Washington D.C. /03.05.18/Turan: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, announced the briefing on Democracy Deferred: the State of Elections and Fundamental Freedoms in Azerbaijan. It will be held on May 9.
The statement says that "after amending the constitution to extend the length of a presidential term and abolish term limits altogether, Azerbaijan"s ruler since 2003, Ilham Aliyev, recently prevailed in elections that secured his position until 2025. International election observers described this vote as "lack[ing] genuine competition" given the country"s "restrictive political environment and...legal framework that curtails fundamental rights and freedoms."
The presidential election took place after a year of growing concern over the state of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan. In March 2017, the government blocked nearly all remaining major sources of independent news; it continues to harass and detain independent journalists. That same month, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative suspended Azerbaijan"s membership over the government"s onerous regulation of civil society organizations. In December 2017, the Council of Europe began exploring unprecedented punitive measures against Azerbaijan for flouting a European Court of Human Rights ruling ordering the release of former presidential candidate Ilgar Mammadov, jailed since 2013.
As Azerbaijan approaches 100 years of independence in May, the Helsinki Commission will examine these recent developments and the country"s implementation of its freely undertaken human rights and democracy commitments."
The following panelists are scheduled to participate:
Audrey L. Altstadt, Professor of History, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Emin Milli, Director, Meydan TV
Maran Turner, Executive Director, Freedom Now.
Additional panelists may be added. -16D-
Politics
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On Wednesday, President Ilham Aliyev met with Kerry McCarthy, the UK Minister for International Energy and Climate. During the meeting, they discussed preparations for the upcoming climate conference COP29. According to the embassy's statement, the minister offered the UK's support for hosting COP29. The parties also discussed the importance of the transition to clean energy.
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On October 9, President Ilham Aliyev met with Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, to discuss preparations for COP29. During the meeting, Mohammed stated that the main theme of the upcoming conference would be financial issues. She expressed hope that the international community would establish new financial goals. In turn, Aliyev highlighted the cooperation with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other organizations in the preparation process for the conference. He emphasized that Baku is making efforts to achieve consensus at COP29.
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Despite his serious condition, Afghan Sadygov, the head of the “Azel TV” website arrested in Georgia, continues his hunger strike in the prison hospital and refuses medical assistance, his wife reported to Turan. According to her, Afghan called her on Wednesday from the medical center of the Georgian penitentiary service. "He is in serious condition, under medical supervision, but refuses all medical help. Afghan said he is only taking drinking water. He stated that he will continue to fight for his rights and freedom, even if he dies," his wife said.
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On October 9, President Ilham Aliyev received John Podesta, the US Presidential Advisor on International Climate Policy. Podesta reported that he had productive negotiations with Azerbaijani colleagues regarding COP29 and was pleased to exchange views on the matter with the President of Azerbaijan.
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