PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJANHIS EXCELLENCY MR. ILHAM ALIYEV
On behalf of the Presidium of the Russian Union of commodity producers and on my won behalf, I express my sincere condolences to You, Your family and relatives, and the all people of Azerbaijan on the demise of outstanding figure of nowadays Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev. Memory of this man with whom I had many years of joint fruitful activity will live in may heart forever. It is very difficult to talk about Heydar Aliyevich in the past tense. The contribution he made to formation of Azerbaijan State, strengthening peace and stability in the Caucasus, development of friendly relations between the peoples of Russia and Azerbaijan will remain in thankful memory of our fellow countrymen.
Nikolay Ryzhkov
Member of the Council of Federations
President of the Russian Union of Commodity Producers
Moscow, December 16, 2003