AZERBAIJAN KEEN ON COOPERATION WITH COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Head of delegation, Chairman of the MM standing commission for international and inter-parliamentarian relations Samad Seyidov stated that Azerbaijan has been closely cooperating with the Council of Europe within past three years. In spite of disagreements taken place in debates, the problems are constructively solved. Sometimes, double standards are imposed towards Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan develops its relations with the Council of Europe.
Today, visit of the reporter for political prisoners to Azerbaijan, and studying of this issue in the Republic has a great significance for us. Report on political prisoners in Azerbaijan will be heard at the PACE January session, 2004. You have visited places of confinement in Baku, and in adjacent districts, met with President Ilham Aliyev, Minister of Justice, and NGOs representatives.
We hope that you will objectively reflect all of these on your report. It should be noted that the government of Azerbaijan takes important steps in protection of human rights. Heydar Aliyev has signed numerous Decrees on Amnesty, protection of human rights and freedoms, as well as some laws were amended and new ones adopted. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev adheres this policy, too. The government of Azerbaijan does it not for the Council of Europe, but for the freedom and prosperity of its citizens.
Mr. Malcolm Bruce stated that it was his first visit to Azerbaijan. “I had exchange of views with President Ilham Aliyev on some issues. Mr. President stated that the government of Azerbaijan was ready to discuss some issues. Some advocates submitted list of the political prisoners, many of which were reduced after debates at the PACE sittings. But, despite that we could touch on some persons, Mr. Bruce stated.
Samad Seyidov noted that the government of Azerbaijan might again view some issues and take relevant steps before the January sitting.
Members of the delegation, Chairman of MM standing commission for legal policy and state building Ali Huseynov and deputies attended the meeting and expressed their attitude on the above-mentioned problems.
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