Prime-Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to ‘Associated Press’ reporter on August 15. Responding to the question about health situation of Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev the Prime-Minister said:

President Heydar Aliyev’s health improves day by day. I had a telephone talk with him. He is in very good mood, the treatment is successfully continuing. I also talked to the doctors treating the President. They spoke of the President’s good health too and stressed that considerable changes for the better had occurred in Heydar Aliyev’s health since he arrived in Cleveland. Of course, we are extremely pleased of this and sure that having successfully completed the treatment, our President will return to homeland very soon.

I must say the matter concerns therapeutic treatment only, no other measures are envisioned. With God's help on return to homeland, the President will join the election campaign, and I am sure Azerbaijani people will once again give Heydar Aliyev a vote of confidence and elect him the Head of State.

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PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN DECREE 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.