Council of Europe suggests to elect Baku Mayor

As APA reports, Council of Europe expert Owen Masters addressing the seminar, said that the aim of the steering group is to promote development of local authorities in Azerbaijan. He also noted that the steering group members had become more professional. Mr.Masters said that free and paid trainings would be held for municipalities to promote their development. The expert said he focused on these items in his report presented to the Council of Europe.

Coordinator of NGOs for Civil Society Fikrat Rzayev introduced the working group members. He noted that meetings had been held with each municipality depending on place and opportunities.

Head of the President's Office sector for local authorities Ramig Hashimov said that they would regularly cooperate with the Council of Europe to develop municipalities. He also noted that the Council of Europe would give opportunity to Azerbaijani local authorities in making a choice.

The project manager Ms.Karlen Martini said meetings are planed to be held in the region to raise awareness. She informed that trainings for municipalities will also be organized abroad. In addition, the journal of the National Association will be published. Ms.Martini also said that they would suggest electing Mayor of Baku, not appointing.