POLITICS
COE ACTION PLAN ON ELECTION IN AZERBAIJAN DISCUSSED BY COE GROUP OF RAPPORTEURS
According to the Azerbaijan`s permanent mission to the Council of Europe, the meeting of the group of rapporteurs for democracy discussed on Wednesday the implementation of the CoE Action Plan on presidential elections in Azerbaijan.
Head of the Azerbaijani mission, ambassador Arif Mammadov addressed the meeting, providing information about the build-up to the presidential election and work done in this field. Ambassador stressed the cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and international organizations, saying this cooperation is the manifestation of importance Azerbaijan attaches to democratic values.
During discussions, CoE director general of Democracy and Political Affairs. Mr Jean-Louis Laurens and Coe Secretary General`s representative in Azerbaijan V. Kotek said there is no problem with implementation of the CoE action plan and that the government of Azerbaijan fruitfully cooperate with the CoE. They praised government`s efforts to conduct trainings and election education events and hailed government`s cooperation with CoE to ensure high-level organization of election meeting international standards.
Ago Group chairman Stoyan welcomed successful implementation of the CoE action plan and expressed hope that the plan would help conduct fair and democratic elections in Azerbaijan.
Venice Commission secretary Giani Buquicchio said the Venice Commission positively assessed the law on freedom of assembly enacted in Azerbaijan and conducted a special training on election. Buquicchio also stressed installation of web cameras at the polling stations would have a positive impact on transparent and fair conduction of elections.
During discussions, representatives of France, UK, Norway, Russia and Moldova pointed out pre-election processes in Azerbaijan are going on in normal conditions; trainings and education events have been held, large number of international observes have been invited; Azerbaijan places a particular emphasis on cooperation with international organizations and CoE action plant. According to them, it is an evidence of the government’s interest in conducting democratic and fair elections.