HEIKE TALVITIE: ‘I BELIEVE IN FULL DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS’
Greeting the guests, Murtuz Alaskarov said Azerbaijan was keen in cooperation with the European Union. After the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev made an official visit to the Western European countries in April 1996, and signed a treaty on partnership and cooperation agreements, there were created favorable opportunities to develop the further relations. As a result, a bilateral parliamentary cooperation committee was set up to develop the further relations.
Though Azerbaijan has large opportunities to develop links with the world countries and international organizations, there are problems impeding the process, especially the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakg conflict seriously hampers it, the Speaker said. Armenia has occupied 20 percent of the Azerbaijani territories, and over one million of refugees were ousted from their homelands. Despite the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to solve the problem, the item remains unsolved for ten years and the aggressor was no given deserved assessment. Azerbaijan appreciates the recognition by the Council of Europe of Armenia as an aggressor, and non-recognition by the European Union the results of elections conducted in Nagorno Karabakh. We hope the other organization will support Azerbaijan’s fair position and the conflict will be settled peacefully and on the international legal standards.
Murtuz Alaskarov highlighted on the ongoing legal and democratic reforms in Azerbaijan. He said the new adopted Election Code comprising for the first time the presidential, parliamentary, municipal elections and referendum, fully meets the international standards. All the international organizations will be invited to observe the coming 15 October presidential elections, the Speaker stressed.
Expressing his gratitude for warm reception and assessment to the cooperation with the European Union, Heike Talvitie said the Organization he represents was interested in development of the relations with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan’s wish to integrate to Europe cannot remain out of focus. Therefore, the Organization pays a special attention to Azerbaijan and opens a special representation in Azerbaijan. The Organization hopes for close cooperation with the EU representation in Azerbaijan.
Noting he was familiarized with the Election Code, the guest expressed his confidence in conduction of transparent and democratic presidential elections. Representatives of the Organization he represents will also observe the elections.
The parties had exchange of views on a number of other issues of mutual interest.
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