Morningstar hopes in Fair Elections in Azerbaijan

U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar hopes that the presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be fair. He said this in an interview with reporters, commenting on the political situation in Azerbaijan.

Responding to a question about the common candidate of the opposition, he noted that the case is of the politicians themselves. "It would be wrong if I spoke on the matter," said the Ambassador.

But regardless of the candidates, "we would like to see the elections were free and fair," he said.

The Ambassador also spoke of the visit of Rustam Ibrahimbekov to the United States. Ibrahimbekov held meetings at the State Department and with individuals, but the Ambassador does not know who. According to Morningstar, Ibrahimbekov did not met with Secretary of State and other dignitaries. As for the details of the meeting, the Ambassador is not informed about it.

While commenting on the extension of the term of arrest of members of the movement NIDA, and in particular, Zaur Gurbanly suffering from thalassemia, the Ambassador said that Gurbanly and other patients should be provided with appropriate treatment.

"We call on them to provide him with the necessary medical care," said the diplomat.

Asked how the Ambassador assesses the persecution of dissent, Morningstar said: "It is obvious that some people were pressured. As I said, we want free and fair elections. We would also like representatives of the media not to be subjected to pressures and restrictions on their activities. Candidates must operate freely and without harassment."

"Our position on this issue is clear. We hope that the elections will be fair," said the diplomat. -16C04-