POLITICS
N. RYABOV: “RUSSIAN-AZERBAIJANI RELATIONS ADVANCING”
Speaking of the results of 15 October elections in the country, ambassador of Russia noted that Moscow with satisfaction met election of Ilham Aliyev as President of Azerbaijan Republic. As to shortages taken place in the election campaign, they are not “fatal”, the Ambassador stressed.
“There is an ongoing process of establishment of democracy and civil society, and if one comes from the West to any country of the post soviet space with his stereotypes, whishing to apply them in the said society, then he is “naive” and politically “short-sighted”. The shortages are correctable, and we need to work with them, Nikolay Ryabov said. The Ambassador underlined that overwhelming majority of electors voted for Ilham Aliyev. He also informed that President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent an invitation through foreign minister of Azerbaijan Vilayat Guliyev to President Ilham Aliyev to pay an official visit to Moscow. “The said visit was scheduled on the first half of February 2004, which once again indicates regularity of the bilateral dialogue”.
It was noted that between the two countries, there are not disputable problems in the mutual arrears, and the level of trust sets up firm ground for bilateral relations.
Responding to the question on the role of Russia in settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem, the Ambassador said that his country regards sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. “Russia realizes its responsibility in resolution of the delayed problem and continues its efforts for fair settlement of the problem”, the Ambassador underlined.