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US CRITICIZE COUNCIL OF EUROPE FOR ASSESSMENT OF AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
October 25, 2013 | 13:04
The U.S. criticized Council of Europe mission for giving positive
assessment of Azerbaijani presidential elections. The criticism was
voiced by Christopher Midura, Acting Deputy Chief of US Mission to
the OSCE, in response to the address by the CE Secretary General
Thorbjorn Jagland, Contact.az reported.
"Wile ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly found 'significant
problems throughout all stages of election day processes' and found
that the election was 'undermined by limitations on the freedoms of
expression, assembly and association,' we were surprised that the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) assessed that
a 'free, fair and transparent' process prevailed on election day,"
the letter mentions.
He recalled that US had recently joined the Council of Europe's Venice
Commission as a full member of and "looks forward to promoting human
rights and democratic governance through that important institution."
"The US believes that the OSCE and the Council of Europe have
significant, complementary roles to play in strengthening respect
for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and rule of law,"
reads the statement.
Azerbaijani opposition accused authorities of paying bribes to the PACE
mission. The opposition claimed the talks were held in Hilton hotel in
Strasbourg. The Council of Europe did not respond to the accusations.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
October 25, 2013 | 13:04
The U.S. criticized Council of Europe mission for giving positive
assessment of Azerbaijani presidential elections. The criticism was
voiced by Christopher Midura, Acting Deputy Chief of US Mission to
the OSCE, in response to the address by the CE Secretary General
Thorbjorn Jagland, Contact.az reported.
"Wile ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly found 'significant
problems throughout all stages of election day processes' and found
that the election was 'undermined by limitations on the freedoms of
expression, assembly and association,' we were surprised that the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) assessed that
a 'free, fair and transparent' process prevailed on election day,"
the letter mentions.
He recalled that US had recently joined the Council of Europe's Venice
Commission as a full member of and "looks forward to promoting human
rights and democratic governance through that important institution."
"The US believes that the OSCE and the Council of Europe have
significant, complementary roles to play in strengthening respect
for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and rule of law,"
reads the statement.
Azerbaijani opposition accused authorities of paying bribes to the PACE
mission. The opposition claimed the talks were held in Hilton hotel in
Strasbourg. The Council of Europe did not respond to the accusations.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am