Prezident leaves for France

President Aliyev left for France on a working visit Tuesday on the invitation of the French President Jacques Chiraq. Before departure, he told journalists at the Bina airport that he would meet with his French counterpart in Paris Wednesday and then leave for Strasbourg to attend the ceremony of Azerbaijan's acceptance to the Council of Europe.

On January 26, a meeting of French, Azeri and Armenian presidents will be held in Paris, to be followed by a face-to-face meeting of Azeri and Armenian leaders.

H. Aliyev described the admission of Azerbaijan to the COE as a major achievement. He mentioned that considerable obstacles, both out- and inside Azerbaijan, had to be surmounted. According to him, some radical forces in Azerbaijan took even tougher stance than Armenian Diaspora. Therefore, the final acceptance under such circumstances is a historic event, the president highlighted.

Asked whether yesterday's visit by the secretary of Russia's security council Mr. Ivanov had anything to do with new suggestions at the Garabagh settlement, H. Aliyev said he could say nothing about that.

In response to a question whether he is going to voice his protest to the recognition by the French Senate of the so-called Armenian genocide, the president stated, "I have repeatedly voiced my opposition to the issue".

In his words, the French president does not agree to the Senate decision.

Asked whether this decision could alter France's position as a co-chair in the OSCE Minsk Group, H. Aliyev said it is not the parliament but president of France that co-chairs the Group. And he is opposed to the decision and may actually do something to block it.

In reply to a question if Azerbaijan is going to change its attitude toward France, the president said, "If such a large country as Turkey is getting ready only to apply some sanctions against France, what can Azerbaijan do? We are as big as a Turkish province. Of course, we were and will be supporting Turkey."

Asked whether he anticipates any progress in the Garabagh settlement from the upcoming meetings, H. Aliyev responded, "I always hope for some progress".