31 January The Council of Ministers increases the number of positions at Azerbaijani missions abroad to 446 and in the central office of the foreign ministry to 418 (http://news.day.az/politics/312523.html). Zakir Garalov, procurator general, receives Joseph Debono Grech and Pedro Agramunt, the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of obligations and commitments by Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/312729.html). Hidayat Orujov, chairman of the State Committee on Work with Religious Structures, says that “Azerbaijan can export to other countries not only oil, but also an example of national-religious tolerance” (http://news.day.az/society/312725.html). Fuad Muradov, Azerbaijani deputy to the Parliamentary Assembly of Euronest, says that the European Union should replace France as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group (http://news.day.az/politics/312684.html). Tahir Rzayev, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that efforts to harm Turkish-Azerbaijani relations originate from the Armenian side (http://news.day.az/politics/312549.html). Aydyn Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “one cannot call the Armenian fighters an army by any standards whatsoever” (http://news.day.az/politics/312163.html). Azerbaijani students in Tbilisi stage a protest in front of the French embassy to Georgia to protest the adoption by the French parliament of a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312717.html). Members of the Canadian Network of Azerbaijani Young People stage a demonstration in front of the French consulate general in Toronto to protest the adoption by the French parliament of a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312623.html). The Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation issues a call to its member states to commemorate the anniversary of the Hojaly genocide on every February 26th (http://news.day.az/politics/312540.html). Cemil Cicek, speaker of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, says that international pressure on Armenia is required to end Yerevan’s occupation of Azerbaijani territory (http://news.day.az/politics/312512.html). Hulusi Kilic, Turkey’s ambassador to Baku, says that “Azerbaijan plays an important role in the energy security of Europe” (http://news.day.az/politics/312508.html). Seventy French senators sign a petition to that country’s Constitutional Court calling for the annulment of the law calling for the imposition of criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312625.html). Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says that the French senators seeking the annulment of the law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” are defending “the historic values of their country” (http://news.day.az/politics/312638.html). Joseph Debono Grech, co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of obligations and commitments by Azerbaijan, meets with leaders of Azerbaijan’s opposition parties (http://news.day.az/politics/312571.html). The Australian embassy in Turkey sends a note to the embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkey saying that the visit by the New South Wales member of its parliament to the occupied territories in no way affects Australia’s support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/312574.html). The International Academy of Science for Research on the Turkic World names Eldar Guliyev, a member of the Milli Majlis, deputy of the year of the Turkic World (http://news.day.az/politics/312699.html). Reporters without Borders condemns the French parliament’s decision to adopt a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312533.html). 30 January Bahar Muradova, vice speaker of the Milli Majlis, says that “Azerbaijan will always stand with Turkey” (http://news.day.az/politics/312388.html). Mubariz Gurbanly, a Milli Majlis deputy and deputy executive secretary of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, says that Baku has supported Turkey throughout the discussion about the French law criminalizing any denial of “the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’” (http://news.day.az/politics/312475.html). Bakhtiyar Sadykhov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says the French law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” is “not compatible with contemporary realities and democracy” (http://news.day.az/politics/312422.html). Members of the Milli Majlis denounce the efforts of those who are trying to undermine the close ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey (http://news.day.az/politics/312479.html). Azerbaijanis and Turks in Houston organize a demonstration in front of the French consulate to protest France’s adoption of a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312416.html). Hulusi Kilic, Turkey’s ambassador to Baku, says that France should cease to be one of the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group (http://news.day.az/politics/312470.html). Hulusi Kilic, Turkey’s ambassador to Baku, says that “people with ill intentions want to harm Turkish-Azerbaijani relations” (http://news.day.az/politics/312476.html). Egemen Bagis, Turkey’s minister for European Union Affairs, says that this year in Davos, Azerbaijan showed its very best side (http://news.day.az/politics/312428.html). 29 January Zahid Oruj, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that Azerbaijan in its opposition to the French law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” is “fighting for itself and for Turkey” (http://news.day.az/politics/312267.html). Aydin Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says “the position of society and the media of Azerbaijan completely coincides with the position of Turkey regarding the French law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/312263.html). 