Head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE: Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan positove step towards democracy

The last parliamentary elections held in Azerbaijan are a step forward towards the democracy, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov said during discussions of Polish MP Tadeush Ivinsky's report on the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

"During the session the delegation of Azerbaijan would like to bring clarity to the situation actually happened in our country. The fact that the elections were observed by more than 7,000 local and international observers testifies to the importance attached by these parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. Election observation is also very important to understand the election process. I would like to express my gratitude to the head of the two observation missions Paul Wille," he said.

He recalled that the PACE, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE / ODIHR), OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and European Parliament adopted a joint resolution. "The document notes that the above-mentioned organizations will continue cooperating with Azerbaijan for the future of my country. This is a very important issue. Unfortunately, a group of individuals does not want to take into account the fact that elections were held in a quiet atmosphere. They did not appreciate the participation of all political parties thoroughly.

One can say that all candidates got airtime on the country's public channel. They did not want to receive respectful views of international organizations on these elections, and subjected us to the criticism and blackmail. It was directed not only against the ruling party, but at the same time against international observers. I would again like to thank PACE and its members because PACE members observing the elections, as opposed to the colleagues from the OSCE / ODIHR, reflected a more realistic situation. From this perspective, I think that these parliamentary elections are a step forward. At the same time we are ready to listen to advice and recommendations of this organization and to cooperate with it, " he said.

Polish MP Tadeush Ivinsky informed MPs about the report of the PACE observation mission in Azerbaijan. He said that parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were held in a quiet atmosphere.

"Some colleagues express dissatisfaction due to our report, stating about its partiality and improper holding the elections on November 7. I think that our report is very balanced. The members of our observer mission also reported that there were achievements. However, the PACE thinks that Azerbaijan must make more efforts to achieve consensus in the field of elections. I am convinced that PACE and the Council of Europe are ready to continue cooperation with Azerbaijan and support in strengthening the democratic system, " he said.


/Trend/