With the run-up of the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, the United States watches the events closely. In the statements made by the US, it is said that the US wishes to see the elections in compliance with the OSCE standards. President of the US National Democratic Institute (NDI) Kenneth Wollack has visited Azerbaijan last month. Correspondent of AzerTAj interviewed Mr. Wollack to know his views on the presidential elections in Azerbaijan.

Corr.: Mr. Wollack, what can you tell on your visit to Baku?

K.W. I have visited Azerbaijan as a part of the region. Along with Baku, I have been in Alamty and Tbilisi. I had not been in Azerbaijan earlier. Taking into consideration the importance of your Country for the region, it was inattentiveness by me.

You know that the NDI is an organization that supports democratic processes in numerous regions of the world. It is led by the ex-Secretary of State Madeline Albright. In the message exchange between Ms. Madeleine Albright and Mr. Heydar Aliyev, your President invited us to Azerbaijan to receive information on the programs NDI is implementing there, as well as on the political processes. My Baku visit was a reciprocal one. I met in Baku with President Administration’s representatives, opposition party leaders, NGO representatives.

Corr.: The US representative at the OSCE stated that adoption of the new Election Code in Azerbaijan increased much more the prospects of conduction of free and fair elections. How does the NDI regard this item?

K.W.: Above all, I would say the elections can be assessed after they took place, but not before them. Generally, the final assessment to the elections should be given by the Azerbaijani people itself. Currently, the election process is ongoing – it has run-up campaign, voting, calculation of votes, and consideration of complaints stages. A complete assessment can be given after the elections held up.

We are also satisfied with the opinion of the US representative at OSCE. There are certain positive steps in the new Election Code.

Corr.: The Statement by the Department of State says that America is keen in conduction of the elections in compliance with the Constitution of Azerbaijan and OSCE standards. Are you of the same position?

K.W.: Of course, NDI is not interested in concussions of the elections. We consider, as every people, the people of Azerbaijan should define its political future itself. The only interest of NDI is to increase the confidence in the process and conclusions by supporting active participation pf the people in the elections.

Corr.: The topic on joint visit of the opposition leaders to Washington has been covering by mass media. On some suggestions, NDI is going to render assistance to the opposition leaders in case of their single candidate to President.

K.W.: How can this item be solved by the foreign organization? Definition of the single candidate does not concern to us. As to the opposition leaders’ to Washington, there is something confused. IN early June, one of the opposition leaders addressed our Institute and expressed his wish to visit to the United States. We responded that the Institute could render assistance in organizing the visit. But we cannot do it for a certain Party leader. On this purpose, we stated to both pro-governmental and opposition Parties that should they visit Washington, NDI would willingly promote in organizing meetings. NDI has not proposed a special term on joint visit of the opposition leaders.

Corr.: Are you satisfied with your contacts with the Azerbaijan authorities?

K.W.: We try to be transparent and open in Azerbaijan. Generally, I am satisfied with the activity of NDI in Azerbaijan. The goal is simple – to support the ongoing democratic processes in the Country.