Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, today (29 June) in Berlin. The talks centred on bilateral matters, the human rights situation in Azerbaijan as well as regional and international issues.

Turning to the regional conflict concerning Nagorny Karabakh, Federal Minister Westerwelle voiced his concern following recent security incidents. He called upon all sides to be ready to compromise. The Minister indicated lasting stability can only be achieved if all parties work constructively on finding solutions.

With regard to the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, Federal Minister Westerwelle expressed his grave concern about the ongoing failure to implement judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of the opposition journalist Eynulla Fatullayev. The Minister hopes the Azerbaijani leadership will find a suitable way of dealing with the case.

The two foreign ministers also discussed energy issues at length. They agreed the construction of the Nabucco pipeline is of strategic importance for Europe.

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