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ASHTON AND FULE: ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN DID NOT MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
by Ashot Safaryan
ARMINFO
Friday, October 11, 13:19
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission and
Commissioner Stefan Fule, issued the following statement October 10,
as Contact.az reported:
"The High Representative and the Commissioner take note of the
preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International
Election Observation Mission to the Azerbaijan Presidential Election
of 9 October 2013.
The strong turnout in the election demonstrates the commitment of
the people of Azerbaijan to the democratic process. Nevertheless, the
OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary conclusions state that significant problems
were observed throughout all stages of election day processes, and
identify serious shortcomings - including limitations on the freedoms
of expression, assembly and association that did not guarantee a level
playing field for candidates - which need to be addressed in order
for Azerbaijan to fully meet its international commitments. Equally,
citizens who have filed election appeals need to be provided sufficient
guarantees of effective redress.
The High Representative and the Commissioner, noting the statement
of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe's delegations, welcome the will of the Azerbaijani
authorities to have a large presence of national and international
observers. They further encourage the Azerbaijan authorities to
consider the recommendations of the international community, with
a view to continuing to develop the path towards democracy and the
rule of law in Azerbaijan", - reads the statement.
From: A. Papazian
by Ashot Safaryan
ARMINFO
Friday, October 11, 13:19
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission and
Commissioner Stefan Fule, issued the following statement October 10,
as Contact.az reported:
"The High Representative and the Commissioner take note of the
preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International
Election Observation Mission to the Azerbaijan Presidential Election
of 9 October 2013.
The strong turnout in the election demonstrates the commitment of
the people of Azerbaijan to the democratic process. Nevertheless, the
OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary conclusions state that significant problems
were observed throughout all stages of election day processes, and
identify serious shortcomings - including limitations on the freedoms
of expression, assembly and association that did not guarantee a level
playing field for candidates - which need to be addressed in order
for Azerbaijan to fully meet its international commitments. Equally,
citizens who have filed election appeals need to be provided sufficient
guarantees of effective redress.
The High Representative and the Commissioner, noting the statement
of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe's delegations, welcome the will of the Azerbaijani
authorities to have a large presence of national and international
observers. They further encourage the Azerbaijan authorities to
consider the recommendations of the international community, with
a view to continuing to develop the path towards democracy and the
rule of law in Azerbaijan", - reads the statement.
From: A. Papazian