PACE debates on Azerbaijan's commitments

Andres Herkel, co-rapporteur for Azerbaijan started the debates. There were a lot of critical points in Herkel's speech. He mainly spoke about problems of municipalities, weakness of parliament and problems of media.

Herkel also reported about the problems concerning the law on freedom of assembly and judicial system. He said that the problems should be solved by the upcoming elections. The rapporteur regretted that there are no opposition members in Azerbaijani delegation. He said it is welcoming that the president issued several pardon decrees.

Other co-rapporteur Tony Lloyd noted that there are some positive events in legislation and other spheres, but there are also some problems.

Lithuanian parliamentarian Mr. Vareikis made speech during the debates. He underlined that Azerbaijan is an important country for Europe and it should remain as the member of the Council of Europe.

Members of Turkish delegation to PACE Tekelioglu and Movlud Chavushoglu supported Azerbaijan's position and said democratic reforms are being carried out in the country. They called on their European colleagues to pay more attention to the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem.

Belgian parliamentarian Mr. Goris spoke about the necessity of amending the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan.

"Both authorities and opposition should demonstrate constructive position on this issue," he said.

British parliamentarian Walter said he had been to Azerbaijan several times and knows this country very well.

"It is a young and democratic country. The report shows that there is great progress in the country. As to the problem of the Nagorno Karabakh, Baku and Yerevan have to establish official dialogue on this problem, these countries need time," he said.

Following this, Leo Platvoet, PACE rapporteur on the missing persons in the South Caucasus made speech. He said there are critical points in the country along with achievements. He did not mentioned the Nagorno Karabakh problem.

Danish parliamentarian Severinsen said there are problems concerning the sate of press and opposition in Azerbaijan.

Ali Huseynov, member of Azerbaijani delegation said they gave proposals on establishing election commissions from professionals.

Andres Herkel said the opposition will agree to it.

Gultekin Hajiyeva, member of Azerbaijani delegation addressed the meeting. She protested to the item on not allowing for former economic development minister Farhad Aliyev's examination. The parliamentarian said Farhad Aliyev was examined by the doctors he wants. Special commissions were set up for him. But Leo Platvoet protested to it, the expression remained unchanged.

Samad Seyidov, head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE reported about current reforms and development in Azerbaijan. He protested to the points about Farhad Aliyev in the report. He said those people faces charges of corruption, misappropriation and other crimes. According to him such persons should not engage in politics.

The head of Azerbaijani delegation proposed that the report should cover corruption issue on Farhad Aliyev and his companions. Then Samad Seyidov informed on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and called on his colleagues to attach attention to this problem.

Ganira Pashayeva touched on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, destruction of Azerbaijan historical monuments and old Shusha town by Armenians, stressing economical losses Azerbaijan suffered.

The debates ended and the majority of amendments offered by Azerbaijani delegation were accepted. The amendments include the change of terms with more corresponding ones.

While the voting procedure on amendments Armenian delegation head offered two amendments on the Nagorno Karabakh issue but were rejected.

The resolution on honoring of obligations and commitments by Azerbaijan was accepted. The resolution stressed that Azerbaijan has achieved progress in honoring of the commitments. It also hoped for further progress for full integration of Azerbaijan into the European family. APA