The work done to improve the living conditions of refugees and IDPs in Azerbaijan is highly appreciated.

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 20 MAY, 2014

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the State Committee on deals of the Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Chairman of the Republican Commission on International Humanitarian Assistance, Mr. Ali Hasanov, met with the representatives of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - the members of Norway and Sweden parliament. During the meeting Ali Hasanov informed about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict, historical roots of the conflict, the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country. The Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov brought to attention of the guests that 20% of Azerbaijan's territory – Nagorno- Karabakh and 7 administrative regions adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh were occupied, 1 million and 200 thousand Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs, national cultural values were plundered and all infrastructures were destructed as a result of the military aggression of Armenian armed forces. Ali Hasanov noted that, United Nations Security Council adopted 4 resolutions on liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, return of refugees and IDPs to their homes. The aggressive policy of Armenia was criticized in the decisions and resolutions adopted by other influential organizations. Unfortunately, these decisions and resolutions still remain on paper. Ali Hasanov noted that official Baku is interested in the peaceful solution of the conflict and spoke about the important works carried out by Azerbaijan government in both legal and socio-economic field in order to meet the needs of refugees and IDPs. Azerbaijan government has spent 5,4 billion USD in order to resolve social problems of refugees and IDPs over the past 20 years. As a result of care and attention to this field by the Head of State, 82 modern settlements and neighborhoods have been built, the living conditions of 180 000 refugees and IDPs have been improved and the process continues. It was noted that poverty rate decreased from 49 % to 5 % in country and from 75% to 15 % among the refugees and internally displaced persons in 2003. Ali Hasanov spoke about the strategic targets of Azerbaijan regarding to this issue. European visitors noted the dynamic development of Azerbaijan during the period of independence and stressed that they will enhance their efforts in the peaceful settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Parliamentarians noted the importance of full delivering the just position of Azerbaijan to the international community and said that they will try to widely inform European community about this issue. The members of Norway and Sweden parliament highly appreciated the works done to improve social and housing condition of refugees and IDPs in Azerbaijan. Other interesting issues were discussed during the meeting.