28 January Elkhan Suleymanov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that Christoph Strässer of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, should be replaced as the author of a report on Azerbaijan because of his clearly-expressed bias against the country (http://news.day.az/politics/312134.html). Azerbaijanis living in Latvia organize a demonstration in front of the French embassy in Riga to protest the French law making the denial of “the Armenian genocide” a crime (http://news.day.az/society/312130.html). Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says that Ankara supports the exclusion of France from the three co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group (http://news.day.az/politics/312132.html). Rashid Mustafa, deputy representative of UNICEF in Baku, says that “Azerbaijan has achieved success in many spheres” (http://news.day.az/society/312156.html). Jean-Claude Mignon, newly elected president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, signs an appeal to the French Constitutional Court calling for the annulment of the law making denial of “the Armenian genocide” a crime (http://news.day.az/politics/312214.html). Turkmenistan media say that Ashkhabat intends to intensify talks on the delimitation of the Caspian Sea (http://news.day.az/economy/312168.html). 27 January President Ilham Aliyev attends the international economics session in Davos and says that “our highest goal is to transform Azerbaijan into a developed country” (http://news.day.az/politics/311398.html). President Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich meet in Davos (http://news.day.az/economy/311898.html). Emergency Situations Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov visits Russia’s Kamaz automotive factory (http://news.day.az/society/312009.html). Labor and Social Security Minister Fizuli Alakparov says that Baku and the European Union are conducting a twinning project on promoting health and security of employees (http://news.day.az/society/311977.html). Vasif Talybov, chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Levan Varshalomidze, the head of Adjaria, meet in Batumi and agree on a program of cooperation (http://news.day.az/politics/311904.html). Ganira Pashayeva, a representative of Azerbaijan to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, distributes a report on the 20th anniversary of the Hojaly genocide (http://news.day.az/politics/311990.html). Officials of the Culture and Tourism Ministry participate in the Los Angeles Times Travel Show 2012 (http://news.day.az/society/311916.html). Jean-Claude Mignon, newly elected president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that his organization will discuss the work of its subcommittee on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/311995.html). Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis tells his Armenian counterpart Edvard Nalbandyan that Vilnius supports the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/311962.html). Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz says that the growth of energy resources has promoted “an increase in the role of Azerbaijan for Turkey” (http://news.day.az/economy/312011.html). A meeting of the GUAM secretariat in Kyiv hosts a seminar on combating corruption (http://news.day.az/politics/312043.html). Yevgeny Bazhanov, the rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, says that “Azerbaijan is a partner whom it is necessary to respect” (http://news.day.az/politics/311976.html). The UN representation in Baku marks the International Day in Memory of the Holocaust (http://news.day.az/society/312045.html). 26 January Samad Seyidov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that the Council of Europe’s “lack of objectivity” regarding Azerbaijan can have “great” harm for relations between Baku and Brussels (http://news.day.az/politics/311856.html). Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Erugrul Gunay presents a special award to Baku’s Trend News Agency for its work in promoting contacts among the Turkic peoples of the world (http://news.day.az/society/311858.html). A group of former senior Soviet officials says that Moscow should erect a monument to former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev who was “a great friend of the Russian people and Russia” and who laid the foundation for relations between the two countries (http://news.day.az/politics/311777.html). 25 January Emergency Situations Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov receives Koray Targay, head of the Baku office of the OSCE (http://news.day.az/politics/311574.html). Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, tells the UN Security Council that “Azerbaijan welcomes the talks between Israel and Palestine and expresses the hope that they will lead to a just and long-lasting peace” (http://news.day.az/politics/311497.html). Rafael Huseynov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, is named co-rapporteur on the reformed PACE committee on migration, refugees and internally displaced persons (http://news.day.az/politics/311638.html). Rauf Aliyev, a Milli Majlis deputy, says the French decision to adopt a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny the existence of “the Armenian genocide” is “a major mistake” (http://news.day.az/politics/311528.html). The Center for Strategic Research of the Presidential Administration and the Union of Azerbaijani and Turkish Entrepreneurs issue a book on “Azerbaijani-Turkish Relations of the Last 20 Years: Successes and Possibilities” (http://news.day.az/politics/311468.html). The Baku Center for Education of Youth ends cooperation with French NGOs in protest against France’s adoption of a law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny the existence of “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/311544.html). The Union of Parliamentary Journalists of Azerbaijan appeals to French journalists to oppose the French law imposing criminal penalties on those who deny “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/311609.html). Irina Bokova, director general of UNESCO, says that Azerbaijan is playing an important role in promoting intercultural dialogue and singles out First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for special praise in this regard (http://news.day.az/politics/311520.html). British Prime Minister David Cameron says that London supports the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group (http://news.day.az/politics/311641.html). GUAM and Japan discuss energy security cooperation at a meeting in Tokyo (http://news.day.az/politics/311598.html). Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze says that Tbilisi welcomes the opportunity to speak out on behalf of Azerbaijan in international forums including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (http://news.day.az/politics/311586.html). Gabriel Keller, France’s ambassador to Baku, says that, “if the law adopted by the Senate of France on January 23 has disturbed Turkish or Azerbaijani citizens, the French authorities regret this. This does not correspond at all to the spirit of the adopted law. The problems of memory are always difficult and generate sharp discussions throughout the world” (http://news.day.az/politics/311554.html). The Russian government considers signing an agreement with Baku on cooperation in the sphere of labor migration (http://news.day.az/society/311573.html). 24 January Ali Ahmadov, the deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, says that France’s adoption of a law imposing criminal sanctions for the denial of “the Armenian genocide” is “a black mark” on the history of that country (http://news.day.az/politics/311197.html). Ali Ahmadov, the deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, says that attempts to put pressure on Azerbaijan by means of cyber attacks are for naught (http://news.day.az/politics/311265.html). Elnur Aslanov, head of the political analysis and information support department of the Presidential Administration, says that France’s adoption of a law imposing criminal sanctions for the denial of “the Armenian genocide” contradicts that country’s republican traditions and is a cause for regret (http://news.day.az/politics/311202.html). The Foreign Ministry says that Azerbaijan “deeply regrets” the French Senate’s approval of a law imposing criminal sanctions on anyone who denies “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/311204.html). The Defense Ministry hosts Azerbaijani-German military staff talks (http://news.day.az/politics/311236.html). Azay Guliyev, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that Tehran’s close relations with Armenia reflect both Armenia’s efforts to find a route out for its exports and Iran’s desire to show that any sanctions against Tehran will not work (http://news.day.az/politics/311201.html). The Ireli Social Union organizes a demonstration in front of the French embassy in Baku to protest the French Senate’s approval of a law imposing criminal sanctions on anyone who denies “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/311337.html). Azerbaijanis living in Georgia demand that the Imedi television channel there issue a public apology for falsely suggesting that Kurban Said’s novel Ali and Nino was “an Iranian-Georgian work” (http://news.day.az/society/311283.html). Azerbaijanis living in Paris organize a demonstration in front of the French Senate building demanding that the European Union reconsider France’s membership in the EU (http://news.day.az/society/311196.html). Thorbjørn Jagland, secretary general of the Council of Europe, sends a letter to President Ilham Aliyev in which he welcomes the Azerbaijani leader’s pardoning of Mehman Mammadov, Cabbar Savalan, Nizami Shahmuradov and others (http://news.day.az/politics/311225.html). Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, says that the adoption of a law imposing criminal sanctions for the denial of “the Armenian genocide” is “one of the signs of Islamophobia in France” (http://news.day.az/politics/311232.html). 23 January Ganira Pashayeva, an Azerbaijani representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that the French law criminalizing the denial of “the Armenian genocide” “completely contradicts the values and traditions of the Council of Europe and PACE” (http://news.day.az/politics/311103.html). Fazail Agamaly, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “the hostile attitude of Iran toward Azerbaijan is a matter of regret” (http://news.day.az/politics/311095.html). Leading members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the Russian Federation say they plan to seek the indictment of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev for his role in the Bloody January events in Baku (http://news.day.az/politics/311093.html). Thorbjørn Jagland, secretary general of the Council of Europe, says that “questions of history should be left to historians” rather than be addressed by politicians (http://news.day.az/politics/311101.html). Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin met with his Turkish counterpart Firudin Sinirlioglu to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/311079.html). Movlud Cavusoglu, outgoing president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that France has taken up “an unconstitutional bill, which will harm freedom of expression” by criminalizing the denial of “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/politics/311042.html). 22 January US Representative Bill Shuster, the co-chair of the Azerbaijan Working Group in the US Congress, speaks on the anniversary of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310849.html). Rahim Humbatov, president of the Crimean Azerbaijani Society, hosts a meeting devoted to the memory of the victims of January 20, 1990 (http://news.day.az/society/310856.html). 21 January Communication and Information Technology Minister Ali Abbasov says that “the hacker attack on the Internet resources of Azerbaijan was carried out from Iran and the Netherlands” (http://news.day.az/hitech/310719.html). Namik Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Chisinau, hosts a session at which are laid flowers on the bust of Heydar Aliyev on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Black January in Baku (http://news.day.az/politics/310780.html). The Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Batumi organizes a Day of Memory of the Victims of the Tragedy of January 20, 1990 (http://news.day.az/politics/310781.html). Allahshukur Pashazade, sheikh-ul-Islam and head of the Administration of Muslims of the Caucasus, proposes creating a museum in memory of the victims of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310714.html). Azerbaijanis stage a protest in front of the French embassy in Baku to protest consideration of legislation by the French Senate that would make denial of “the Armenian genocide” a crime (http://news.day.az/politics/310809.html). Romanian President Traian Băsescu says that relations between Romania and the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia, and especially with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, have an enormous potential for economic cooperation (http://news.day.az/politics/310778.html). 20 January President Ilham Aliyev leads the Azerbaijani people in commemorating the anniversary of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310511.html). Azerbaijani embassies and communities around the world mark the anniversary of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310696.html, http://news.day.az/politics/310699.html, http://news.day.az/politics/310656.html, http://news.day.az/politics/310659.html, http://news.day.az/politics/310655.html, http://news.day.az/society/310679.html, http://news.day.az/politics/310538.html, and http://news.day.az/politics/310766.html). Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses the UN Security Council about the rights of internally displaced persons (http://news.day.az/politics/310596.html). Polad Bulbuloglu, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Moscow, says that “of all the peoples of the former Soviet Union, the Azerbaijanis paid the very highest price for their freedom” (http://news.day.az/politics/310675.html). Zhalya Aliyeva, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the Yerevan media have made “unjust” comments about Azerbaijan with regard to Armenian participation in Eurovision 2012 (http://news.day.az/politics/310648.html). Govhar Bakhshaliyeva, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “the events of January 20 [1990] showed that the Azerbaijani people was capable of consolidating itself” (http://news.day.az/politics/310545.html). The Times of London includes President Ilham Aliyev on its list of the 100 most influential people of the world for 2012 (http://news.day.az/politics/310628.html). Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz says that “Nabucco will be realized” (http://news.day.az/economy/310625.html). Hammam Hammudi, chairman of the international relations committee of the Iraqi parliament, says that Iraq can become “the window of Azerbaijan into the Arab world,” through which Arabs can learn the truth about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/310600.html). Ukraine’s council of ministers approves a directive on the signing of an agreement with Azerbaijan about the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Ukrainian markets (http://news.day.az/economy/310638.html). 19 January President Ilham Aliyev receives Hammam Hamudi, chairman of the international relations committee of the Iraqi parliament (http://news.day.az/politics/310465.html). Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov meets with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow (http://news.day.az/politics/310468.html). Gabriel Keller, France’s ambassador to Baku, is summoned to the Foreign Ministry where she says that Paris supports the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/310477.html). Eric Rubin, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, says that the US embassy in Baku will continue to operate under charge d’affairs Adam Sterling pending the appointment and confirmation of a new US ambassador to Baku (http://news.day.az/politics/310454.html). Necdet Unuvar, co-chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, says that the Azerbaijanis of France and other countries have appealed to the French parliament not to adopt legislation making the denial of “the Armenian genocide” a crime (http://news.day.az/politics/310472.html). Sinan Ogan, a deputy of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, says that the Turkish parliament will take up the issue of recognizing the Hojaly genocide (http://news.day.az/politics/310476.html). Sinan Ogan, a deputy of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly, says that that body will create a special commission to investigate the operations of the Metsamor Atomic Power Station in Armenia (http://news.day.az/politics/310456.html). 18 January President Ilham Aliyev receives Moldovan Prime Minister Vladimir Filat (http://news.day.az/politics/310153.html). President Ilham Aliyev receives Eric Rubin, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia (http://news.day.az/politics/310153.html). President Ilham Aliyev receives Necdet Unuvar, co-chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly (http://news.day.az/politics/310153.html). Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov receives his Moldovan counterpart Iurie Leanca (http://news.day.az/politics/310260.html). Defense Minister Safar Abiyev receives Eric Rubin, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, who says that “the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is in the interests of the United States” (http://news.day.az/politics/310248.html). Defense Minister Safar Abiyev receives Radek Matula, the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Baku (http://news.day.az/politics/310251.html). Akif Aliyev, charge d’affairs at the Azerbaijani embassy in Tashkent, speaks to a meeting devoted to the 22nd anniversary of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310278.html). Bayram Safarov, head of the Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh, says that Azerbaijan could support a referendum there “under one condition—the guaranteed return of Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh to their homes” (http://news.day.az/politics/310253.html). Allahshukur Pashazade, sheikh-ul-Islam and head of the Administration of the Muslims of the Caucasus, says that “unfortunately, the tragedy of January 20 [1990] has not been given international assessment” (http://news.day.az/politics/310272.html). The UK-Azerbaijan Society holds its annual review meeting (http://news.day.az/politics/310478.html). The Constitutional Commission of the French Senate adopts a decision against consideration of the bill that would criminalize the denial of “the Armenian genocide” (http://news.day.az/world/310200.html). 17 January President Ilham Aliyev receives Fridon Todua, vice speaker of the Georgian parliament and president of the Georgia-Azerbaijan friendship group (http://news.day.az/politics/309943.html). First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva opens the Flight to Baku exhibit in London (http://news.day.az/politics/310032.html). Elmir Valizade, deputy communications and information technology minister, says that the hacker attack against Azerbaijani sites is under investigation and that a response will be taken (http://news.day.az/hitech/309953.html). Aydin Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the development of Azerbaijan is “a major support” for the resolution of all problems, “including the chief one, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict” (http://news.day.az/politics/310009.html). Samad Seyidov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the French adoption of a law criminalizing the denial of “the Armenian genocide” would have “a negative influence on the French parliament and on France as a whole” (http://news.day.az/politics/309971.html). Samad Seyidov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that Azerbaijan is prepared to cooperate with the Council of Europe on the issue of political prisoners, an issue that should be investigated “not only in Azerbaijan, but also in countries in the Council of Europe” (http://news.day.az/politics/309963.html). Mubariz Gurbanly, a Milli Majlis deputy and member of the Azerbaijan-Iran inter-parliamentary working group, says that Azerbaijan as a member of the UN Security Council follows a consistent position toward issues involving Iran (http://news.day.az/politics/309916.html). Vahid Ahmadov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that Azerbaijan’s gas reserves are attracting “great attention and interest to the country as one of the main sources for energy security of other countries” (http://news.day.az/economy/309992.html). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meets with his Armenian counterpart Edvard Nalbandyan to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/310025.html). Fridon Todua, the vice speaker of the Georgian parliament, says that “Georgia and Azerbaijan are not only strategic partners, but also close friends” (http://news.day.az/politics/309957.html). Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov says that Azerbaijan’s election to the UN Security Council is “recognition of its role in the international arena” (http://news.day.az/politics/309927.html). Hommam Hammudi, chairman of the international relations of the Iraqi parliament, says that Baghdad has proposed cooperation with Azerbaijan regarding religious tourism (http://news.day.az/society/309914.html). 16 January President Ilham Aliyev says that “the political weight and economic power of Azerbaijan will grow in 2012” (http://news.day.az/politics/309754.html). Asim Mollazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “Azerbaijan has the chance to block foreign hacker aggression” (http://news.day.az/politics/309766.html). Aydin Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that hacker attacks against Azerbaijan have been launched by its opponents (http://news.day.az/politics/309760.html). 14 January 13 January Park Hee-tae, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, says that the Hojaly genocide must receive international legal assessment (http://news.day.az/politics/309278.html). 12 January Rufat Guliyev, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “neither the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development nor any other financial institution will save Armenia” (http://news.day.az/politics/309082.html). 11 January 10 January 9 January 7 January 6 January 5 January 4 January 1 January
The Book Center of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy launches an Internet page, http://www.adabook.az (http://news.day.az/society/312075.html).
Energy Minister Natik Aliyev and his Ukrainian counterpart Yuri Boyko sign agreements in Davos on the supply of gas to Ukraine (http://news.day.az/economy/311808.html).
Farhad Abdullayev, the chairman of the Constitutional Court, and Ramiz Rzayev, the chairman of the Supreme Court, attend a seminar on legal systems and human rights in Strasbourg (http://news.day.az/society/311779.html).
