European Union Delegation issues statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Azerbaijan

The EU Delegation takes note with concern of the increasing number of reports of arrests of youth activists in the country.

The EU Delegation closely monitors domestic developments in Azerbaijan, notably in the domain of democracy and human rights. Those are essential elements for political stability, and key elements of the foundation on which the Eastern Partnership is built upon.

The EU Delegation reiterates the great importance it attaches to all fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

The EU Delegation encourages Azerbaijan to maintain an open dialogue with members of civil society organisations expressing views and opinions in a peaceful manner.

The EU Delegation calls on Azerbaijan to ensure due process in all the recent cases of arrest of youth activists and support the cooperation established with OSCE on the area of democracy and human rights.