A general meeting of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Azerbaijan took place on December 28.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

The Head of State first viewed an exhibition "Heydar Aliyev and Olympic Movement" arranged at the NOC's office.

Participants of the NOC's 4th General Meeting greeted President Ilham Aliyev with warm cheers.

Opening the meeting, Minister of Youth, Sport and Tourism, first Vice-President of the NOC Abulfaz Garayev announced the issues on the agenda and especially stressed the invaluable contributions made to development of sport and Olympic movement my national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev.

Te meeting participants honored the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev with a minute of silence.

After that they debated over the issues on the agenda.

NOC's Vice-President Chingiz Huseynzadeh delivered a summary report on the activity of the Executive Committee in 2004.

Chairman of the Inspection Commission, President of Judo Federation Fuzuli Alakbarov commented on the commission's report.

Then speeches were made on the reports. Speeches of XXVIII Athens Summer Olympic Games winner, Graeco-Roman wrestler Farid Mansurov, Secretary General of National Olympic Committee, president of boxing federation Aghajan Abiyev, president of equestrian sport federation, general-lieutenant Vagif Ahundov, and coach of the national women's volleyball Faig Garayev were listened.

President of Azerbaijan Republic, President of NOC Ilham Aliyev gave a speech at general meeting.

SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN, PRESIDENT OF NOC ILHAM ALIYEV AT IV GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Dear Ladies and gentlemen!

Members of the National Olympic Committee!

Since the Sydney Olympic Games, we have passed through the extremely important period for Azerbaijan as a whole, and for development of sport in the country, in particular. During this period, our country has been more developed, and all the processes within the country have been continued towards progress.

In all, economic potential of Azerbaijan has increased, and the country consolidated its positions in the world over the past years. In a word, Azerbaijan has been rapidly developed in all fields. In particular, great work has been done including in the field of sport. After re-gaining of state independence of Azerbaijan, sport has constantly been in the focus of attention. Even though, during the first years of independence, our country was not economically strong with a lot of difficulties and problems. Economic development was generally out of the question, there was an economic recession in the country. Despite all this, sport and Olympic movement then was in the center of our national leader Heydar Aliyev's attention. It was this attention that allowed to develop sport in Azerbaijan.

A report on 4-year activities had been delivered here today. I can say, great work has been done over the last four years for development of sport. Today, Azerbaijan is internationally known to be a sport power, in the true sense of the world. Azerbaijan is very reputed member of the International Olympic Committee. The National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan is expanding its foreign relations. Azerbaijan host a lot of international tournaments including the European and world championships, international sport conferences, seminars of international sport organizations and other events.

In a word, Azerbaijan has managed to win recognition in the international sport arena. When Azerbaijan is mentioned within the international sport family, then - we witnessed this more than once - it is done with respect towards the processes taking place in the country in the field of sport. The international structures - on the one hand, the sport events we host, on the other hand successful performances of our athletes - have sufficient information about the current state and process of development of sport in our country.

Successful performances and results of athletes are what primarily demonstrate sport potential of every country. The whole work being done - both that aiming at strengthening of material and technical basis of sport and organization of high-standard trainings and creation of favorable conditions for sportsmen - brings fruits. All the factors mentioned are the main condition to achieve good results. I am very glad all these factors are available in Azerbaijan. By adding the fact that the structures responsible for sport are working in good business cooperation, we can see that Azerbaijan is now experiencing the period of real development in sport. The National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism, sport federations and societies - all of us are serving the common goal. We all are striving for the national flag of Azerbaijan to be hoisted and the national anthem is performed at sport competitions. This brings glory to our country increases its international prestige, demonstrating at the same time what Azerbaijan is capable of. Azerbaijan has very strong sport potential. In particular, there are a lot of talented young people in provinces. To involve the youth in sport, a modern infrastructure must be created there. It is no secret that modern sport complexes have been built and put into operation in a number of regions over the past 4 years. Not only professional athletes train at these complexes, but also other young people and even children. It is very important, as well. Mass character of sport is a very important issue for every country. We want the growing generation to be healthy both physically and intellectually. Of course, reaching this needs favorable conditions to be created, and not only in the capital city but also in the provinces.

As you know, since I was elected President of the republic, the program of regional development has occupied a great place in my activity. I can say the implementation of this program with regard to sport I began as early as 1997 because I knew and know very well that successful development of Azerbaijan needs development of its each region. Every citizen of Azerbaijan no matter where he lives should be provided relevant services. The sport complexes built in provinces are functioning very successfully today. I also want to mention that the regions are now experiencing revival in non-sport sector as well: new jobs are opened, new industrial objects are founded, and infrastructure is created. Our goal is just to occupy a firmer place in the world, in the international arena for the people in Azerbaijan to live better and be healthy.

