POLITICS
DEPUTY JUSTICE MINISTER MEETS ACTING PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES
Baku, September 11 (AZERTAC). Vilayet Zahirov, Deputy Minister of Justice of Azerbaijan has met here today with Ian Micallef, President a.i. of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
Deputy Minister updated Micallef on the democratic changes in Azerbaijan, improvement of municipalities` activity and national legislation, stressing the Congress`s supporting this process. He highlighted the importance of progressive changes in the Constitution for strengthening local democracy.
Zahirov noted the state program on poverty reduction and sustainable development for 2008-2015 is important for deepening local democracy and decentralization.
Micallef noted he witnessed sustainable economic progress in Azerbaijan and praised govement`s efforts towards developing municipalities. He hailed the actions to enhance the role of national association of city, village and settlement municipalities. He expressed hope that Azerbaijan would take an active part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Micallef said the congress is keen on getting involved in the election.
Discussions also revolved around the activity of the Azerbaijan`s delegation to the Congress and oversight over municipalities.
Later the same day, Micallef met with the Azerbaijan delegation to the Congress.