Elmar Mammadyarov: "It is Unacceptable Blackmail"

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov made a request to the OSCE Permanent Council that the Baku OSCE Office be designated as the "project coordinator." Azerbaijan, as a member of the organization, has the right to make such appeal, said Mammadyarov, commenting on Baku’s appeal at today's press conference.

However, "some states" violate the consensus on this issue, complained the Minister. "Honestly, I cannot understand. Some countries have sent us a message that will not give a consensus. This is unacceptable blackmail.  Every state-member of the OSCE has its rights. Each state, the OSCE-member can take a decision on the status of the OSCE in the country," said Mammadyarov.

He noted that the OSCE Permanent Council established an expert group, which has already started work. However, the Azerbaijani Minister did not explain what caused the desire to change the mandate of the OSCE Office in Baku.

A month ago, the U.S. permanent representative to the OSCE, Harry Robins, made a statement at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, which made it clear that Washington does not share the plans to change the mandate of the OSCE Office in Baku.

Reports from the local office about policy and human rights are important mechanisms for improvement in these areas. The local office also contributes to the OSCE's role on the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Timely reports help to be aware of the possible escalation of tensions in the region. USA says such reports are vital for the stability and security assistance to Azerbaijan in implementing their commitments, said Robins.

"We believe that the Azerbaijani government is interested in maintaining the current powers of the previously agreed mandate,” said the American diplomat.

Apparently, Azerbaijani authorities are not satisfied with the implementation of the OSCE Baku office programs of monitoring and detecting violations of human rights. Changing the office functions to that of "project coordinator" will mean approval from the Foreign Ministry will be required for all projects of the OSCE.-03B06-