POLITICS
INTERIOR MINISTER OF AZERBAIJAN MET WITH LEADER OF OSCE WATCHDOG
Having warmly greeted the guest, Interior Minister updated the guest on historical trials that Azerbaijan faced after restoring its independence, reforms implemented under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev on the way of foundation of a legal, democratic state, activities of Interior Ministry.
As was noted, joint efforts of law-enforcement bodies under the guidance of President of Azerbaijan resulted in establishment of internal stability, reducing the number of serious crimes, increase foreign investments to economy of Azerbaijan etc.
CG Ramil Usubov noted that protection of constitutional rights of citizens, observation of rights and freedoms of people was one of the priority directions of interior bodies’ activities. For the last years, Azerbaijani criminal legislation, laws regulating police’s activity became more human.
The Minister reminded that if adoption of human laws, corresponding to new democratic spirit is the initial stage of lawmaking process, then the main point is the achievement of laws’ observation by all society members irrespective of their political bias and occupation, supremacy of law. He pointed out to radical opposition’s activities targeted to turning law violations into political actions and provocations against police officers.
CG Ramil Usubov dwelt upon democratic reforms, being implemented in interior bodies, which work on the modern basis of respect to human rights, as well as workshops and trainings in Police Academy with the participation of Council of Europe.
Touching upon the challenges that police will face during presidential elections, Interior Minister noted that police would try to do everything in their power to ensure public order, free and fair elections. Despite the efforts of some groups to cause chaos, tension, and embarrassment in Azerbaijan, police officers will stop these actions in compliance with the current legislation.
As was noted later, in the course of the election campaign, some opposition representatives and their press circulate false information concerning the fact that 2 million citizens with voting right live outside Azerbaijan. It has been officially defined that only 130 thousand Azerbaijanis live currently abroad.
Expressing gratitude for warm welcome, detailed information, Peter Aiker noted that he has came to Azerbaijan to study socio-political processes on the eve of Presidential elections with 30 international experts form 18 OSCE countries and stressed his intention to direct extra 500 observers to provinces.
Responding to Peter Aiker’s question why there are much more posters of candidates of the ruling party, Minister said that while being in power opposition parties showed their incompetence and their poor activity by which caused discontent and hatred of the population. That is why people of Azerbaijan will support Heydar Aliyev’s policy, which has turned Azerbaijan into a civilized, democratic, and legal state and full member of the world community.