Situation of democracy and fulfillment of commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan during admittance to Council of Europe were a focus of attention of the session of PACE Monitoring Committee in Strasbourg on the 23-rd of January. The report, prepared by PACE rapporteurs on Azerbaijan Andres Herkel and Tony Lloyd, expressed serious concern about deterioration in fields of human rights and freedom in Azerbaijan. Attention was drawn to harassment of the independent media and opposition. (25-JAN-07)
Placed on website by HRH Baku/Shahla Ismailova on the basis of information from Turan Information Agency.
“In his speech, Samed Seidov (on the right), the head of Azerbaijan’s delegation, attempted to soften negative assessments and again promised that Azerbaijani authorities will take steps to improve the situation. We have repeatedly heard such promises, but the situation changes only for the worse,” said Herkel to TURAN Information Agency on the phone.
The eviction of Azadlig daily, TURAN news agency, PPFA and others from the office was also discussed. Attacks and abductions of opposition journalists, the closure of ANS television channel and uncertainty with its broadcasting license were also the subject of discussion, said Herkel. Violation of the right to freedom of assembly by authorities has been raised separately.
The rapporteur said that the Monitoring Committee will again discuss these issues at the session at the end of March and then put together a report for discussion at the PACE spring session in April. “Azerbaijani authorities will have enough time to draw conclusions from criticism and take appropriate measures,” concluded Andres Herkel.
