Azerbaijani Opposition Movement Appeals to Angela Merkel

Baku / 22.08.18 / Turan: The Azerbaijan Movement for Democracy and Prosperity (AMDP) appealed to the Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel in connection with her forthcoming tour of the South Caucasus countries.

The appeal indicates that Merkel's visit coincides with the 200th anniversary of the establishment of German settlements in Yelenendorf, Annenfeld, Gruenfeld, Georgsfeld, Traunbelfeld and Eigenfeld located in the modern territory of the Goygol, Agstafa, Tovuz and Shamkir regions.

The tolerant and hospitable German community actively participated in the political, economic and cultural life of Azerbaijan and laid the traditions of winemaking.

"We regard your visit in the context of the continuation of longstanding Azerbaijani-German relations," the appeal says.

At the same time, the authors note that Merkel's visit is carried out in a very difficult period for Azerbaijan.

In particular, AMDP points out the elimination of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, especially civil society and free press, and the unjust distribution of oil revenues. It says the non-implementation of political and economic reforms has weakened the Euro-Atlantic integration of Azerbaijan.

On the other hand, Armenia's occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions, which has been ongoing for 25 years, undermines faith in ensuring peace in the Caucasus.

AMDP therefore calls on Merkel in the name of security and democratic development in the South Caucasus to focus on the following issues during the visit:

1) The liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding seven regions from the Armenian occupation. The return of 1 million refugees is very important for the accession of peace and security in the South Caucasus. In this regard, AMDP requests Merkel to exert influence on the leadership of Armenia with a view to cause it to refuse of the occupation policy and make every effort to resolve the conflict.

2) To bring to the attention of the leadership of Azerbaijan the importance and necessity of ensuring a pluralistic democracy, creating conditions for the free activity of parties, institutions of civil society, media and entrepreneurship.

3) To strengthen German-Azerbaijan cooperation at the regional and global level with the aim of strengthening Azerbaijan's integration into the Euro-Atlantic space and joining the WTO.

4) To take the initiative to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan and to release journalists, bloggers and activists arrested for political reasons.

* The Merkel tour in the countries of the region will be held on August 23-25.

She will visit Baku on Saturday, August 25.

AMDP was established in February 2015. The organization is headed by the economist Gubad Ibadoglu. -06D--