Vilayat Guliyev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Budapest, holds a press conference on the preparations for the 28th regional conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization which will take place in Baku in April 2012 (http://news.day.az/economy/311807.html).
The Russian foreign ministry says that Russia is working “actively” as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair and that evidence of this is contained in the joint declaration of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia in Sochi (http://news.day.az/politics/311795.html).
Turkey’s Energy Minister Taner Yildiz says that the construction of the Azerbaijani-Turkish Trans-Anatolian Pipeline requires the review of the routes and tariffs of the South Gas Corridor, including those of Nabucco, TAP, and ITGI (http://news.day.az/economy/311812.html).
Pádraig Murphy, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, and Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijani officials (http://news.day.az/politics/311836.html).
Toyli Komekov, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Baku, discusses the organization of voting for Turkmens living in Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/311804.html).
Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, says that the French law imposing criminal penalties for any denial of “the Armenian genocide” can negatively affect freedom of speech in that country (http://news.day.az/politics/311799.html).
Mohammed Mehdi Akhundzade, the special representative of the Iranian president on Caspian issues, says that Tehran will insist on the principle of justice on the issue of the delimitation of the Caspian Sea (http://news.day.az/politics/311752.html).
President Ilham Aliyev meets with his Russian and Armenian counterparts, Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan, in Sochi to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/310874.html).
The Ministry of Economic Development says that it may use the experience of Great Britain in the area of internal control (http://news.day.az/economy/310984.html).
The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Youth Action Program of the European Commission open an international course in Ganja devoted to “the role of youth in inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue” (http://news.day.az/society/311081.html).
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia at their meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Sochi “recognized the necessity of pulling back from extreme positions” and called for “the continuation of efforts for the rapprochement of their positions” (http://news.day.az/politics/311033.html).
Movlud Cavusoglu, outgoing president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that “the opinion of Armenian colleagues that the activity of the PACE subcommittee on Nagorno-Karabakh has been unsuccessful does not correspond to reality” (http://news.day.az/politics/311024.html).
Jean-Claude Mignon, the incoming president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict “must be resolved” and adds that “writing history is a task not for deputies, but for historians” (http://news.day.az/politics/311058.html and http://news.day.az/politics/311052.html).
Hulusi Kilic, Turkish ambassador to Baku, says that “peace and stability in France could come to an end” as a result of the adoption of a law criminalizing the denial of “the invented ‘Armenian genocide’” (http://news.day.az/politics/311048.html).
Elkhan Suleymanov, a Milli Majlis deputy, leads the Azerbaijani delegation to the session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly (http://news.day.az/politics/310806.html).
Elman Arasly, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Amman, hosts a memorial session on the 22nd anniversary of Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310433.html).
Dashgyn Shikarov, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Islamabad, speaks to a seminar on Black January at Preston University (http://news.day.az/politics/310428.html).
Mubariz Gurbanly, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the upcoming meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia under the mediation of the Russian president is “a positive development” (http://news.day.az/politics/310443.html).
Azerbaijanis take part in a Moscow meeting calling for the bringing to justice of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev for his role in Black January (http://news.day.az/politics/310421.html).
The Iranian embassy in Baku says that Tehran “does not have any relation to the hacker attacks on the government and social structures in Azerbaijan” (http://news.day.az/politics/310393.html).
The International Monetary Fund calls on Baku to extend greater opportunities to small and mid-sized businesses (http://news.day.az/economy/310291.html).
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov tells Hammam Hammudi, chairman of the international relations committee of the Iraqi parliament, that Azerbaijani-Iraqi relations are successfully developing (http://news.day.az/politics/310151.html).
Industry and Energy Minister Natik Aliyev proposes to create a nuclear free zone in the South Caucasus during a meeting with visiting Georgian Vice Speaker Fridon Todua (http://news.day.az/politics/310214.html).
Aydin Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the highly professional Azerbaijani army is “the strongest factor both of statehood and the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict” (http://news.day.az/politics/310157.html).
Rovnag Abdullayev, head of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company, tells Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov that Azerbaijan is interested in investing in the construction of an oil processing factor in Kyrgyzstan (http://news.day.az/economy/310230.html).
Transportation Minister Ziya Mammadov receives Nikolay Patskevich, Belorussian ambassador to Baku, to discuss bilateral cooperation (http://news.day.az/economy/309696.html).
