Parliament News

Parliament considers gov't report satisfactory
Milli Maclis (parliament) continued to discuss the draft Electoral Code in the first reading on Tuesday. Then, First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov presented the government's report on its performance over 1997-2002 to the meeting attended by the Prime Minister Artur Rasizada.
After the presentation of the report, MPs started discussions. Iqbal Agazada said it was disrespect to the parliament that the report was made by not Prime Minister himself, but his deputy, judging the report as unsatisfactory. Sabir Rustamxanli reproached the government, saying that roads are obsolete in southern regions, Lerik and Yardimli Districts are not supplied with gas, while Qulamhuseyn Alibayli pointed out that issues relating to the development of the non-oil sector and foreign arrears are reflected in the report.
Then, government officials answered the questions from MPs. Finance Minister Avaz Alakbarov said a number of problems in the spheres of science and education would be settled in 2003, important steps on bank savings deposited during the soviet period would be taken, social and employment issues addressed and living standards of people in the countryside improved. Minister of Economic Development Farhad Aliyev told the parliament that $100m was transferred from the State Oil Fund to the budget to reduce the poverty. Furthermore, he said after the signing of a relevant agreement concerning LUKOIL's selling its 10-per-cent interest in the Contract of the Century, the amount of tax deductions from that sum would be established.
Then, other ministers replied to questions on the government's report. Following the discussions, the report was considered as satisfactory in general.
A special constitution law was adopted last year to define the procedure for the government's reporting to the parliament. Under the law, the Cabinet of Ministers must make a report to Milli Maclis on the fifth meeting of the spring session every year.

Draft law on passenger insurance
The standing parliamentary commission on economic policy met on Wednesday to discuss a draft law on compulsory insurance for passengers. The new document deals with life and health insurance against damages incurred while using railways, marine and automobile transport or they at airport, railways, marine and bus stations. Under the document, insurance contracts will be made for a one-year terms between insurance organizations and legal entities or individuals authorized to transport passengers. The sum of insurance is set at AZM10m per insured person. Insurance fees are defined at 1 percent of air ticket cost, 1.5 per cent of railway, marine or automobile tickets. Insurance payments are estimated at 100 per cent in case of death, 40 per cent for disability, 80 per cent for serious injury, and 20 per cent for slight injury. Insurance must be paid within ten days of submission of documents indicated in the law to insurer.

Parliament finalizes Electoral code discussion
Milli Maclis devoted its fifth meeting to the discussion of the new draft Electoral Code. MP Sabit Rustamxanli urged amendments to certain points which political circles and experts do not accept. Nizami Quliyev suggested that electoral commissions should be set up in a form satisfying all political circles. Meanwhile Sayavus Novruzov blamed the opposition for acting like a spoiled child. Asya Manafova was opposed to providing a salary for employees of electoral point commissions for five years.
After hearing of suggestions and comments, the discussion of the draft law was finalized in the first reading and voting was put on hold until the next meeting due to lack of time.