I am very glad that the done work testifies that we are on a correct way. Sports already became extremely important factor in the political life of Azerbaijan. I am very glad that traditionally valid attitude to sportsmen in Azerbaijan also is at a high level. To be sportsman has become already very honorable deed. The attitude shown to sportsmen and veterans of sports, also finds its reflection in society. We pay constant attention to the said question. The sportsmen well know that sports life is very short. Not only in Azerbaijan, but also in all other countries, the sportsman after leaving from sports meets some difficulties as though begins a new life. Sometimes the adaptation by such life goes very hardly. We, therefore, aspire to showing still greater care of people, who left from sports, to solve their problems, to create them conditions.

As a whole, the care of sportsmen and sports experts constantly is in the center of our attention. We are engaged in housing problems of sportsmen, we give them premiums. I do not want to mention today all this work, and it will take a lot of time. I want to tell only that the mentioned policy will be continued and further.

Last Olympic Games taken place in Athens once again have shown that in the whole world, in various countries the attention to sports grows more and more. That is, it becomes clear to all that dispute is extremely important area for each country. It, maybe, the most important means of glorification of the country in the world. As only in sports, on Olympic Games, the countries compete with each other, and by results of this struggle are made their rating. Each country wishes that the sportsman representing it had taken higher place. It is the general process proceeding in the world. We are very glad that Azerbaijan participates in the said process, and, maybe, in comparison with other countries, we began to pay attention to the given sphere earlier. Today for anybody it is not secret that the International Olympic Committee shows to other countries as an example and represents National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan as a sample, recommends application of our experience and in other countries.

Really, in Azerbaijan happens a lot of new in the field of sports. First of all, the Federations become stronger, the well known persons in the country have been elected presidents of Federations so that they paid attention, were engaged in the site charged with it, a concrete kind of sports, created to sportsmen necessary conditions. Today, we see by the growing example of other neighboring countries going in our way. Why? As our way already has proved all over the world, that is correct.

I am very glad that the tendencies, which have arisen in sports during last years, amplify. Last Olympic Games have once again confirmed that sports strengthen the positions in Azerbaijan and its potential grows. Olympic Games in Athens still once again have shown, what strong sportsmen we have. The Azerbaijan sportsmen have won 5 medals. They could win more medals, but somewhere they were fortunate, and somewhere the panel of judges has prevented this. Anyway, it is a great potential. It is admitted and perceived with deep respect not only by us, but also all sports communities.

As you know, a part of my life is connected to sports. In 1997 the sports public of Azerbaijan rendered me trust, has elected on the post of the president of Olympic Committee, and, as you can see, I perform this duty up to date. To tell the truth, in the world, there is such practice when the head of the state is simultaneously the president of Olympic Committee. But I can tell that in most cases they became presidents of Olympic Committees after election as the head of the state. I, on the contrary, have come on the post of the head of the state from sphere of sports. Therefore, it is possible to tell that the President of the country is the representative of sportsmen. We shall not be mistaken, if we shall tell so.

Really, this post is very dear for me, and it has played in my life extremely important role. First of all, it is such post that if the person has desire if, really, he has feeling of the responsibility here can be achieved the result. The result is measured not only by quantity of medals. As a whole, the development observable in our country in the field of sports is multilateral. For me the moment delivering the biggest pleasure consists that youth and small children attend sports section. This is future of Azerbaijan and health of the future generation of Azerbaijan.

Since 1997, I with very big responsibility approach this post. As a whole, to all charged tasks, including this post. After election as the President I have told: I shall not refuse and today I do not refuse this post. I and henceforth shall be together with sportsmen.

As a whole, I can tell that dialogue with sportsmen, sports experts, veterans of sports is very big school. This is completely other world. The sportsman is a person with extremely high moral features. The true sportsman will never be engaged in dirty affairs, never begins to make acts unseemly to him. The sportsman is as physically, and spiritually healthy person. I am very glad that in Azerbaijan there are such sportsmen, and the young people representing us, hoisting the flag of Azerbaijan at the international competitions, are both professional sportsmen and the citizens possessing high moral qualities. I hope that the growing-up young generation also will follow the example of our known sportsmen, as they are sample for young generation. For attraction of children, teenagers in sports section, we, certainly, should have sports heroes. They are well known also to you, and the public of Azerbaijan.

