Q: It is clear that no matter what is going to happen now in this campaign, everyone expects that you will be a new president. These are expectations of many people. What do you think which main challenges the next President of Azerbaijan will face?

A: I heard various news about the election campaign. I strongly believe that President Aliyev will run for the next time. He is ready. He will come home after treatment and will be able to participate in the campaign and win the elections, he has tremendous support in the country, people believe him, and they appreciate his activity. Therefore, I believe that he will be their choice. In addition, I gave agreement to participate as a candidate in the elections, and made it clear that the reason is to help the President to be elected. This is our plan for the time being.

Q: What does it mean, in terms of act of ballot, will you withdraw you candidacy at the campaign, or what and when?

A: Yes. Now I cannot tell you when, because I have to participate in the campaign. Moreover, at the appropriate time I am planning to withdraw candidacy. If President will be in the condition to run. I am sure that he will.

Q: Is there a chance that your father withdraws his candidacy in favor of you?

A: It can happen, I think, only if his physical condition will not allow him to run but we have very optimistic information from the Hospital. I spoke yesterday with him. Actually, I speak every day with him. His condition is improving so we have very big hope that he will be able to participate.

Q: Now when you are going to start the campaign in the regions, what is the main thing you are going to bring to voters?

A: Actually, voters know me very well for many years. Since 1994, I am involved in all the important economic and political development in the country. I had many responsibilities before I was appointed to this position. I travel on a frequent basis to the regions, know the situation in the country and people know me. So there is no need to present myself, there is only message I will deliver - is that for the future development it is critically important that the policy conducted by President Aliyev is continuing. If it is not continued, then Azerbaijan can face the anarchy and destabilization. I am sure that the voters understand it very clearly. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why they support the government. The continuation of the governmental policy is very important. We have a lot of projects in front of us, Azerbaijan’s economy is developing so rapidly, the democratization process is going on, all these have to be continued. That is my main message.

Q: You talk about the fact that if all these to be continued it will be positive. Right now, there is something else in the society; some part of the population is in opposition and feels very negative about your appointment as Prime Minister. Do you think in this current situation, however there is a slight chance that you have to become an Acting President do you think they could be in rest?

A: I do not think so. The majority of people support us. And the recent public opinion poll shows that there is allover support to the President and his policy. And these polls were held by the American institutions. Opposition today in Azerbaijan is a very tiny minority. There are more than 20 parties they held various meeting and they could not gather more than 3000 of people. They create the impression that they have some social base, but in fact, they do not. On the other hand, if they do have, it is very small. It cannot affect the development of the country, they cannot cause, no matter how they try, instability. And it is very pity that opposition now is making such a declaration, that they want to create the social unrest they want to destabilize the situation because they realize that this is the only way how they can change the political situation. First, I think they are not capable in doing that, and second, they will not be allowed. Some people who are now in opposition used to be in power 10 years ago. They managed to stay in government only for 1 year and after that, they created anarchy, civil war, so people do not believe them. Moreover, for 10 years that they are in opposition they have not learnt how to carry out political struggle in a civilized way, how to find new forms of communication between opposition and government. In addition, if you look at the names of some parties, they smell hostility - Popular Front. At the beginning of 90s, there were popular fronts nearly in all the former Soviet Union republics. Now there is nowhere else, only here. Again, fronts? It is enough. Azerbaijan is a country with stable economy a part of international community, member of the Council of Europe, we are involved in very important multinational and international projects, a member of Partnership for Peace NATO program, there are very good relations with the European Union and getting very closely to make some steps for integration. On one hand, we have this, we have Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan multi-billion international project and on the other side we have these drags. I think that it is enough for our people to suffer from that. We are and I am confident that this policy, which is multi-continued, is supported by the population. We will do our best to improve more the situation in the country.

Q: What do you think needs to be improved?

A: Many things. I think many things, already have been started, and need to be continued. For example, we have started economic reforms, privatization program, and liberalization of economy, creation of good possibilities for the private entrepreneurs. Moreover, this is to be continued for wider scale. Non-oil sector must be developed with assistance of the government. We have very good results in oil sector. Nevertheless, non-oil sector should get some governmental support. In general, economic situation if you compare it to some other neighbors you will see it is positive. We have every year almost 10 percent of GDP growth. We have the leading position in attracting direct foreign investments, good investment climate, multibillion dollars investments, we have only to continue that and the final objective is to improve the living conditions of people. That is issue number one.

