Philippe Lefort, Europen Union's Special Representative for the South Caucasus was received in the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 28 October, 2013

On October 28 Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Deals of Refugees and IDPs Mr. Ali Hasanov met with the delegation headed by the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the South Caucasus Philippe Lefort. During the meeting the prospects of development of bilateral relations, matters on Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were discussed, views were exchanged on a number of issues of mutual interest. Ali Hasanov spoke about the history of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the work done in the country for solution of the social problems of refugees and IDPs. It was mentioned that this conflict is the most serious problem of our country. Referring to the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU, Ali Hasanov noted that these relations are of high level. Within the framework of our long-term cooperation, programs were implemented at a total amount exceeding USD 450 million. These programs covered different areas including measures taken for improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons. Chairman of the Committee mentioned to the guests about the work done by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and international organizations to improve social, housing and living conditions of refugees and internally displaced persons. It was noted that as a result of attention and care of the President to this area, USD 5.4 billion was spent for the solution of problems of refugees and internally displaced persons. For refugees and internally displaced persons 82 modern settlements were built. Refugees and IDPs were placed in these settlements. Work in this direction is currently being done intensively. Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the President Ilham Aliyev has already determined the strategic directions of our country till 2020. In the Development Concept "Azerbaijan 2020: vision into the future", the eradication of poverty, minimizing the economy's dependence on oil, bringing the protection of human rights to the international standards in Azerbaijan, maximum strengthening the fight against corruption and other issues have been provided. Ali Hasanov said that there is a tolerant approach among the representatives of all the nations including exponents of different religions against each other. All the conditions were created in our country for the investors. Azerbaijan is a country that is open to everyone. Giving information on the visit to Azerbaijan Philippe Lefort noted that he will hold a series of meetings during the visit. The guest mentioning his awareness of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, mentioned that one of each 10 persons in Azerbaijan is a refugee and internally displaced person. This conflict is a serious problem not only for Azerbaijan but also for the entire region. For the settlement of the conflict in a short time EU is ready to render assistance.