AZERBAIJAN MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY MEETS WITH COE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER
Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan Eldar Mahmudov met September 7 with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg.
Minister Mahmudov said human rights reforms are always a priority in Azerbaijan. According to him, the Ministry took concrete actions in line with the National Action Plan on Human Rights endorsed by the presidential order.
On the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Minister said that the fact that Azerbaijan’s 132 km border is out of control because of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands pose a threat to not only Azerbaijan’s but also to whole Europe’s security.
Minister Mahmudov pointed out that the Head of State keeps in focus of his attention the fate of the persons who found themselves captive and missing in the wake of the Armenian military aggression against Azerbaijan. The State Commission registered 4471 Azerbaijan nationals as missing. It closely cooperates with the International Committee of the Red Cross to find a solution the problem. Mr. Mahmudov noted that the witness testimonies helped to prove the fact that 783 Azerbaijanis are held captive by the Armenian side. However, respective Armenian commission took a non-constructive stand by balking at returning those captives. Minister called on the Council of Europe to assist in finding a solution the problem.
T. Hammarberg stressed the importance of clarifying the fate of the missing, captives and hostages. He asked the Minister to provide more detailed information on this matter.
The meeting also focused on a number of other issues of mutual concern.
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