Q: Certainly for the next President, maybe soon or sometimes in the year of 2008 one of the insisting issue is Nagorno Karabakh. Do you think there are chanced for resolution it more successful?

A: Yes. I think we still have good chances to resolve it. Because the international community is interested, that peace comes to the region. However, peace must be based on mutual advantages and disadvantages. If somebody thinks that peace can be achieved for the benefit of one country and other country will be unsatisfied, that will not happen. We need first have back all the occupied territories and then to have negotiations on the stages on Nagorno Karabakh. Our territorial integrity is recognized, it cannot be damaged, and peaceful resolution can be found only if these issues are taken into account. We suffered from war, 20 percent of the territories have been occupied, 1 million of refugees but the country has made an enormous progress in the development. Armenia is a country, which is an aggressor, which occupied the territories, but suffered very strong economic crisis. If you look at the results of war you can see, that if Armenia thinks that they have an advantage, I think, they are mistaken. Because people did not stop leaving that country, the economy collapsed, they are dependent on foreign aid while Azerbaijan is so sufficient, despite of huge lawyer of 1 million people who are jobless and homeless without proper medical care, the government has to take care of them, we made a very big step in economic development. As more time passes the stronger Azerbaijan will be. Armenia does not have prospects for economic development. If not our regional cooperation.

The result is Karabakh issues resolve there can be no regional cooperation with Armenia. The both sides are interested and must be interested in that. Moreover, I am sure peaceful resolution will be found soon.

Q: Could you live with Karabakh that has an independent status? Could Azerbaijan live with an independent Karabakh.

A: No, no it couldn’t. Nagorno Karabakh is a part of Azerbaijan. And Azerbaijan is recognized in its borders, we have examples of economies in Europe, in many countries, autonomous regions and decision can be found only in that direction. We can not damage territorial integrity of Azerbaijan or there can not be other Armenia state because in one of the items, ideas, which Armenia always put forward is that people of Nagorno Karabakh want to be self-determined

But, Armenians already have self-determination, they have independent state, which is Armenian Republic. And there can be no second Armenian state in the world, therefore the independence of Nagorno Karabakh is not possible. This is historical territory of Azerbaijan. It can have high status of autonomy. In addition, many times we cleared up that we are ready to grant the highest possible status of autonomy existing in the world to Nagorno Karabakh. That’s all.

Q. Who is Azerbaijan’s most important ally?

A: Most important ally, I think is United States and Turkey. With United States we have very good relations, very good cooperation in energy sector with a great support of United States, there was possible that we’ve moved forward our energy projects, also we ally in internal coalition in war in Iraq. Turkey is our closest friend, the country with which we have very good political, economical, cultural relations and ties, and this is also to the benefit for both countries. Nevertheless, also we pay great attention to cooperation with our neighbors with Russia. We are very satisfied with the relations with Russia improved during the three last years, we were very concerned that previous Russian leadership was conducting not a balance policy towards Nagorno Karabakh conflict, supporting unilaterally Armenia. But, the current leadership is taking a balance approach, we managed to improve our relations to a very big extent now, we are very satisfied in that. We want to have good relations with all the countries, who close to us. And you know, I mentioned three countries, I can tell you as an example, may be it is not considered so important, I think it is symbolic. The President was recently in Ankara, doctor decided that he has to go to the United States. They were looking for a plane. And they spent a couple of days looking for a plane, our officials approached the Russian government, and Russian government granted a plane. So from Turkey, President of Azerbaijan flew to the United States by a Russian plane. I think this is a symbolic. And this shows how it is all is to unite. We want to keep these relations with our friends. We want Azerbaijan to be place, where countries cooperate, not compete. I think we will manage to do it.

Q: When you mentioned the support of the United States to Azerbaijan, there is also been support for you from Bush in general, seem to be greeted in the West, how important such support from US, in particular in the West, how important is that for you within Azerbaijan?