15 January
Jean-Pierre Bel, the president of the French Senate, says he is concerned that consideration of legislation by the Senate that would impose criminal penalties on anyone who denies “the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’” would have an adverse impact on relations between Turkey and France (http://news.day.az/politics/309546.html).
Dashgyn Shikarov, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Islamabad, says that Pakistan seeks Azerbaijani investment (http://news.day.az/economy/309465.html).
Officials of the culture and tourism ministry take part in an international tourism exhibition in Stuttgart (http://news.day.az/economy/309473.html).
Iran’s Kish Airlines begins direct flights between Baku and Tabriz (http://news.day.az/economy/309441.html).
President Ilham Aliyev receives Park Hee-tae, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (http://news.day.az/politics/309284.html).
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov says that “Azerbaijan plans to broaden its ties with the Commission of the African Union and with the countries of Africa” (http://news.day.az/politics/309387.html).
Justice Minister Fikrat Mammadov says that Azerbaijan’s judicial reforms “have become an example for all of Europe” (http://news.day.az/society/309358.html).
Oktay Asadov, speaker of the Milli Majlis, says that “the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict seriously affects the development not only of Azerbaijan, but also of the entire region” (http://news.day.az/politics/309369.html).
Fazail Ibrahimli, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that it would be “suicidal” for Armenia to agree to join the international sanctions regime against Iran (http://news.day.az/politics/309291.html).
Austrian President Heinz Fischer says that he is “satisfied with the level of relations between Vienna and Baku” (http://news.day.az/politics/309470.html).
Roland Kobia, the European Union’s representative in Baku, says that the British Council with EU financing has presented a new project in Azerbaijan to promote inter-communal dialogue (http://news.day.az/politics/309269.html).
Roland Kobia, the European Union’s representative in Baku, says that the EU and Azerbaijan in early February will begin talks on simplification of the visa regime between the two (http://news.day.az/politics/309253.html).
Nathalie Goulet, a French senator, says that France, being a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, must maintain neutrality and not support any of the sides of the conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/309246.html).
Aleksey Ostrovsky, a deputy in the Russian State Duma, says that any proposal for a multi-national state like the Russian Federation to adopt a law calling for imposing criminal sanctions for denial of the so-called “Armenian genocide” is a provocation (http://news.day.az/politics/309325.html).
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov tells the UN Security Council that “Azerbaijan well recognizes the threats from countries with unresolved conflicts” and will work toward settlements of all of them (http://news.day.az/politics/308989.html).
Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmoud Mammadguliyev says that the first round of talks between Azerbaijan and the European Union on the simplification of the visa regime will take place on February 7 (http://news.day.az/politics/309148.html).
Officials of the culture and tourism ministry take part in the international tourist exhibition Ferien Messe 2012 in Vienna (http://news.day.az/economy/309156.html).
Eamon Gilmore, the vice prime minister of Ireland, says that the OSCE “must make a concrete contribution to the resolution of regional conflicts,” such as the ones in the South Caucasus (http://news.day.az/politics/309093.html).
Elkhan Polukhov takes up his duties as Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Pretoria (http://news.day.az/politics/308953.html).
Adil Garibov, director of the Institute of Radiation Problems at the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, says that Baku has repeatedly asked Moscow to clarify the ecological impact of the Gabala radar station, a clarification the Russian side has refused to make citing secrecy (http://news.day.az/society/308968.html).
A group of Azerbaijani journalists who became internally displaced persons because of the Armenian occupation state they are going to lodge a case against Yerevan in the European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg (http://news.day.az/politics/308914.html).
The Bulgarian parliament refuses to discuss the recognition of “the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’” (http://news.day.az/politics/308938.html).
US Senator Frank Lautenberg tells the Pax Turcica organization that President Barak Obama should re-nominate Matthew Bryza to be ambassador to Baku if the Senate is to consider approving his appointment (http://news.day.az/politics/308803.html).
Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov receives Ilkka Kanerva, head of the Finnish delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (http://news.day.az/politics/308754.html).
Elchin Guliyev, head of the Azerbaijan border service, provides details on the death of an Iranian soldier on the Iranian-Azerbaijani border (http://news.day.az/politics/308701.html).
Samad Seyidov, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, says that “the future president of PACE will carry out his work by representing the interests of all 47 member states, and not just of France” (http://news.day.az/politics/308674.html).
