Members of Belgian Parliament visited the State Committee on Deals of Refugees and IDPs

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 25 MAY, 2012

Members of Belgian Parliament Denise Dukarm and David Hertz met with Ali Hasanov, the Deputy Prime Minister, chair of the State Committee on Deals of Refugees and IDPs, on 25 May. Highly appreciating visit of members of Belgian Parliament to our country, Mr. Ali Hasanov reminded his visit to this country in March 2012, on invitation of the head of Belgium-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group Philippe Blanchard. He stated that at that time, discussions held in Belgian Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives on the subject of “occupied territories, forgotten territories - legal and humanitarian aspects of Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict” played a great role in delivering to Belgian deputies the truth regarding Nagorno Karabakh conflict and generally, realities of Azerbaijan. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of his meeting with Mrs Sabine de Bethune – chair of the Senate of the Kingdom of Belgium within that visit. Ali Hasanov, talking about the history of Azerbaijan’s independence and the achievements, mentioned that Azerbaijan established the first democratic republic in the East in 1918. Azerbaijani women got the right to elect and be elected in early last century – in 1920. To compare, French women got this right in 1945 and Belgian women in 1947. Speaking about the achievements of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov said that the fact of Azerbaijan’s being selected a non-permanent member of UN Security Council with the support of 155 states is a magnificent indicator of position of Baku in the world. The Deputy Prime Minister noted the role of parliaments, especially activity of friendship groups in legislative authorities, significance of mutual visits of deputies, in development of relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium. The Deputy Prime Minister gave detailed information to the guests about the expansionist policy of aggressive Armenia against Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, mentioned that hundreds of thousands of people were driven out of their native lands as a result of this conflict, also brought to attention the activities carried out for the improvement of living conditions of IDPs. The member of the working group on Belgium-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary relations Denise Dukarm said they were pleased to visit Azerbaijan again. He said Baku really developed fast and this meant at the same time development of the country. Speaking about the significance of discussions held in Belgian parliament, D.Dukarm stated that as a result of these discussions Belgian deputies got accurate and true information about Nagorno Karabakh conflict for the first time. So, we think such discussions should be continuous. Another member of the group stated that he visited Azerbaijan for the 4th time, was in regions within his visits, and that he was amazed at dynamic development, beauty of Baku. It was noted that Azerbaijan gained great success in a short period time – within 20 years, after it restored its independence. To overcome the way of development within 20 years, that western states passed for 10 years, is not so easy. Azerbaijan is a civil, worldwide, democratic state. D.Hertz said “Eurovision” song contest was being held in Baku. Participation of Belgian representative in this contest makes us be glad. We think that this is the indicator of Azerbaijan’s development, worldliness and tolerance. Development prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium, as well as other issues causing mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.