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EU: Azerbaijan hardly made any progress in field of democracy and human rights
15:02 28/03/2014 >> REGION
Last year almost no progress was observed in the fields of democracy
and improvement of human rights situation in Azerbaijan, it is stated
in the ENP Country Progress report 2013, placed on the website of EU.
"Presidential elections in the country raised serious concerns.
Significant problems were identified, including limitations in the
freedom of expression, assembly and association," the report reads.
According to the report, the pre-election climate was marked by
pressure against journalists and activists. The fight against
corruption lacked a systematic approach. EU has also observed a lack
of progress in the process of Azerbaijan's accession to WTO.
It is noted in the report, that Azerbaijan did not address key
recommendations to bring its electoral legislation into line with
OSCE/ODIHR.
Based on those observations EU calls on Azerbaijan to ensure effective
implementation of obligations, continue implementation of the human
rights action plan adopted in December 2011, bring electoral
legislation into line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and ensure
effective implementation before the forthcoming municipal and
parliamentary elections.
EU as well emphasized the need to reform the judiciary system and
defamation with the aim of decriminalizing libel. The report
underlines the importance of efforts to investigate cases of
harassment and murder of journalists and activists. The
recommendations concerning the field of economy relate to its
diversification, provision of market transparency, competition and
favorable investment conditions.
EU calls on Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded access for representatives
of the EU to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions in support of
conflict transformation activities in full complementarity with the
efforts of the Minsk Group.
The need to intensify steps towards a peaceful settlement on the basis
of Madrid principles is emphasized.
"The EU calls to refrain from actions and statements that could
heighten tension and undermine the peace process," it is stated in the
report.
http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/28/eu-az/
15:02 28/03/2014 >> REGION
Last year almost no progress was observed in the fields of democracy
and improvement of human rights situation in Azerbaijan, it is stated
in the ENP Country Progress report 2013, placed on the website of EU.
"Presidential elections in the country raised serious concerns.
Significant problems were identified, including limitations in the
freedom of expression, assembly and association," the report reads.
According to the report, the pre-election climate was marked by
pressure against journalists and activists. The fight against
corruption lacked a systematic approach. EU has also observed a lack
of progress in the process of Azerbaijan's accession to WTO.
It is noted in the report, that Azerbaijan did not address key
recommendations to bring its electoral legislation into line with
OSCE/ODIHR.
Based on those observations EU calls on Azerbaijan to ensure effective
implementation of obligations, continue implementation of the human
rights action plan adopted in December 2011, bring electoral
legislation into line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and ensure
effective implementation before the forthcoming municipal and
parliamentary elections.
EU as well emphasized the need to reform the judiciary system and
defamation with the aim of decriminalizing libel. The report
underlines the importance of efforts to investigate cases of
harassment and murder of journalists and activists. The
recommendations concerning the field of economy relate to its
diversification, provision of market transparency, competition and
favorable investment conditions.
EU calls on Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded access for representatives
of the EU to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions in support of
conflict transformation activities in full complementarity with the
efforts of the Minsk Group.
The need to intensify steps towards a peaceful settlement on the basis
of Madrid principles is emphasized.
"The EU calls to refrain from actions and statements that could
heighten tension and undermine the peace process," it is stated in the
report.
http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2014/03/28/eu-az/