She stressed that position of CLRA CE on problems in the development of local and regional democracy in Azerbaijan was reflected in recommendation 126 of 2003. The recommendation underlines the legislative efforts in Azerbaijan must be directed to self-government, particularly, determination of legal function framework of municipalities, as well as determination of resources of local self-government bodies.

As Trend reports, Martin called the current stage of the implementation of the project well developing. The working group on the establishment of NAMA discusses exact aspects related to founding and functioning of the association. Martin noted the meetings of the working group would last till late 2006, while the establishment of NAMA was planned for early 2007.

"The establishment of NAMA will allow the Azerbaijani municipalities to develop single positions on different actual problems of their activities both within the country and in the international level. It will stimulate development of democracy in the local level," she underlined.