Azerbaijani Minister Touts Country's Role In Regional Security

United Nations, 17 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Azerbaijan's foreign minister, Maharram oglu Mammadyarov, told the United Nations yesterday that his country strongly believes that the best way to fight terrorism is for neighboring countries to work together to provide common security.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan is active in providing security in the Caucasus-Caspian Sea region by interdicting drug trafficking, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and illegal immigration. He said his country also contributes to UN peacekeeping forces.

Mammadyarov also spoke in favor of UN reform, particularly reform of the Security Council. He said council reform should not be limited to enlargement, but also should include improvements in efficiency and transparency.

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