EU Urges Azerbaijan to Respect Human Rights

Azerbaijan should make efforts in democratic elections and ensure human rights. This is stated in the annual report, which assesses the progress of Azerbaijan in the European Neighborhood Policy for the year 2012.

Speaking at today's press conference, the head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, Roland Kobia said the report displays the trend of national implementation of the partners’ commitments under the ENP for the year 2012.

"We respect independence and equal partnership, but there are obligations that must be fulfilled," said Kobia.

"The EU will continue to work with partners in the field of democratic change.

In some partner countries, there are concerns and we will assist them in democracy," Kobia quoted the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.

"The EU attaches great importance to cooperation with civil society. In several countries, there are obstacles to civil society and to the free movement of NGO leaders. They are pursued legally and administratively, and obstructed for financial assistance. All this is unacceptable," he quoted the EU Commissioner Stefan Fule.

Next Kobia went directly to the report on Azerbaijan, focusing on the positive aspects. In particular, he noted the positive macroeconomic indicators of Azerbaijan.

At the same time, corruption and monopoly continue to hinder the diversification of the economy.

In 2012, the government began implementing the Plan of Action for Human Rights and Freedoms. It was a positive move on the pardon of the opposition figures arrested in the spring of 2011

Reformed is the justice system, and measures are taken to combat money laundering and human trafficking. A number of students and researchers are involved in EU programs. 

There are steps to strengthen cooperation in the energy sphere.  In particular, Kobia noted the ratification by the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Turkey of the agreement on the gas pipeline TANAP, which will become part of the Southern Energy Corridor.

The areas in need for progress are in the scope of rights and fundamental freedoms, the electoral process, and the independence of the justice system.  More progress is needed in negotiations on the conclusion of the Association Agreement, and to fight corruption.”  said Kobia

The next week, after a long break in Brussels, talks on the issue will resume.

As part of recommendations by the EU, he called on Azerbaijan to comply with the PACE resolution, adopted during the January session, to commitment to human rights.

He recommends performing the National Action Plan in the field, by passing a law on defamation, to improve legislation on freedom of assembly by the media and associations by  ensuring their applications.  Other recommendations are to investigate violence against journalists and activists, to increase the independence of the justice system, to ensure transparency and accountability in public expenditure, and in particular, transparency in the state budget.

Concerning the Karabakh conflict, it is recommended to comply with obligations under the Madrid Principles, ensuring free access for the EU, including the Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories, to take measures to promote an atmosphere for a peaceful settlement.

When asked about the possibility of joining the EU in the OSCE Minsk Group, Kobia said that it was not discussed, and formally, similar proposals have not been reported.

On the question of what will happen if Baku once again ignores EU’s recommendations, Kobia said that this is only a guide and that the EU can not impose them on independent states. EU proposals are recommendations, and are not coercive, he said.

Referring to the upcoming presidential elections, Kobia said that the EU wants their transparency and fairness, and considers it important to respect previous recommendations of the ODIHR.

Kobia refrained from commenting on the arrest of NIDA activists, citing the lack of detailed information, as he had just returned to the country. However, the diplomat said that, in all cases, the EU calls for a fair trial in accordance with international standards. The situation with the youths’ arrests has received clear expression by EU monitors, the diplomat said.  Kobia cited the example on the arrest of Ilgar Mamedov, head of the movement REAL, recalling statements made by high-ranking representatives of the EU. He also expressed regret that the detention of Mammadov will continue for another 2 months. -06C-