A: Of course, it is important, and I am very grateful to President Bush for this letter, I know that not every President has an honor to be greeted by the President of United States, so for me it is very valuable and I value it very much. I know President personally, as governor of Texas, in 1996, and since that time I have a great respect to his activity, as a governor and as a President. In addition, I have very good relations with other members of US Administration, I know this people for long time. It is not just today. They know who Ilham Aliyev is, and what his personal contribution to the development of relations between out two countries is. For me, it was, of course very pleasant to receive this letter, I valued very highly, this is support to the policy of Azerbaijan, this support to our country, which proved not by words, but by statements and this is reliable ally. I can tell you when there was eve of war in Iraq, and United States was approaching its friends and allies for support. Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to express openly this support. At that time there were less than 30 countries in the world, which did it. Today, many countries can tell that they also supported them. But, today everything is over it is easy but that time was a test who is a real friend who is not. By the way Armenia was not a part of the countries, which supported the United States, they were indifferent country. Therefore, policy of Azerbaijan, which is a true and reliable friend to United States was highly appreciated in the United States, and this letter of congratulation, I think is a result of this policy, result of bilateral relations between our countries, and of course, I think the personal aspect is also there. I am very satisfied. I think that our relations in future will develop in all the spheres and both countries will benefit from it.

Q: You mentioned that you first met with President Bush, when he was governor in Texas, can you tell us something about that?

A: Yes, I was working in Oil Company that time. I was traveling to the United States twice a year to attend conferences and meetings. Texas is a homeland of United State’s oil industry. I have been many times to Houston. That time I made a trip to the capital of Texas, was received by the Governor, and had a very good meeting there. Taking into account my contribution to the facilitation of American companies to come to the Caspian region. President awarded me a certificate of honorary Texan and then had very good discussions. Therefore, I remember it with good memory.

Q: What about division of Caspian Sea resources? What is the problem and who is blocking its resolution?

A: This issue is already ten years old, first started when we signed a contract of the century in 1994, then, we thought all the time we have full right to work in our Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea who did not interfere in any other sector. And this position proved to be right now we have a bilateral agreement with Russia and Kazakhstan based on that approach on the sartorial division. The issue is unresolved. Of course, it is very bad. Nevertheless, at the same time, this did not prevent foreign oil companies from investing in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. Almost, 5-6 billion dollars has been invested already. Maybe twice as much will be invested in a couple of years. What I want to say is that the issue is unresolved; it is not an impediment for any to develop. Of course, it would be very good if five countries can agree and put a name to that. But, unfortunately, it does not happen. I think that we have to find a solution but, even, if we don’t I don’t think it will be a very serious obstacle for us.

Q: Who is at fault?

A: It is difficult to say. For instance, I told you that we did not interfere in any sector. The sectorial division was made during the Soviet time. Because during the Soviet times there was only one border- it was Soviet Union and Iran. It was divided like that. Soviet Union collapsed. We took as a base the division during the Soviet time. Because during the Soviet time, there was not a sectorial division - Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan. Now, when we agree with Russia and Kazakhstan. In principle, I think we do not have any disputes with Turkmenistan. The only thing, Turkmenistan claims that some of the fields not belong to us, belong to them, which is not correct. In addition, we made a special independent international survey before starting in 1994 these activities, which showed that they belonged to us. With Iran, it is a different story. There we have a disagreement in principle. They do not recognize the sectorial division and it is they want to increase their sector and have their sector beyond the borders, which they had during the Soviet time. Therefore, we think that our position is fair. We have international support, we have made international expertise. And in any international arbitration our position is very fair. Again we wanted countries involved come to an agreement and put an end to that.

Q: Considering the events that happened couple years ago - incident with Iran and in general, Iran’s particular impressed on Azerbaijan. How much of the threat poses Iran’s policy to your country.

A: I don’t think there is threat because of the unpleasant Iran when there was some military activity in the Caspian sea. We have made a strong protest against that. However, we do not think there is any threat to Azerbaijan. We have a very big border with Iran, we have very big trait. The visit of our president to Iran, the last visit, was very successful. It helped us to find new ways of economical cooperation we are now actively involved in energy projects. Iran needs electric energy in summer, during the farmers campaign but we need it in winter. We make the exchange of electric energy. Therefore, we have relations in various economic spheres, we want to have good relations with Iran, and I think that we do not have any disagreement.

Q: You mentioned before that Azerbaijan is interested integrating with Europe. Certainly, one of concerns in West centers on Azerbaijan’s record in Human rights and especially, media freedom and especially free elections. In what ways do you think Azerbaijan could or need to improve in these areas?

