MEETING AT MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

Head of the monitoring mission for Azerbaijan of the OSCE Bureau for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Peter Ayker met with the Minister of Justice Fikrat Mammadov.

Warmly welcoming the guest, Minister dwelt on democratic reforms carrying out in the republic, as well as actions taking in the field of human rights defense underlined the role of business relations established with the authoritative international organizations, including OSCE in realization of these reforms, stressed full establishment of freedom of speech and press as well as political pluralism in the republic, press-service of the Ministry of Justice reports.

Having highly appreciated progressive reforms carrying out in Azerbaijan, Mr. Ayker noted that due to the reports of the Council of Europe he had a chance to be acuqianted with successes achieved in the republic. He informed the OSCE monitoring mission and stated that new Electoral Code adopted in Azerbaijan guarantees conducting of fair, democratic and objective elections. Mr. Ayker also stressed that 500 foreign delegations will arrive in the republic to observe Presidential elections.

The issue of implementation of the Electoral Code was touched upon, as well as it was noted that the Code has been published at once by the Ministry and disseminated among the bodies of justice and courts, Voter’s Memo and other methodical assets were prepared as well.

It was also noted that false and slanderous information disgracing Presidential contenders arouse anxiety.

At the meeting held under warm atmosphere, the parties exchanged their views on other issues of mutual interest.