CPCS urges to strengthen the democratic dimension of the EU-Azerbaijan agreement

The Committee to  Protect Civil Society (CPCS) called for strengthening the democratic aspect of the future partnership agreement  between  the EU and Azerbaijan. On February 6 in Brussels, began  negotiations between the EU and Azerbaijan  on preparation of a strategic partnership agreement, which is intended to replace the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation of 1996.

 "The Committee to Protect Civil Society of Azerbaijan welcomes the start of a new dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan, laying the foundation for the development and deepening of bilateral relations, democratic reforms in various fields.

At the same time,  there is a concern that the problems presented by the PCA agreement not find their solutions, for such an important component of cooperation, as a free society has not been formed in Azerbaijan. The country has limited the activities of political parties, NGOs, the media, freedom of assembly, number of political prisoners is growing steadily," said in a statement.

Many of the provisions of the agreement relating to the democratization of the country, have not found its realization due to the fact that in Azerbaijan has not been provided free of civil society and the media - the cornerstones of a developed democratic society.

"In this connection  the CPCS urges the  EU leadership and the government of Azerbaijan to make a component of democratic reform, the rule of law, civil society, freedom and basic human rights in the new draft agreement on strategic partnership," stressed the appeal. -0-