Local EU Statement on the 2013 presidential election and support for democracy in Azerbaijan
The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Azerbaijan and in association with the diplomatic missions of the United States of America and the Kingdom of Norway:
"In the light of approaching elections, the Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan expresses its sincere desire and hope for an inclusive, transparent and credible electoral process. As Azerbaijan is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and as it will hold the Presidency of the Council of Europe next year, the following aspects take on an even greater importance and more public character:
We encourage the government to ensure the necessary conditions for the functioning of a free and open space for democratic political expression and freedom of assembly.
We encourage the government to engage the full spectrum of society in a constructive dialogue, including independent, non-governmental civil society organizations.
We recommend that the government work closely with international partners, especially the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, to support the conduct of inclusive, transparent and credible elections.
We are ready as ever to support the government's efforts and the efforts of civil society representatives who are willing to enter a constructive dialogue with the government about the steps each can take to prepare and provide for a fully inclusive, transparent and credible election process". -0-
Politics
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The United States said on Friday it's hoping that Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan could finalize a peace agreement by COP29, the United Nations annual climate conference, which will take place in Baku this fall, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
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On Friday, the Baku Serious Crimes Court continued the proceedings in the case of opposition politician Tofiq Yagublu. Yagublu's lawyers requested the summons of additional witnesses, including members of the National Council of Democratic Forces, opposition activists, and Yagublu’s wife, Maya Yagublu. Contrary to the prosecution's claims that Yagublu was involved in handing over money to facilitate a visa for Elshan Huseynov in the Zabrat settlement, his lawyers argued that he was actually attending a National Council meeting in the Pirshaghi settlement at that time. Witnesses can confirm this. The court partially granted the request, deciding to call four additional witnesses. The next court session is scheduled for October 18.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not only possible but also within reach. He made this declaration during his address at the UN General Assembly. Pashinyan emphasized that both countries recognize each other's territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders established during the Soviet era.
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According to reports from "Abzas Media," the inmate in the Baku pre-trial detention facility-, Maleyka Bekirova was allegedly beaten on September 23 by the facility's warden, Adalat Gurbanov, when she attempted to make a phone call. The report claims that Gurbanov took Bekirova from her cell number 35 to an illegally established "punishment cell" and assaulted her. Witnesses allegedly described Gurbanov choking Bekirova and slapping her before throwing her onto a bunk, leaving marks on her face and chest.
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