Aliyev says no political prisoners in Azerbaijan

“Our meeting today reflects NATO’s and your commitment to our partnership. It shows that we are and will remain committed to the South Caucasus region,” said Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Seretary General after the meeting with the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Brussels.

Azerbaijan is a country of pivotal importance for Europe’s energy security and to peace and stability in the Caucasus. Azerbaijan is also a valuable and important partner for NATO, he said.

“ We appreciate the steadfast support provided by your troops in Afghanistan. We also appreciate the political support to NATO operations, through over-flight and transit lines. And we are grateful for the generous contributions you are making to the training of the Afghan security forces.

I strongly welcome your decision to continue supporting Afghanistan in the new mission we are planning to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces after 2014. This shows your clear commitment to contributing to Euro-Atlantic security”, said Rasmussen.    

“Today we discussed how to strengthen NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation even further. We are determined to reinvigorate our political dialogue including on strategic issues, such as energy security and counter terrorism.

Continuing reform is also of importance to Azerbaijan, and NATO will continue to assist you. I believe we can deepen our dialogue and cooperation, across the spectrum of our partnership.

This month we mark the Twentieth anniversary of our Partnership for Peace programme. Our Partnership for Peace is founded on a commitment to democratic values and principles. Azerbaijan has been a staunch member of the programme since its beginning.

Mr. President, we have a strong framework for dialogue and cooperation. And today we agreed that we will continue to build a solid, long-term partnership”, said Secretary General. 

Ilham Aliyev in his turn said that this his 5th visit to NATO that shows the level of bilateral cooperation.

For 20 years these relations are reached level of strategic cooperation, he noted. 

Azerbaijan will continue support to Afganistan in the framework of joint efforts with partners from NATO and give 1 mln. Euros to the Afgan national army trust fond, he said.

He called Karabakh conflict the main threat to the regional stability and peace. Realization of a such important infrastructure project like TAP need additional efforts and protection.

Asking by journalists does he still thinks that  there is political prisoners in Azerbaijan, taking into account  case of Anar Mammadli? Ilham Aliyev said - Yes I confirm that their no political prisoners in Azerbaijan and it was confirmed by Council of Europe in January which failed the resolution about political prisoners in Azerbaijan prepared by some forces.  As well there is no definition of political prisoners, noted Aliyev.

ANN.Az