POLITICS
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN AZERBAIJAN HIGHLY ASSESSED
On July 14, Chairman of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Murtuz Alaskarov met with the Chairmen and members of the Constitutional Courts of some countries, representatives of the international organizations, who visited Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of establishment of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Welcoming the guests, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament congratulated head of the Russian delegation Valery Zorkin on his appointment to the post of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, as well as judge of the European Court on human rights, former Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan Khanlar Hajiyev who was conferred with the ‘Shohret’ /Glory/ Order of Azerbaijan. Then, Murtuz Alaskarov stated that after regaining its independence, Azerbaijan undertook some important steps to establish a legal and democratic state in the Country. In 1998, the Constitutional Court was established in Azerbaijan, and on the same year, Parliament of the Republic appointed the Chairman and members of this Court.Azerbaijan acceded to numerous Conventions and Charters on human rights. It closely cooperates with the international organizations, the member of which Azerbaijan is. In the course of adoption of the new Electoral Code, consultations with the CE Venice Commission and OSCE were carried out. Within a short period, Azerbaijan, on various aspects, turned into the most developed country of the region. But, occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia, problems of over million refugees and IDPs seriously impedes development of the Country, he emphasized. Chairman of the Milli Majlis appealed to the Chairmen and members of the Constitutional Courts to render assistance in just resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.Touching on the upcoming presidential elections, Mr. Alaskarov noted that important measures being are undertaken to hold democratic and transparent elections. Parliament of the Republic will invite all international structures to observe the elections. On behalf of the delegation, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation Valery Zorkin expressed gratitude for warm reception. He stated that steps undertaken in Azerbaijan after gaining independence in protection of human rights and freedoms, political stability, citizens’ security deserves high appraisal. The CE Venice Commission Secretary Gianni Buciccio highly appreciated legal reforms conducted in Azerbaijan. He expressed his hope that upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan would be held under the terms of democracy, thereby Azerbaijan would again confirm its loyalty to the international values.