The international institutions continue following the post-election situation in Azerbaijan. The special concern is caused by the restricted freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan. The conduct of security forces to break up the opposition demonstration on November 26 was again referred negatively in the press-releases of EU and PACE (7-DEC-2005).
Statement of EU
The statement of EU of 2 December 2005, issued by the Embassy of Great Britain in Baku, read that the EU is deeply concerned at the conduct of the security forces in choosing to use to break up an opposition demonstration on November 26 which had been sanctioned by the authorities. The EU noted that the participants of the action of November 26 carried out their rights for freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in conditions of safety. The Ambassadors of the EU accredited in Baku stated that the police used force “without warning and did not try to disperse the rally peacefully”.
The EU called the authorities of Azerbaijan urgently to carry out an investigation into the conduct of the security forces, and where necessary, to take appropriate actions. The EU urged the authorities to create the conditions necessary for freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in conditions of safety. For their part, those exercising their fundamental freedoms should do so in accordance with the law.
The statement noted, that the EU would continue to follow the situation closely, including issues connected with upholding the right to freedom of assembly and expression. The EU encouraged the OSCE Office in Baku to remain engaged. The countries-candidates to EU joined the statement of EU.
Opinion of PACE Delegation
On December 2, Leo Platvot, head of PACE election mission, Andreas Gross and Andres Herkel, co-rapporteurs of PACE Monitoring Committee, held a press conference on results of their one-day-long visit to Azerbaijan. They shared their impressions about meetings with opposition leaders, heads of human rights organizations, heads of Constitutional Court, CEC and presidential administration.
Herkel said political situation in Azerbaijan, especially after dispersal of opposition demonstration by police on November 26, causes “deep concern.” He mentioned that OSCE observers admitted that at 43% polling stations votes were counted bad or very bad. Pre-election atmosphere also fell short of standards of free and fair elections. Complaints were “inadequately” administered after elections, added Herkel. At least in 5 of 10 districts voting results were canceled not because of falsifications, but because of “victory of opposition representatives.”
Andreas Gross said that goal of the current visit is to discuss administration of complaints in CEC and Constitutional Court. He expressed regret over the fact that Constitutional Court has taken a decision before the mission´s arrival. Gross also deplored that authorities recognized falsifications only in 10 districts, though number of district with serious violations is much bigger. Gross also expressed regret over police violence against peaceful demonstrators on November 26.
Platvot said after two weeks situation in Azerbaijan will be discussed at the session of PACE Monitoring Committee and in early January session of PACE Bureau will be held. In January the mission will once again visit Azerbaijan most likely together with PACE President Rene Van Der linden. Platvot said considering the current situation, recognition of mandates of new Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation in PACE will be “open to question.”
Azerbaijani authorities are offered to respond to the proposal to form election commissions on the parity basis till PACE January session. The ruling party must not be permitted to appoint heads of election commissions. The mission members were shocked with the fact that Ramiz Mehdiyev, head of presidential administration, had nearly driven them out of his own office. Andreas Gross was disappointed with the U.S. embassy´s statement about U.S. readiness to cooperate with new parliament. There is no opposition in parliament. “The current U.S. position is contrary to the pre-election statements of the U.S. embassy and also means Bush´s refusal of his statements made at the inauguration,” said Gross. He expressed hope that European leaders will occupy a more principal position to protection of democracy. Besides, Gross expressed his attitude towards Ilham Aliyev´s statement in parliament that reporters are not the whole Council of Europe. “Yes, may be not all people in PACE abide by principles of democracy and human rights, as we are. But I would like to assure Mr. Aliyev that we are respected in PACE. I do not think that majority PACE members will stay indifferent to violation of human rights and discrediting democracy,” said Andreas Gross.
When asked to explain what he meant by saying about the necessity to avoid the worst scenario, Andreas Gross answered: “The worst scenario is when people in Azerbaijan will think that democrats throughout the world have forgotten them. When people lose hopes for democratic changes, they will seek for other values and start leaving the country,” said Gross. He admitted that he did not think highly of Azerbaijani opposition, but four post-election demonstrations showed that demonstrations were peaceful and use of violence was groundless. Gross said that he would protect rights of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan till the end. Herkel said that Azerbaijan is a presidential republic with rather wide presidential powers and president is personally responsible for falsifications and use of violence against demonstrators.