Taking the opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude for joint activity to all people who worked and are trying with me in the mentioned field during the last 7 years. I am satisfied with our joint work. I am rather satisfied with the fact that thanks to our joint efforts in the country there are observable development and progress in the field of sports. I am very glad that more and more people come to the newly opened complexes. This flow especially makes itself felt after the Olympic Games. I am certain it will be so and henceforth.

In the coming years, we are going to build new sports complexes. Already the sports complexes are being built in 4 places, and as we announced, in future in every region of Azerbaijan will be created every conditions to go in sports.

Activity of the National Olympic Committee has been also extremely positive. The Olympic movement in Azerbaijan has amplified. Our work in the mentioned sphere is also at high level. Today summing up the conclusions of the latest four years, I can once again tell that the envisioned plans have been realized. We have implemented what we had planned. I am confident that good will and cooperation will benefit our large sports family and in the years ahead. And, as always, we - sportsmen, coaches, sports specialists, federations, sports communities, ministries, and the Olympic committee will be together. We shall deservedly serve the people of Azerbaijan, do utmost for raising sports glory of Azerbaijan. We shall aspire that our national flag and henceforth rose on the international contests and Olympic Games. I wish you all success in this work.

Thanks.

***

Fuad Aslanov - bronze awardee of Athens Summer Olympic Games

Agasi Mammadov - bronze awardee of Athens Summer Olympic Games

Zemfira Meftahaddinova- bronze awardee of Athens Summer Olympic Games

Irada Ashumova - bronze awardee of Athens Summer Olympic Games (sign was presented to her personal coach because she was absent).

Farid Mansurov - winner of Athens Summer Olympic Games.

ILHAM ALIYEV: Farid Mansurov brought two golden medals to Azerbaijan from Athens. Of course, after Olympic Games he was presented rewards by state, National Olympic Committee and sponsors. But today I want to present to Farid one another reward. This is keys of new car "Mercedes-Benz 32OS".

Then President Ilham Aliyev presented orders of new apartments to Niyameddin Pashayev (world champion on taekwondo), Movlud Miraliyev and Mehman Azizov (winners of 5th place on judo in Athens Olympic Games), Tofig Ahmadov (awardee of Boxing World Championship), Shahin Imranov (awardee of Boxing European Championship), Rovshan Umidov (coach of youth combined team on free wrestling), Fikret Ahmadov (Honored Coach on wrestling), Tofig Babanli (International referee on boxing), Kamil Isgenderov (doctor of Olympic team), Gulshan Shirinova (sport veteran), Zeynab Mammadyarova (European Champion on chess, order was presented to her father because she was in contest), Vagif Aliyev (Chair of Sport Association of Azerbaijan Trade Unions), Jeyhun Mammadov (World Champion on sambo for 7 times), Ahmad Hatamov (European Champion on karate), Isgender Javadov (football veteran).

Then, Executive Committee of NOC, consisted of 17 persons, was elected. Mehriban Aliyeva, President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, President of Cultural Olympic Committee, Natig Aliyev, Chief of Central Army Sport Club of Defense Ministry, and coach of the national women's volleyball team Faig Garayev were elected new members to NOC.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated members of NOC Executive Committee, wished them success in future activity.

General Assembly elected Inspection Commission of NOC consisted of 5 persons.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave final speech.

FINAL SPEECH OF AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV

Our General Meeting is about to end. I want to mention once again that Azerbaijani sport community worked too hard over the last 4 years, we have fulfilled all our duties and issues in worthy manner. I hope that National Olympic Committee will further work effectively in next period.

I remember, 4 years ago, in first meeting after Sydney Olympic Games I have told that there are only four years till next Olympic Games. I want to repeat this view. Next Olympic Games will be held in more tensioned circumstance. It is doubtless, because concurrence increases yearly. Strong sportsmen are grown in different countries. Sometimes countries prepare strong sportsmen in sport disciplines that are not traditional for them. Taking all this into consideration, we should approach the case more seriously in our daily activity. I mean Olympic Games to be held in Beijing will be harder from point of concurrence. But I am sure that our sportsmen, acting today and those who will be trained till that time, will represent our country in worthy manner in Olympic Games to be held in Beijing.

But till that time, of course, there will be held international competitions - tournaments, European and World Championships. I am sure that National Olympic Committee, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism, respective federations and sport societies will mobilize all their forces, as usual, and will strive for provision of successful performances of our sportsmen. I have no doubt and am sure in this that Azerbaijani sport will always be in highest tops as usual.

Taking this opportunity I sincerely congratulate you all on coming New Year Holiday and Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, wish you health. I wish we all to serve our native Homeland in worthy manner. Thank you.

***

Members of Executive Committee of NOC were taken memory picture with President Ilham Aliyev.

BAKU. 29.12.2004. AzerTAg.