A: As far as media freedom is concerned, I think we have very free media. You should look at the newspapers you can see that there’s no censorship; there’s no governmental control. Some newspapers of opposition are openly insulting the government, the president spreading rumors. Nevertheless, nothing has happened, there is no governmental control or censorship. As far as elections concerned, we are strongly determined to help free and fair elections with the participation of international observers. We, as a Government, do not need to make falsification because we clearly understand that we have the support of all the people. Free and fair elections will be held and I think international community will witness that. And of course not everything is corresponding the standards of western Europe and it would be naпve to expect that the country of 11 years old who suffered occupation, civil war, several attempts of coup d'etat, still hostile groups inside the country and outside the country is not appropriate to expect that here we have the same level of democratic development that you have western Europe. But the important thing is that we are moving in that direction and it was our choice cause we could have made different choices it was up the government and President to make a strategic choice for the country, we have chosen this way to become a member of the Council of Europe three years ago to improve a lot our legislation, brought to correspondence with European legislation. All the obligations in front of the Council of Europe are being implemented. Therefore, we are moving in that direction. How long time will we need for that? We will see. I think by the time economical development and living standards of people increase, this level of democracy will also increase.

Q: In terms of elections, whom will it depend on? Because, there are many who would say that it depends on you and President.

A: Yes, it depends on those who are in power, and we will do all our best to have fair and free elections. Sometimes things happen which we cannot control. Sometimes, people who are in the districts want to make some service but we do not need that. Free and fair elections will be held and people will make their choices. I am sure that those who come here as international observers will see that.

Q: One thing I would like to ask you as a potential future President is that many people have praised your father about his excellent skill in keeping together a group of supporters, what do you think his secret is. Without having an advantage of so many decades of experience as your father had, do you think that you would be able to do the same?

A: The secret is his personality and his absolute support from the population because if the leader has a support of his people, of course, for him it is very easy to control and support various groups and others. What will happen if in future I will in charge I cannot predict, and it will not be, I think, very modest from my side to talk about myself what I will do, how I will manage or not. Time will show. Today, I think, in the government my appointment was met with support, in the parliament, it was also supported. I hear the sounds from all the districts from the ordinary people who also supported this appointment because many people were afraid that there could be a vacuum of power, there can be a threat to stability and this appointment was appreciated so all these supports are in place. However, what will be in future I cannot tell. I will try to do my best that the country continues to develop safely.

Q: What kind of divisions does exist in the administration, if any and what in ‘Yeni Azebaijan’?

A: No I do not think there is any. It is rumors, it is, by the way, that what I think. Why opposition was, as may people say, was shocked by this appointment, because they in day-by-day propaganda. They spoke so much about various groups and divisions. Some will support Ilham Aliyev some would not. We spoke too much about that they started to believe it themselves and when they saw that parliament and the government expressed unanimous support, they were of course surprised and demoralized. Today, the situation is very poor because all they planned has ruined. They expected some internal resistance, there was not, they expected some resistence in government they can benefit, there was also not, they thought international organizations will opposite it was different story, I have received congratulations from many international European organizations, the United States. Therefore, what else can they do, I always tell the best way to promote yourself is to do something. I have a lot of things to put on the table what has been done with my involvement in Azerbaijan: in oil and gas sector, in sport, in Council of Europe where Armenia was recognized by an aggressor, in parliament. If you ask them what did you do for the country? Tell me one thing; it will be only words, words and words. They will insult us, and they will tell bad things about us, but will you have to put on the table, especially on the eve of the elections what have you done. Maybe you did mistakes because those who do something do the mistakes, those who only criticize, they prefer this, but for them I want to tell you I do not want to humiliate them or to attack them, not at all. But I think what they have achieved now is a highest possible level, because they feel very comfortably, their material conditions are very good, their working conditions are very good, they are being invited to various receptions, they like very much to go to receptions to foreign embassies, they are in the press, they speak in newspapers, and that is maximum what they can have, they had a chance to run the country, they ruined everything, so second time it’s better for them to be in opposition, and for the country itself.

