From: EurasiaDigest (digest@eurasianet.org)
Date: Wed Oct 10 2007 - 10:29:36 EDT
ARMENIAN LAWMAKER RETURNS FROM AZERBAIJAN
Lawmaker Stepan Safarian returned on October 9 from a visit to Azerbaijan -- the first trip to Baku by an Armenian lawmaker since 2001, according to RFE/RL's Armenian Service. Safarian, a deputy affiliated with the opposition Heritage Party, attended a meeting of the Council on Culture and Social Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Yerevan, Safarian said that his visit was marked by "unprecedented security measures" by local authorities, noting that "they did their best to look hospitable and polite" and that he did not have any problems during his visit. Safarian added that he believes that Armenia and Azerbaijan must expand contacts in all spheres and "make efforts to make up for the things missed during the past 15 years," Mediamax reported. The 12-member Black Sea Economic Cooperation was established in 1992 to foster economic interaction and ensure peace and stability in the Black Sea region. RG
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