POLITICS
CONGRESSMEN WINDED UP THEIR VISIT TO BAKU
A two-day visit of the US Congress delegation to Azerbaijan rounded on August 29. Before the departure, the head of US delegation Curt Weldon held a briefing for journalists at the Bina airport. He noticed that they had received a warm welcome and hospitality and held meetings with Milli Majlis (Parliament) chairman Murtuz Alaskarov, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev, Milli Majlis members, and Defense Minister Safar Abiyev . In his opinion, links between Milli Majlis and Congress will open a new stage in bilateral relations. Congressman said: visit of Azerbaijani delegation will be scheduled, while congress members are to visit Baku once more in spring 2003.
Responding to the question on the situation on the eve of Presidential elections in Azerbaijan Mr. Weldon said, “All officials we met announced that elections would be held in free and fair conditions. Prime Minister was very sincere in saying that. We are confident that the government will hold free and fair elections. We are looking forward to cooperating with your country. Everyone in USA is wishing good health to President Heydar Aliyev and praying for him”.
Touching upon Nagorno-Garagagh, Curt Weldon noted that delegation members realize population’s concern over the conflict and wish the soonest resolution of the conflict.