Dear Mr. President,I would like to express my thanks for Your letter of congratulation and best wishes on my appointment of Prime-Minister of Azerbaijan Republic.I am very much delighted and proud for the high value given by You to the role and services of my father, Heydar Aliyev in building, strengthening and developing the US-Azerbaijan relationship, which raised to be the strategic partnership. Today we are happy to observe continued growing relations between the United States and Azerbaijan in all areas. The achievements we have made in some important areas implementing large-scale economic projects are the results of our close cooperation, joint activity and efforts.It is with satisfaction I would like to note that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to join anti terror coalition right after the United States decisively started to fight against terrorism and we did our best to contribute to eradicate this evil that threatens to collapse the mankind. Lately Azerbaijan supported the US held operation in Iraq and vividly demonstrated its true partnership with Your country. Recent departure of Azerbaijani peacekeepers to Iraq within the international coalition is yet another prove of our partnership.The US Administration has played a vital role in the implementation of Azerbaijan’s oil strategy started in September of 1994 with “The Contract of a Century” signed between Azerbaijan and Western oil companies. I am pleased to note that the construction of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main oil pipeline – which was once a legend, but now a reality – has become a possibility only due to United State’s strong political and economic support.Our people pin great hopes to the US as one of the Co-Chairs of Minsk Group of OSCE and to You personally, Mr. president, in the peaceful settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabagh and restoration of our country’s territorial integrity, the most painful problem Azerbaijan has encountered since its independence.Azerbaijan, which has chosen the way of political and democratic reforms, is on the verge of elections. We are willing to work closely with the US and international organizations to conduct free and democratic presidential elections corresponding to international standards.I would like to assure You that we will continue our political will and efforts aimed at development of existing friendship and close cooperation.I would also want to express my immense thanks for Your care and attention about my father, President Heydar Aliyev and our family.I wish You an Your family good health and success, as well as prosperity to friendly American people.Sincerely,Ilham Aliyev,The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Republic.
***PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJANDECREE ON GRANTING EXEMPTION TO DISPLACED PEOPLE FROM CHARGE FOR EDUCATION IN HIGHER AND SPECIAL SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Taking into consideration social and economic situation of displaced families, with the aim of rendering governmental assistance in education of children from displaced families in higher and special secondary educational establishments, I decree:
1. Starting with the academic year of 2002-2003, to exempt from charges displaced people studying in governmental higher and special secondary educational establishments until the completion of education.
2. This Decree comes into effect on the day of signing.
Heydar Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
August 4, 2003.