Adil Garibov, director of the Institute of Radiation Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, says that Baku and the International Agency for Atomic Energy are beginning a new joint project (http://news.day.az/society/308732.html).
Participants at a meeting of the European Advisory Council decided to issue a warning to Britain’s BBC about its negative coverage of Azerbaijan’s preparation for Eurovision 2012 (http://news.day.az/politics/308723.html).
Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Vatican, says that Pope Benedict XVI “considers relations between the Vatican and Azerbaijan to be a good example for other countries” (http://news.day.az/politics/308526.html).
The Azerbaijan-Bosnia-Herzegovina Association is registered in Sarajevo (http://news.day.az/economy/308446.html).
The Supreme Chamber of the European Human Rights Court issued its first decision concerning a suit against Armenia by Azerbaijan IDPs saying that Azerbaijani claims were justified (http://news.day.az/politics/308555.html).
Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, sends a 12-page letter to the UN Security Council and the UN secretary general pointing out that “the government of Armenia will be forced to back away from its aggressive policy” (http://news.day.az/politics/308264.html).
Sabine Ulmann Shaban, Switzerland’s ambassador to Baku, is involved in an automobile accident in the Azerbaijani capital (http://news.day.az/society/308206.html).
The Belorussian military industrial firm Tetraedr establishes a branch in Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/308247.html).
Members of the Argentinian Chamber of Deputies say that Armenian suggestions that Bako Saakyan, head of the Armenian separatist regime in the occupied territories, was received by two members of that parliament do not correspond to reality (http://news.day.az/politics/308172.html).
Ibrahim Hajiyev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Delhi, meets with Farooq Abdullah, Indian minister for new and renewable energy (http://news.day.az/politics/308088.html).
Rasim Musabayov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “in the parliament of Armenia there are not simply oligarchs, but criminal oligarchs” (http://news.day.az/politics/308091.html).
Elkhan Suleymanov, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that the Azerbaijan-Belgian Inter-Parliamentary Group is working on a resolution to submit to the Belgian parliament on the Hojaly genocide (http://news.day.az/politics/308082.html).
Asef Hajiyev, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “any confrontation in Iran will generate a wave of refugees” (http://news.day.az/politics/308053.html).
Namik Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Chisinau, is named “ambassador of the year” in the Moldovan capital and declared to be one of the 50 most influential people in Moldova for 2011 (http://news.day.az/politics/307925.html).
The Foreign Ministry announces that Azerbaijan will preside in the UN Security Council in May of this year (http://news.day.az/politics/307895.html).
A group of Turkish citizens begins a campaign to have the Grand National Assembly adopt a law recognizing the Hojaly genocide and making it a criminal offense to recognize “the so-called ‘Armenian genocide’” (http://news.day.az/politics/307944.html).
The secretariat of the defense industry of Turkey says it is planning to open an office in Azerbaijan (http://news.day.az/politics/307914.html).
Philippe Blancharde, head of the Belgian-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, meets with Milli Majlis deputies in Baku (http://news.day.az/politics/307907.html).
The Czech Republic introduces a simplified visa procedure for Azerbaijanis who plan to spend extended time there (http://news.day.az/politics/307860.html).
Azerbaijan takes its seat on the UN Security Council for the first time (http://news.day.az/politics/307565.html).
Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Azerbaijan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, says that “Azerbaijan has its own position on many issues for the UN Security Council” (http://news.day.az/politics/307666.html).
The Foreign Ministry says that Yerevan “continues to demonstrate a destructive approach” in talks on the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (http://news.day.az/politics/307703.html).
Ali Hasanov, head of the social-political department of the Presidential Administration, says that the measures taken around State Flag Square “do not have any relation” to the upcoming Eurovision-2012 competition (http://news.day.az/politics/307735.html).
Aydyn Mirzazade, a Milli Majlis deputy, says that “Azerbaijan has its own position on Syria” (http://news.day.az/politics/307719.html).
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visits the occupied territories and meets with Bako Saakyan, head of the separatist regime of Nagorno-Karabakh (http://news.day.az/politics/307649.html).
President Ilham Aliyev in his New Years’ message to the Azerbaijani peoples says that “the international community and the sides directly involved” in talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have not been willing to “speak openly and with one voice” about the fact that Armenia is “the guilty party” in terms of the occupation and of the delay in reaching a settlement in terms of international law (http://news.day.az/politics/307426.html).
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