EU: Progress in the field of democracy in Azerbaijan is insignificant

Baku/27.03.14/Turan : European Commission published an assessing report  on progress in  2013 in the framework of the EU "European Neighborhood Policy."  The unit of Azerbaijan noted that the 2013th was crucial in  the relations between the EU and Azerbaijan.

 Azerbaijan's participation at the summit of "Eastern Partnership" in Vilnius and the signing of agreements on visa facilitation and mobile partnership  have created the potential for further development of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU. The negotiations on the Association Agreement and Remodeling strategic partnership continued; strategic partnership in the energy sector  was strengthened, and steps were  taken  in connection with the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor.

However, very little progress was made in the field of democratic governance and reforms in the field of human rights." A major concern was the organization of last year's presidential elections. In particular, there were serious problems in the area of ​​restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association, which did not guarantee equal conditions for candidates,"  said in a statement.

Azerbaijan  has partially solved the problems of public finance management, and adopted measures to combat corruption , in accordance with the recommendations of the ENP Action Plan in 2012. However, the main recommendations were not taken into account to bring the law on elections in line with the recommendations of the OSCE / ODIHR to ensure full freedom of expression and assembly, and proper functioning of civil society, the document says.

Despite the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights in 2011, some of its provisions have remained only on paper. Pre-election climate was marked by significant tightening of political freedom in almost all areas: the deterioration of freedom of expression, the pressure against journalists and activists , restrictions on freedom of assembly, restrictive legislation on NGOs. There was not a systematic approach  in the fight against corruption in view of its wide spread in many sectors. Lack of judicial independence maintained in 2013.

There was no significant progress in  Azerbaijan’s joining the WTO, which is a precondition for negotiations on a free trade agreement .

On the basis of this year's report , and consistent implementing the Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy for 2014  year Azerbaijan was recommended:

- To provide an effective and comprehensive implementation of resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the  fulfilling obligations and commitments by Azerbaijan , adopted in January 2013;

 - Continue the implementation of the action plan in the field of human rights, adopted in December 2011;

- bring the electoral legislation in line with the recommendations of the OSCE / ODIHR, and to ensure effective implementation of the upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections;

- To continue the reform of the judicial system and to take judicial reform programs 2014-2020,

- to ensure full independence of the judiciary.

It is also recommended to adopt a law on the role of the Judicial Council, the establishment of a maximum age limit for judges, analyze shortcomings in judicial practice, and comprehensive examination of allegations of deficiencies that lead to unfair trials in order to eliminate these causes;

- Adopt a law on defamation with the aim of decriminalizing libel;

- Increase efforts to investigate cases of harassment and killings of journalists and activists;

- Implementation of the National Plan of Action against Corruption 2012-2015;

- To publish public spending and ensure financial accountability, to assess and provide comprehensive political reform in the management of public finances;

- Continue the policy of economic diversification and development of the regions , in particular the adoption and implementation of competition law to create more predictability and transparency in the market and a level playing field for investors ;

- Implementation of measures planned for 2013-2014 in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of energy;

- Align the policy, legislative and institutional framework for local self-government in Azerbaijan to the European Charter of Local Self-Government;

- To intensify efforts to achieve an agreement on the Karabakh settlement based on the Madrid principles , to refrain from actions and statements which increase tension and undermine the peace process ;

- Contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to progress in conflict resolution , the promotion and support of relevant activities in the field of peacekeeping;

- To provide unhindered access for EU representatives to Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas in support of conflict transformation in full complementarily with the efforts of the Minsk group. -06D—