OSCE BAKU OFFICE TO CONTINUE COOPERATION WITH AZERBAIJAN GOVERNMENT
Today, head of OSCE Baku office Jose Luis Herrero held a news conference to outline OSCE’s activity in 2007 on March 15 at the International Press Center.
According to him, the Office launched its operations on 17 July 2000. It is now almost 7 years that the OSCE has been assisting and collaborating with the Government of Azerbaijan, other public institutions and the civil society, and developing projects. The Office possesses a broad mandate, which covers major areas of concern in all OSCE dimensions including the politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions of security and stability
The substantial program of assistance and co-operation with the police will continue. This program has three major components: first is the revision of the teaching methods and training curriculum as well as the training of the trainers of Baku Police School; second element of the program is a new police driving and road traffic police training courses.
Continuing attention will be paid to the security of the environment and the removal or destruction of hazardous materials, such as mélange. A first roundtable, held earlier this year, has indicated the readiness of the authorities to engage, together with the Office, in these issues.
Jose Luis Herrero said will try to contribute to diversification of the economy and development of a good business climate, anti-corruption fight. The Office welcomes the Azerbaijan Government’s efforts towards prevention of corruption.
Promoting the use of renewable resources and raising ecological awareness will continue to form a key element of the Office’s efforts. In 2007, the Office is planning to expand the activities of the existing Aarhus Centre, and open a new Aarhus Centre in Ganja.
Assistance to the fight against trafficking in humans will continue to be provided as will support to Azerbaijan in the area of international co-operation.
In co-operation with the Azerbaijani authorities and the Council of Europe, the Office will continue to assist the Government in implementing the recommendations made by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission after the 2005 Parliamentary Elections and the 2006 Repeat Elections, the diplomat said.
The Office is preparing a number of initiatives to help build capacity in the media and the in the governmental agencies in charge of relations with the media.
Sharing his preliminary impressions after only a few weeks in Azerbaijan head of Baku Office said the impressive economic performance of this country is something extraordinary. Many positive things have resulted, most importantly a very significant reduction in the number of people living under the poverty line in a very short time.
He expressed hope that many more positive developments will follow, saying income generated by oil exports offers Azerbaijan an excellent opportunity.
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