Mammadyarov: Foreign Ministry will monitor the implementation of the decision of the ECHR in the case of Mamedov

Baku/23.05.14/Turan : Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedov , as chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe , spoke today at a meeting held in Baku PACE Standing Committee . He also answered questions from PACE members, most of which were linked to human rights and conflicts.

Mammadyarov said that during the six -month presidency of Azerbaijan in the CoE Committee of Ministers will be paid attention to the issues of democracy , stability, security , fighting corruption , promoting intercultural dialogue , solving the problems of youth , multiculturalism and religious tolerance.

Next began the question and answer session.

MP Michael McNamara from Ireland asked the opinion of the Minister for the fact that Azerbaijan has entered the presidency with 18 " prisoners of conscience" and other political prisoners.

PACE President, Anne Brasseur said that according to the regulations, such questions are not provided.

In turn, Mammadyarov said that he was not authorized to answer such questions, because they are in the legal field and within the purview of law enforcement and judicial authorities. Accordingly, the Minister cannot cross the line of what is permitted.

However, he said that the human rights situation in Azerbaijan is not worse than in the Netherlands and Ireland.

However, in his view, we need a large investment in the prison, judicial and legal system. "For this we need money and time. The main thing we are moving in the right direction and cooperate with the Council of Europe and the European Union," said Mammadyarov.

Responding to a question about the Karabakh conflict, Mammadyarov said that the problem should be solved in stages, provided readiness of both parties to live with the neighbors in peace, the return of the population to the original places of residence, and restoration of the internationally recognized borders. The process will depend on the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories.

In general, on the question of the Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria conflicts, Mammadyarov said that Transnistria has contacts between the parties. In case of other conflicts, separatists refuse to listen to the government side.

"The right of nations to self-determination does not mean violation of the territorial integrity of the state, for that matter is going to infinity," said Mammadyarov.

On the question of active lobbying activities of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, Mammadyarov said that lobbying is a normal practice, it is everywhere.

McNamara asked him to provide opportunities to meet with the leader of the REAL Ilgar Mamedov contained in prison.

However, PACE co-rapporteur Pedro Agramunt said he met Wednesday with Mamedov and visits by other deputies are not necessary.

Mammadyarov, in turn, said that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry will monitor the execution of the ECtHR judgment on Mamedov.

One of the German parliament members, noting the warm hospitality of the Azerbaijani side, expressed regret that this could not be enjoyed by those deputies who had been denied a visa.

However, Mammadyarov said that the Azerbaijani government has a legitimate right to take a tough stance against those who illegally visited the occupied territory. -13D-