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June 20, the European Parliament's head residence in Brussels hosted the presentation of the book titled "Rehabilitation of post-conflict territories: conceptual bases". The event gained great attention and importance as it was held on the eve of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's official visit to Brussels.
The authors of the book are the chief editor of Caucasus and Globalization magazine Nazim Muzaffarli and director of the Institute of Strategic Studies of the Caucasus (ISSC) Eldar Ismayilov.
Taking into account the time factor, the book analyzed the theoretical and practical aspects of post-conflict reconstruction of seven occupied regions around Nagorno-Karabakh upon separate territories and sectors. The cost of rebuilding the infrastructure, economy and life support systems is estimated at $30 billion.
The presentation was attended by members of the European Parliament, European Commission, representatives of embassies and permanent missions, scientific centers, NGOs, business circles and mass media in Brussels. The event was opened by MEP from Latvia Ines Vader. The MEP said the EU is concerned that the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still remains unresolved. According to Vader, one of the obstacles to the settlement process can be unsatisfactory attention to the economic component of the problem.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium Emin Eyyubov said that the occupation of Azerbaijani territories is the main obstacle to cooperation of the Caucasus countries with the EU countries. Later, a speech was made by the author of the foreword to the book, the director of the Institute of Central Asia and Caucasus (Washington, USA), Frederick Starr. He said the fair settlement of the conflict and the speedy release of the Azerbaijani territories from the occupation is in the interests of not only the region, but also the whole world, including Europe. Today the international community should make more efforts in this regard.
Later the co-author Ismayilov gave details of the issues raised in the book and answered questions from participants. They exchanged views on possible sources of investment for reconstruction and development in the region after the conflict settlement.
The project on rehabilitation of post-conflict territories of Azerbaijan is carried out by the Institute for Strategic Studies of the Caucasus, with the support of the International Bank of Azerbaijan. Brussels presentation of the book was the third after presentations in London and Washington.
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