Council of Europe member-states obliged to comply with their obligations - PACE President

Baku/11.09.19/Turan: Council of Europe member states must comply with their obligations, including the full implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. This was the main message of PACE President Liliane Mori Pasquier during her speech on September 11 at a conference in Baku. A conference on the theme: "Our rights, our freedoms, our Europe", dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Council of Europe, takes place in the building of the French-Azerbaijan University. The event was organized by the Council of Europe in conjunction with the French Embassy, which chairs the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In her welcoming speech, the PACE President recalled that the Council of Europe was based on the principles of respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. With all the shortcomings available, the European Convention on Human Rights is a unique instrument that safeguards human rights and freedoms. The European Court of Human Rights is a unique tool in the world.

"We can discuss ways to solve the problems that countries face in implementing the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. However, the Council of Europe will respond decisively when necessary. The Committee of Ministers, PACE and the Secretary General are working to create additional response mechanisms in such situations," she said. Among the new priorities of Europe, Pasquier pointed to the adoption of the Istanbul Convention on the Prevention of Violence against Women, which has been ratified by 34 countries. "It would be nice if Azerbaijan joined this convention," she said.

Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova made a welcoming speech on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, noting that Azerbaijan had mainly fulfilled its obligations when joining the organization, and many of the country's laws were brought into line with the provisions of European conventions. She indicated that she had sent an appeal to parliament for ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Further, without the participation of journalists, discussions were held with the participation of deputies, government officials, NGO leaders and experts on the activities of the Council of Europe and the challenges facing the organization. Of the government officials there was only Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev at the event. Despite the arrival in Baku of the head of the parliamentary structure of the Council of Europe, the speaker and even vice speakers of the Milli Majlis did not appear at the conference. -06D--