Vagif Sadikhov: "I can agree only with a part of what the mission of European observers has said about results of elections in Azerbaijan"

- What do you think about the opinion voiced by the observer mission of PACE, ODIHR/OSCE and European Parliament by results of presidential elections in Azerbaijan, held on October 15?

- This is just a statement of the three organizations. The final report will be released later after all materials are brought together. It is necessary to take into account that these organizations were quite diverse in their quantitative correlation. As you have heard from the speeches, a part of observers' statements were full of such phrases as "here the official position ends and my personal opinion starts. A delay of an hour and a half also says that there were definite clashes of positions, though respected Mr.Herkel explained it by specific features of the work.

We will, certainly study the report. A preliminary opinion can be learned from the statements of observers, though interpretation at the final press conference was terrible and most moments were distorted. In the result most heard not the opinion of representative but interpretation.

- Nevertheless, resume of the statements was as follows: certain improvements were noticed at the elections but on the whole the voting process did not meet all commitments. Are you satisfied by such an assessment?

- Certainly, not, though the opinion about whether it is satisfactory or not, merely reflects our initial attitude towards what we heard, but it does not diminish the works, carried out in the country before elections and during the electoral campaign. Being the citizens of the country, we are well aware of the real situation. Therefore, being a citizen of Azerbaijan, I can certainly agree with not all what they said. The report should be studied carefully. As you know 450 OSCE observers are 450 individual opinions, brought together, any extremities from all sides are excluded and those, who edit the report, try to preserve the general core.

- Will the constructive remarks be taken into account?

- Certainly, they will be and it has always been like that. All the amendments, introduced to the legislation of Azerbaijan, were taken after consultations with international structures. This is a natural process and we are constantly improving the legislative basis and this will further continue.

At the same time, we must certainly define the objectiveness of any remarks to view them as something expedient for being introduced to the legislation and for their consideration during future elections. This is permanently developing process.

- Does it mean that constructive criticism is strengthening international cooperation?

- I would use the term "constructive remarks". We must analyze it all, define the correspondence to reality. If it fails to reflect the reality, we will react to it all. This is a normal process and we will continue our work in this direction.

- Elections in Azerbaijan will be discussed at the sessions of PACE and other organizations. What do you think about the general background of discussions?

- Whatever is said, Azerbaijani side will continue working with international structures coming from a constructive position. We are a member of this organization, which means that we have definite rights along with duties. We have not been deprived of the right to voice our opinion, take part in debates, directly related to us or on similar situations in other countries. This is a normal process of participation in organizations.

On the day when we feel that we do not agree completely with the organization, we will leave it. But I hope it will not come to this point and a constructive approach and common sense will prevail for us to continue working with organizations in an attempt to improve their work from inside, being inside these organizations not out of them.

/Day.Az/