of political parties, political experts, etc. Also invited was the consul of Georgia in Azerbaijan Mr. Tengiz Kaladze.

The objective of the event was to focus on the recent developments in Borchali province of Georgia, which have been in international limelight: Azeri schools are closing down, ethnic Azeris are not promoted in service, denied land plots, etc. Speakers described these phenomena as violation of human rights of Azeris and urged the governments of the two countries to urgently interfere.

Consul Kaladze said it was wrong to portray small problems into inter-ethnic ones and vehemently dismissed the presence of anti-Azerbaijan moods in his country. He explained the closure of schools by the fact that there are not enough students, while the fact that land plots are not being provided in borderline areas by the national legislation, which was adopted under the circumstances of struggle for territorial integrity.

According to the consul, Azeris don't learn the Georgian language and can't be promoted in service. In general, he also stated that there are forces uninterested in the friendship between Azeri and Georgian peoples.