Elmar Mammadyarov: "US strikes from Azerbaijan not being discussed"

"Iran is our closest neighbour an such question is not on the agenda", he underlined. According to Benita Ferrero-Waldner this question was not discussed in the EU either: "We hope the peaceful solution for Iranian nuclear problem will be found."

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stated that on March 7 a group of experts from Azerbaijan will leave to Brussels to discuss issues linked with the development of Action Plan under the EU's New Neighbourhood Policy.

"Talks will be held under the second round of meetings on development of Action Plan and we hope the plan will be adopted," Mammadyarov underscored.

The Azerbaijani FM also informed that officials of the European Commission will visit Azerbaijan from 24 to 25 February 2005 at the invitation of Azerbaijan to discuss the energy issues. "During the forthcoming talks they will particularly discuss the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, as well as energy security," he said.

The same time Mammadyarov underlined that during the talks with Ferrero-Waldner discussed issue of support to the EU in prevention of spread of Bird Flu.