EU mission reacts to speech by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister

Baku/07.06.23/Turan: Azerbaijan is an important partner for the European Union. The EU mission to the OSCE said this in a statement on the speech of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on 6 June.

"We are interested in continuing and strengthening our good cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, reforms, trade and investment. Connectivity and energy are key elements of the EU Economic and Investment Plan, which aims to attract significant public and private investments of up to €2 billion in Azerbaijan," the document further states.

Azerbaijan plays a key role in the development of the Median Corridor linking Europe with Central Asia and in the diversification of energy sources and transport routes, in particular through the Southern Gas Corridor.

"We call on Azerbaijan to respect the principle of good neighbourly relations and commit to act with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU Member States," the EU mission to the OSCE said further in a statement.

The EU is convinced that strengthening the rule of law, human rights and democratic institutions is in Azerbaijan's long-term interest in ensuring its independence, stability and prosperity. During the recent meeting of the Sub-Committee on Justice, Freedom, Security, Human Rights and Democracy in Brussels on 22-23 May, the EU welcomed Azerbaijan's commitment to take steps to strengthen its judicial system, establish effective anti-corruption mechanisms and modernise public administration to make it more transparent in line with EU standards.

At the same time the EU noted that further steps are needed to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Azerbaijan and expressed concern about the continued prosecution of independent voices.

The EU also recalled the Venice Commission's expert opinion on the laws on media and political parties, expressing concern that these instruments may affect political pluralism and exercise of the right to freedom of association in Azerbaijan. "The EU is a key reform partner of Azerbaijan and stands ready to support Azerbaijan in bringing about meaningful change," the EU Delegation to the OSCE further stated in a statement.

The EU welcomed the full abolition of the death penalty in Azerbaijan, without exception.

The EU also welcomed the renewed engagement of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the EU-led peace talks in Brussels on 14 May, during which both sides reaffirmed their recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting in Kishineu on 1 June with French and German leaders further demonstrated their commitment to the process.

The EU also welcomed Baku's willingness to take part in the next meeting in Brussels on 21 July, where further progress is needed.

 "We call on Azerbaijan to set a positive agenda that ensures the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The current situation is worrisome and has negative humanitarian consequences, with the ethnic Armenian population repeatedly facing disruption of basic energy and communication services, and reports of frequent ceasefire violations raising serious concerns for their well-being. If this is still the case, we call on Baku to take concrete steps to lift restrictions on the ethnic Armenian population, ensuring a stable energy supply and allowing for maintenance of the electricity grid. Furthermore, we call on all sides to refrain from hostile rhetoric and instead promote narratives that build confidence and create an environment conducive to peace talks. Further confidence-building measures should also be taken, particularly in relation to the release of prisoners. The EU will continue to support demining activities and we underline the importance of cooperation between the sides to identify areas affected by mines," the EU Delegation to the OSCE further said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov at a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council declared Azerbaijan's commitment to conclude a peace treaty with Armenia.

He also outlined Azerbaijan's ambitious, restorative and reintegration efforts to overcome the grave consequences of the thirty-year military occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

He also pointed to Baku's determination to reintegrate ethnic Armenians of the Karabakh region as equal citizens within the political, legal, economic and social framework of Azerbaijan.

In particular, he stressed the need for strict compliance with the obligations of members of the international community not to interfere in the internal affairs of states, not to harm the integration of persons belonging to national minorities and not to foment separatism in the territories of neighboring countries.

The report circulated by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not mention Bayramov's speech to the EU. -16В-