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CATHERINE ASHTON CONCERNED OVER HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN AZERBAIJAN
Tert.am
14:10 ~U 12.10.11
Following the arrest of 14 peaceful demonstrators in Azerbaijan,
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the
Commission, issued a statement, expressing concerns over the human
rights situation in the country.
The EU official particularly voiced alarm over violations of
fundamental freedoms of assembly freedom of expression.
The full text of her statement is below.
"The High Representative recalls the previous statements made by
the EU on the convictions of several participants in the peaceful
demonstration of April 2, 2011 in Azerbaijan (on August 26 and October
8), and the repeated expressions of concern by the EU regarding
the human rights situation in Azerbaijan in Spring 2011. In spite
of these, four more participants in the peaceful demonstrations of
April 2011 were convicted on October 10, bringing the total number
of convictions to 14.
The High Representative wishes to reiterate the importance the EU
attaches to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and
freedom of expression, in its relations with partner countries. These
are core values at the heart of the Eastern Partnership and the ongoing
negotiation of an Association Agreement with Azerbaijan. The rule of
law in the country must ensure that those principles are respected,
that court proceedings are free of political interference and that
independent lawyers work with no impediments. The High Representative
therefore calls on Azerbaijan to provide for a fair and transparent
appeal process.
The EU is ready to assist Azerbaijan in the implementation of
democratic reforms guided by the values of OSCE, the Council of Europe
and the EU."
Tert.am
14:10 ~U 12.10.11
Following the arrest of 14 peaceful demonstrators in Azerbaijan,
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the
Commission, issued a statement, expressing concerns over the human
rights situation in the country.
The EU official particularly voiced alarm over violations of
fundamental freedoms of assembly freedom of expression.
The full text of her statement is below.
"The High Representative recalls the previous statements made by
the EU on the convictions of several participants in the peaceful
demonstration of April 2, 2011 in Azerbaijan (on August 26 and October
8), and the repeated expressions of concern by the EU regarding
the human rights situation in Azerbaijan in Spring 2011. In spite
of these, four more participants in the peaceful demonstrations of
April 2011 were convicted on October 10, bringing the total number
of convictions to 14.
The High Representative wishes to reiterate the importance the EU
attaches to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and
freedom of expression, in its relations with partner countries. These
are core values at the heart of the Eastern Partnership and the ongoing
negotiation of an Association Agreement with Azerbaijan. The rule of
law in the country must ensure that those principles are respected,
that court proceedings are free of political interference and that
independent lawyers work with no impediments. The High Representative
therefore calls on Azerbaijan to provide for a fair and transparent
appeal process.
The EU is ready to assist Azerbaijan in the implementation of
democratic reforms guided by the values of OSCE, the Council of Europe
and the EU."