News in brief

GOVERNOR OF EASTERN AZERBAIJAN, IRAN EXPECTED

A governor of Eastern Azerbaijan, Iran Agai Subhanallahi is expected to pay an official visit to Baku in late June to mull further expansion of bilateral political, economic and cultural relations, according to the Iranian embassy in Baku. The timing of the visit is under consideration.

CIS BORDER TROOPS COMMANDERS TO MEET IN TAJIKISTAN

The 44th meeting of the CIS Border Troops Commanders is due in Dushanbe, Tajikistan Tuesday and Wednesday, as international combat against terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking and arms smuggling will be in the limelight. Commander of Azeri Border Troops, Major General Elcin Quliyev is expected to attend the meeting, according to the Department of Border Troops under the Ministry of National Security.

CUSTOMS CHIEF BACK, ENDING RUMORS

Chairman of the State Customs Committee Kamaladdin Heydarov returned to Baku Wednesday, putting an end to rumors that he had been on the run all this time. A customs source that wanted to be unnamed reported that Mr. Heydarov had been on his vacation abroad.

MILITARY FOR NATO UNDERTAKINGS

The Azeri military are taking part in Nato's logistics conference in the south region in Verona, Italy on June 16-19 within the framework of Nato's Partnership for Peace Program. Azeri officers are also expected to join courses on management and use of small arms in Spiz, Switzerland on June 16-28, a final training conference "Cooperative Key-02" in Saint Disier France, and a workshop "The doctrine of Great Britain on operations to support and secure the world" in Shrivenkham on June 17-21.

GERMAN AMBASSADOR TOURS NAXCIVAN

German ambassador to Azerbaijan Claus V. Grevlich has paid a fact-finding visit to Naxcivan to study bilateral relations, economic situation in the autonomous republic, prospects of economic development, as well as cultural and educational issues. The diplomat met with Naxcivan top government officials.

Mr. Grevlich saw the sights of Naxcivan and toured Sarur province.

AZERBAIJAN-NORTH CYPRUS FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY SET UP

The Azerbaijan-North Cyprus Friendship Society was presented in a ceremony at the Europe Hotel of Baku Thursday. Chairman of the society Agil Samadbayli said the initiative came from chairman of the Union of Intelligentsia Vagif Bayatli Oder and honored chairman of the society, renowned composer Javanshir Guliyev.

The society aims to support establishment of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in all spheres and recognize the country as independent state.