News digest

US DEFENSE SECRETARY's VISIT PUT OFF

The visit of US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, which was originally scheduled for December 10, has been put off. It is expected to take place on December 15, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday.

The US Defense Secretary will hold meetings with President Aliyev and center on cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan as part of his tour of South Caucasus.

CAUCASUS SITUATION BEING DISCUSSED IN PARIS

A joint meeting of the three PA CE commissions on political issues started in Paris Monday, as it is focusing on the political situation in the Caucasus and ways of solution to the conflicts.

Representing Azerbaijan in the meeting is a delegation led by chairman of the permanent parliamentary commission on international issues Samad Seyidov.

The meeting is expected to last till December 13.

WCO DISCUSSING WORK PLAN IN BRUSSELS

The 46th session of the Political Commission of the World Customs Organization, which got underway in Brussels, Belgium Monday, is discussing the plan of activities to fortify borderline security in a move to combat international terrorism.

The session is also focusing on issues of mutual international assistance, a draft convention to fight cigarette smuggling and a preparation program for the 50th anniversary of the WTO.

Attending the session on behalf of Azerbaijan is first deputy chairman of the State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev, the Committee said Monday.

RULING PARTY CALLS OPPOSITION FOR FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Ali Ahmadov held a news conference at the party's headquarters Thursday to respond to the statements of the opposition following the second congress of the party.

A. Ahmadov said the NAP is not against the freedom of speech and conscience, as is claimed in Yeni Musavat, Azadlig and Hurriyyat newspapers, but on the contrary stands for the promotion of democracy. He called on opposition parties to disclose their financial sources. Opposition parties are funded overseas and by illegal entities, A. Ahmadov said.

OSCE TO HOLD SEMINAR FOR YOUNG JOURNALISTS

The OSCE Office in Baku in cooperation with the OSCE Freedom of Media Office in Vienna is expected to organize a seminar on "Developing freedom and responsibility of media in Azerbaijan" to be held in the OSCE Office on December 14-15 2001.

The two-day seminar is designed for young, promising and educated Azeri journalists from government, NGO and independent media who have demonstrated commitment to their profession. The seminar will be facilitated by two European experts in journalism specifically invited for this occasion, the OSCE Baku Office said in a faxed statement Wednesday.