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EU: CONDUCT OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO CONSTITUTE MEANINGFUL PROGRESS IN THE DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY
PanARMENIAN.Net
November 9, 2010 - 19:55 AMT 15:55 GMT
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton has called
on the Azerbaijani authorities to address shortcomings identified by
international observers in the country's electoral process.
In a statement issued in Brussels, she said: "I take note of the
preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election
Observation Mission stating that the parliamentary elections in the
Republic of Azerbaijan were characterized by a peaceful atmosphere and
that all opposition parties participated in the political process,
but that the conduct of these elections overall was not sufficient
to constitute meaningful progress in the democratic development of
the country."
"I call on the Azerbaijani authorities to address these shortcomings
as well as the problematic issues identified by OSCE/ODHIR in the
course of the electoral process."
The High Representative also encouraged the Azerbaijani authorities
"to enhance their efforts to honour their international commitments
regarding democratic principles and human rights, and in particular
with regard to ensuring and strengthening democratic pluralism,
media freedom, and freedom of assembly."
Ashton said Azerbaijan was a key partner for the EU, which stood ready
to continue its support to the implementation of further political
reforms, including in the framework of the Eastern Partnership,
ENPI info center reported.
From: A. Papazian
PanARMENIAN.Net
November 9, 2010 - 19:55 AMT 15:55 GMT
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton has called
on the Azerbaijani authorities to address shortcomings identified by
international observers in the country's electoral process.
In a statement issued in Brussels, she said: "I take note of the
preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election
Observation Mission stating that the parliamentary elections in the
Republic of Azerbaijan were characterized by a peaceful atmosphere and
that all opposition parties participated in the political process,
but that the conduct of these elections overall was not sufficient
to constitute meaningful progress in the democratic development of
the country."
"I call on the Azerbaijani authorities to address these shortcomings
as well as the problematic issues identified by OSCE/ODHIR in the
course of the electoral process."
The High Representative also encouraged the Azerbaijani authorities
"to enhance their efforts to honour their international commitments
regarding democratic principles and human rights, and in particular
with regard to ensuring and strengthening democratic pluralism,
media freedom, and freedom of assembly."
Ashton said Azerbaijan was a key partner for the EU, which stood ready
to continue its support to the implementation of further political
reforms, including in the framework of the Eastern Partnership,
ENPI info center reported.
From: A. Papazian