Q. When did you first start thinking about the possibility that you might become President?

A. There was not such a day, it was not like he asked me or told, it was like that life was drifting me, I studied to be involved in international issues, was elected to parliament, then European Council, of course the important step was for me to be elected as deputy chairman of the PACE, everything was happening natural, ten years I spent being involved in all that projects. Therefore, it was happening very smoothly, understanding about that came maybe after parliamentary elections of 2000. Because I was leading the party list on the elections campaign, and that actually was indication that I am in the party have a leading position. That was the time when I started to think about that as of possibility.

Q. In Azerbaijan, there are many posters everywhere, for example with your father’s portraits, and in all offices: if you became president, how do you feel if there would be that attitude towards you.

A. I already made it clear. I ask everybody not to speak about my qualification, about my capabilities, in other words, not to praise. Because, I do not need that. In addition, I can tell them any things, which I was involved in, I did not make it public. It was not just in order to be shown on TV or make something so that people know about. I do what I have to do, if somebody appreciate that, it is good. The best evaluation is given by the people.

Many people do it sincerely, I do not want to blame and say that they do it on purpose, no, but I do not need it. Azerbaijan does not need it. We need a calm working situation, we do not need to have anybody being praised, especially person who in this position as a prime minister did not do anything yet. In this position, I am new. Therefore, time will show what I manage good or bad.

Q. Many people said that they congratulated the idea that you could become president some day, but many people say that initially you were elected, you were holding back, is that true?

A. No, that was not true. Because what I thought all the time was that, and now I think that the most important is that this policy continues. If someone else could be more suitable for the position, I would not put myself. The most important for me and I think majority of our country is that this policy continues, this situation continues. Today, if it is, I was considered to be a right person for that, I am ready to take this responsibility. I was not trying to escape this, though it is not an easy thing I can tell you to realize this responsibility; one thing is you are responsible for a small sector; another thing is you are responsible for the whole country. Believe me, it not an easy feeling to live with. I know many people who after getting some important position change completely, change the attitude towards the people who they know, change the attitude to some events, aspects of life. I will try to my best to remain I like think normal human being.

Q. I know that you had said about your father’s doing better, but maybe you could just more concretely tell us what the latest situation is?

A. Yes I spoke to him yesterday, unfortunately today they have electricity problem in that area, so I could not call them. I also spoke yesterday to the doctors. Both conversations were very optimistic. The doctors say that since he came to Cleveland, there was a significant improvement in his condition. He had a problem with one of the kidneys, which is now being treated successfully. They need more time to do it, and I know that there are various rumors, information about what will happen later, whether he will need operation or not, they said that they think they will do a conservative treatment, and only therapeutic treatment will be enough for him to completely recover. I am very happy with that. We will wait.

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THE WASHINGTON POST: LITTLE CHANCE FOR AZERBAIJAN OPPOSITIONThe influential American newspaper ‘The Washington Post’ has published in August 17 edition the analytical article by Susan B. Glasser titled ‘Little Chance for Azerbaijan Opposition’ dealing with upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan. The article, in particular, tells about unavailing mass actions taken by the opposition, which according to Susan B. Glasser is ‘too divided to coalesce’, and ‘does not constitute a genuine threat able to topple existing power.’ ‘This view of the opposition is also widely held by Western businessmen working here,’ she says ‘who have supported Aliyev as the guarantor of stability,’ and cites the words by one Westerner: ‘The other political have no vision except getting power. The demonstrations now are as big as they can master.’ In conclusion, the paper says: ‘There are very few candidates other than Ilham Aliyev who could command substantial votes,’ said the western diplomat. He said Ali Kerimly is perceived to lack the necessary experience to run the country, while Isa Gambar is linked with the past in the eyes of the Azeri population. He is associated with past turmoil when there was no order and people were not sure of their life. People believe they know what they can expect from him, and they don’t expect miracles from him

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SECOND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL GAME “WHAT? WHERE? WHEN?” CLOSING CEREMONY WITH PARTICIPATION OF PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV

An awarding and closing ceremony of the second world championship of the intellectual game “What? Where? When?” was held on August 17 in the Grand Hotel Europe in Baku. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took part in the ceremony. The audience greeted Prime Minister by applauds. According to the tradition, the closing ceremony started with auction, where personal belongings of famous players having been used by them for 25 years, were displayed. However, before, Deputy Director General of the TV Company “Igra”, Andrey Kozlov expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani people for hospitability shown towards the participants of the game. He wished happiness and prosperity to people of the country, and a good health to the President of the country Heydar Aliyev. Andrey Kozlov announced that last year’s champions of “Brain ring” Balash Kasumov’s team won the Overall Champion Cup this year. He handed in the Challenge Cup to the captain of Azerbaijani team. Funds from the auction were transferred to the fund of “Atashgakh” team. A show play of the elite team was held after the championship. Best players and best spectators were given special prizes of sponsors. The awarding ceremony of winners was held next. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev and the President of the International Association of Clubs “What? Where? When?” , Director General of the TV Company “Igra” Natalya Stetzenko delivered prizes - bronze medal to a team from Moscow under leadership of Andrey Kuzmin, silver - to Vladimir Sevrinski’s team, and golden - to the Russian team of “Genius”, winner of World Cup 2002-2003 with its captain Maxim Potashev. Ilham Liyev handed in the Challenge Cup to the golden winner. Natalya Stetzenko congratulated the winners of the championship and underlined that Baku will always be in history of this game as a city where world championship of this game was held. She underlined that Azerbaijani teams have good future, as the traditions of intellectual games are strong here. She expressed gratitude to organizers, the NOC, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism for welcoming and high organizational level of the competitions. Natalya Stetzenko especially thanked Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev and pointed out that on August 13, the Board of Directors of the International Association of International Association of Clubs decided to award Azerbaijani Prime Minister with a special prize “For support of What? Where? When? Movement”. She delivered this prize and the supreme prize of the club “Crystal Owl”, personifying wisdom to Ilham Aliyev. Further, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev made a speech: Dear friends, dear guests, First of all, let me express gratitude to the board of directors of the “What? Where? When?” club for appraisal of my merits. To tell the truth it is a surprise for me and I am very pleased. I am happy that I managed to contribute to popularization of this game, beloved not only in Azerbaijan, but in other countries as well. One year ago, I was saying I was thankful to you that you received our invitation to come and present us with a few days of festival. Once more, you have become eyewitnesses, how popular this game and its players are in Azerbaijan. How sincere Bakuvites are towards our guests. I am sure that our sponsors, I express gratitude to them, and people accompanying you, have done their best for making your visit pleasant. You told me that International Association of Clubs is not a federation yet, but I consider that What? Where? When? is so popular in many countries as the most popular sports. I can state that everyone in Azerbaijan is waiting for this game. All of us are in front of TV sets to watch this series of programs; all of us are fans of this game. Today we are supporting not only well-known and beloved players; today we are supporting our friends. We have become friends. Here in Azerbaijan, we appreciate friendship very much and hope that our friendship will go on. People are expressing the ideas of next place hosting the championship. Of course, the Board of the Club will take the decision, I must tell, that in our country they appreciate friendship and traditions side by side. I offer not to break the tradition and to hold the third championship in Baku. I congratulate all winners; wish a good health, success and happiness to everyone! Ilham Aliyev announced the second world championship of the intellectual game What? Where? When? closed. In conclusion, the state anthem of Azerbaijan sounded. After the ceremony, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev answered the questions of journalists: Q: Mr. Aliyev, this championship is being held at your personal imitative. Are you satisfied with the results? A: Of course, I am. I believe that our initiative has good results. It is for the second time, that the world championship is held in Baku. You see, the interest towards this event is great; the game is great and especially friendly atmosphere. I think, next games will be held in Baku, our people will be pleased. Q: What about health condition of Mr. President? A: Good. Q: You have recently told that Mr. President is to come back within two weeks. A: Approximately. It is impossible to tell precisely. Doctors say so. Two, maybe, three weeks. Depends on the course of treatment. Q: Is it possible that President is going to be operated on? A: No. This issue is not on agenda. This is only conservative, therapeutic treatment and it gives good results. Q: Mr. Aliyev, presidential election campaign has started. Are you going to visit regions. If you go, what regions are you going to visit first? A: Of course I am going. For now, I have not determined yet. It goes without saying I am going to visit majority of regions of Azerbaijan. I will go, for sure. Q: Mr. Prime Minister, in your interview with foreign mass media, you touched upon Nagorno Karabakh issue. It is taken as a kind of your platform, i.e. this is the point of Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev on the issue. Do you guarantee restoration of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan? In other words, is Azerbaijan able to achieve this goal? A: We are trying our best. Our policy is aimed at this result. There are no changes in my point of view. If you pay attention, I have been expressing my views on that openly and clear. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be fully restored; invaders must liberate the lands of Azerbaijan. Only on this condition, we can start discussing a peace agreement. This is the main principle. We have no intention to refuse these principles. In other words, there are no new views on this issue. Simply, my position in the government is new. That is why you take it in this way. Q: Mr. Aliyev, peace negotiations have been held for almost 10 years. If you become a President, it will go on like this or the talks will be rounded one day? A: We still have opportunities. As you know, the OSCE Minsk Group continues its activities. At the same time, the two Presidents meet and will go on meeting in future. Besides, maybe, OSCE will put forward new proposals. The situation may change. World is changing. Very important processes are going on in our region and in neighboring regions for recent two years. Therefore, I believe, peace negotiations should go on. It means that we still have chances. If it is not so, we must use all means. I wished to believe that we would manage to resolve it peacefully. Q: Mr. Prime Minister. Opposition has started again its protest acts and in addition to all claims, they put forward the demand of resignation. How will you comment on this fact? A: Do they have something new? Has it something to do with me? How can I appraise it? I just laugh at it. I cannot tell whether they renewed their actions or not. Because opposition’s actions are held in their old way. I know what is their goal. If they think that they frighten someone by their actions, of course they are mistaken. If they believe that they create a social base by these actions, this is not true as well. Our people know very well about their activities, their past and plan. One should ask them, if you come to power, what are going to do for Azerbaijan. They are intended to ruin Azerbaijan. They do not hide their intentions. They want to terminate the existing situation so that to create social and civil opposition. That is why their actions will not produce any influence. People know what has been done by authorities and what - by opposition. Until now, they have just been insulting and giving unreal promises. That is why I do not have serious attitude towards them. Thank you. X X X Minister of Youth, Sport and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev, Minister of Culture Polad Bulbuloglu, Milli Majlis (Parliament) members and other officials were present at the ceremony.

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“SAUDI ARABIA SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF AZERBAIJAN”, YUSIF BIN IBRAHIM AL-BASSAM BELIEVES

A credit agreement on construction of five modern schools was signed on August 19 in the Cabinet of Minister of Azerbaijan between the government of Azerbaijan and the Saudi Development Fund.Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov making speech before the signing ceremony greeted the delegation of the Fund led by Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Development Fund, Yusif bin Ibrahim al-Bassam and spoke on historical roots uniting Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia and reminded that after President Heydar Aliyev visited the Kingdom in 1994, met with King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud he pointed out the necessity of widening of economic relations between the two countries. The construction project of five schools in Baku was presented in April of 2000 at the Round Table held in Baku with the participation of the Saudi Development Fund, Islamic Bank for Development and other Arab foundations. Later, in the course of negotiations, the Fund agreed to allocate funds necessary for implementation of the project. The republic faces the necessity of construction of 590 new schools, Deputy Prime Minister said. Some 684 are to be constructed and 1900 are to be reconstructed. Taking into account all these, the Program of new secondary schools construction, on reconstruction of old schools and installation of up-to-date equipment (2003-2007) was approved by the Presidential Decree of February 17, 2003. Yusif bin Ibrahim al-Bassam said he was pleased with his visit to Azerbaijan, with public and political stability achieved due to President Heydar Aliyev’s efforts in the country. The relations between Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan are strengthening day by day, he said. The Saudi Development Fund is very attentive towards the projects implemented in Azerbaijan and will always support them. Projects submitted by the government of Azerbaijan cause interest of other Arab foundations as well. Further, Abid Sharifov and Yusif bin Ibrahim al-Bassam signed a credit agreement between the government of Azerbaijan and the Saudi Development Fund. According to the agreement, the Fund will give a 9,7 million US dollar credit for 20 years at the annual rate of interest of 2 percent to construct modern school buildings in Baku. Five schools are to be constructed in Khatai, Surakhani, Nasimi, Yasamali and Binagadi districts of Baku. Each school is meant for 1276 seats. The construction works are to start end-year. After signing, Abid Sharifov and Yusif bin Ibrahim al-Bassam answered journalists’ questions.Minister of Education, Misir Mardanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia Elman Arasli, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Azerbaijan Ali Hassan Ahmed Jafar and other official were present at the ceremony.