POLITICS
PACE SECRETARY GENERAL SATISFIED WITH ONGOING PROCESSES IN AZERBAIJAN
Warmly greeting the guest, Mr. Alaskarov said: “As a result of personal efforts of the national leader of Azerbaijan Republic Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become member of the Council for Europe and since there have been established stable links between this Organization and Azerbaijan. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was the head of the parliamentary delegation at this structure and his activity was highly assessed by the PACE leadership. It is pleased that Ilham Aliyev is the second head of state in the history of this structure who has been conferred with the highest award of PACE”.
We are integrating to the Europe preserving our national values, he said. Parliament of Azerbaijan has adopted special laws on protection human rights and freedoms, and over 40 Conventions have been ratified. All the obligations taken before the Council of Europe were fulfilled. There have been remained only some laws to adopted in September. Demonstrating humanism to the people CE consider “political prisoners”, President Heydar Aliyev has signed more than 30 amnesty acts. Continuing this political act, President Ilham Aliyev also signed 3 such acts of pardoning.
Then, Speaker of Milli Majlis updated the guest on the history of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, and fair position of Azerbaijan related to this question. Murtuz Alaskarov thanked for just resolution the Council of Europe adopted on the question.
Expressing his gratitude for warm reception, Mr. Bruno Haller said he is satisfied with the ongoing democratic processes and the steps Azerbaijan makes in the direction of protection of the human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan. He said that her had had comprehensive talks on development of links between the Council of Europe and regional countries. “I had a number of meetings in Azerbaijan and arrived in certain conclusions. We hope we can reach common views. I also understand that the existing conflicts in the region are serious impediments for cooperation. It, however, should have a way out. As you know the CE Rapporteur on Nagorny Karabakh Terry Davis has been elected Secretary General of the Organization. But he has already made his speech on the question at the political committee. The Organization will appoint new Rapporteur on the issue. I hope the new Rapporteur will take into account recommendations of Mr. Terry Davis”.
Also were exchanged views on a number of other questions of mutual interest.