Assa-Irada,
29, May 2008

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visiting Finland on Thursday met with his counterpart Tarja Halonen. During the one-on-one meeting, the two leaders focused on the development of Azerbaijan's relations with Finland and the European Union as a whole. Also tabled was Finlands role as the OSCE chair in settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict.

The meeting was followed by broad talks with the participation of the two countries delegations.

In a statement to the press after the discussions, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan and Finland are currently enjoying high-level political relations that are developing successfully. However, the level of economic ties leaves a lot to be desired, which necessitates taking steps to boost economic cooperation.

The head of state pointed out the favorable business climate in Azerbaijan, calling on Finnish entrepreneurs to cooperate with the country. The Azerbaijani economy is rapidly growing and the country is already investing abroad. Azerbaijan made investments to the tune of $2.5 billion in other countries in 2007.

President Aliyev attached particular importance to the Garabagh problem in his statement. He reiterated that the conflict could be settled strictly in line with international law and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. He brought to the attention of Finland, which chairs the OSCE brokering the peace process, that although the two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994, Armenia is ignoring that and frequently violating it on the frontline.

Many say that the conflict is frozen. But we will consider it frozen or finished only after the occupied Azerbaijani territories are freed and the displaced persons are returned home, Aliyev said.

The Finnish leader said she was comprehensively informed about the Garabagh problem as the president of the country chairing the OSCE. Halonen said she supported a swift and at the same time, peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute.

Peace talks should be continued. Finland, on its end, will provide all the assistance it can, she added.

In reply to a question concerning this year's presidential election in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev pounded a wave of criticism at the West. He said there would be no problem with conducting a democratic and transparent vote in October. Aliyev said international groups were turning a blind eye to the developments in neighboring states, while embellishing every minute problem in Azerbaijan. He recalled that Armenia's February 19 presidential election was followed by bloodshed on the streets. 12 civilians were killed during violent dispersals of the post-election demonstrations. The authorities unleashed military force upon its citizens, and tens of people were jailed. Aliyev expressed disappointment that international organizations were adhering to divergent positions when it came to elections in different countries.

Later in the day, Aliyev met with Finnish Parliament Speaker Sauli Niinisto. The two discussed inter-parliamentary relations and future prospects. The head of state further became familiar with the Helsinki Mayor's Office.

In conclusion, the president delivered a report at Paasikivi, one of Europe's most well-known societies