POLITICS
“NO STATE CAN FUNCTION WITHOUT PUBLIC CONSENSUS”, DESPINA AFENTOULI
Eurasian Association of Lawyers, the Public Diplomatic Program of NATO and embassy of Turkey in Azerbaijan have jointly organized an international conference on November 5 in Baku on the topic "Role of the state bodies and the state societies in integration of Azerbaijan into the Euro-Atlantic space".
Member of Azerbaijan Parliament Azay Guliyev opened the Conference. After greetings, Mr. Guliyev noted importance of the event for integration of Azerbaijan into the Euro-Atlantic space. He also stressed necessity of participation of all layers of society in the actions directed on development of the common concept, promoting the quick integration to this space.
Then, the floor was given to the coordinator of the Public Diplomatic Program of NATO on the Caucasian region Mrs. Despina Afentouli. Speaking about achievements in the country in development of democracy, she noted defining role of public organizations in building a real democratic society. The huge role in this cause belongs to mass media that has huge opportunities to bring the truth up to the public. On her deep belief, no state can function without public consensus. She expressed gratitude to all those state structures owing to which there was possible carrying out of the mentioned conference. "I hope, - Mrs. Despina Afentouli told, - that during a two-day exchange of views we shall come to a common idea in solution of the available problems. It is the open and difficult dialogue".
Turkey at conference was represented by the ambassador of this country in Azerbaijan Huseyn Avni Karslioglu. He told about advantages of participation of any country in programs of NATO. For Azerbaijan, it is an opportunity of revealing of available potential, its further use that will lead to blossoming of the brotherly country, he emphasized. The Conference also promotes representation of Azerbaijan in the countries of NATO, including bringing all the problems of our country up to world community.
Then, speaking was the assistant to the ambassador of the USA in Azerbaijan Donald Lew told, that many associate NATO only with army, soldiers and tanks. But the basic purpose of the Alliance is construction of democratic society and protection of democratic achievements of people and the countries. And in this sense, integration into the Euro-Atlantic space will help Azerbaijan to provide defensibility and safety of the country at the necessary level and solve together with NATO many important questions. He called Azerbaijan to accept all recommendations of NATO.
President of the Eurasian Association of Lawyers, the editor-in-chief of magazine “Diplomacy and the Law” Nadir Adilov especially noted necessity of participation of youth and public organizations in actions of integration of Azerbaijan to the Euro-Atlantic space.
At conference, delivered were reports on topics "The role of NATO and civil society during democratization and integration into the Euro-Atlantic space", "The role of NATO in settlement of conflicts and antiterrorist activity", "The concept of national safety of the Azerbaijan Republic".
Employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Members of Milli Majlis and other officials took part at conference.
Conference is in success.