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European Report
May 25, 2005
CONCERNS EXPRESSED ABOUT AZERBAIJAN ARRESTS.
A recent "series of arrests" by the authorities in Azerbaijan led
Dutch Socialist MEP Jan Wiersma to express concerns on May 20. "These
arrests could be confirmation of a pattern of intimidation of the
opposition in the run-up to parliamentary elections in November", he
said. The MEP added that, "in the light of recent statements by the
Azerbaijan government, outlining their intention to create closer
relations with the EU, the authorities in Baku should be aware that
arresting opposition members is contrary to the basic values of the
EU". Just days ahead of a planned May 25 ceremony marking the opening
of the $4 billion Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Azerbaijan police
prevented an unauthorised opposition rally from taking place,
reportedly leading to the arrest of 45 protestors. In April, EU
Foreign Ministers invited the European Commission to start joint
discussions to prepare 'neighbourhood policy' action plans that would
aim for closer ties - linked to reforms and 'common values' - between
the EU and each of the three South Caucasus countries - Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia.
May 25, 2005
CONCERNS EXPRESSED ABOUT AZERBAIJAN ARRESTS.
A recent "series of arrests" by the authorities in Azerbaijan led
Dutch Socialist MEP Jan Wiersma to express concerns on May 20. "These
arrests could be confirmation of a pattern of intimidation of the
opposition in the run-up to parliamentary elections in November", he
said. The MEP added that, "in the light of recent statements by the
Azerbaijan government, outlining their intention to create closer
relations with the EU, the authorities in Baku should be aware that
arresting opposition members is contrary to the basic values of the
EU". Just days ahead of a planned May 25 ceremony marking the opening
of the $4 billion Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Azerbaijan police
prevented an unauthorised opposition rally from taking place,
reportedly leading to the arrest of 45 protestors. In April, EU
Foreign Ministers invited the European Commission to start joint
discussions to prepare 'neighbourhood policy' action plans that would
aim for closer ties - linked to reforms and 'common values' - between
the EU and each of the three South Caucasus countries - Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia.