Statement of the National Council of Democratic Forces on the strategic agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union

Baku/10.05.19/Turan: The National Council of Democratic Forces made a statement regarding the upcoming signing of an agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union.

The statement says that the complete and equal transformation of Azerbaijani society into a European family is the best strategic choice, meeting the highest interests and goals of the people. This choice has no alternative. "It is necessary to bring Azerbaijan to the legal, political and economic space of Europe, to accept the values ​​and principles of human rights, the rule of law, democracy, free competition and values," the statement said. The National Council supports the early signing of a Comprehensive Support Agreement covering deep and comprehensive free trade (DCFTA).

The National Council supports the terms of any agreement with the European Union, which includes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the statement said.

The National Council expresses full support for the resolution of the European Parliament on Azerbaijan and the EU of 04.02.2018 and believes that the Agreement on strategic partnership should be signed only on the conditions provided for in this resolution.

"We declare that the European Union should encourage the government of Azerbaijan to fulfill the requirements set forth in this resolution as soon as possible:

1. All political prisoners should be released and the practice of political prisoners should be abolished;

2. Serious practical steps must be taken to ensure the freedom of the media and freedom of assembly;

3. Wider electoral reform should be initiated, including the improvement of election legislation, taking into account the recommendations of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (Warsaw);

4. A favorable environment for the activities of civil society and independent NGOs should be restored;

5. The harassment and oppression of political parties and activists must be abandoned, any discrimination on the political ground should be eliminated, and the healthy political environment should be restored;

6. Imitation should be ended in the fight against corruption and monopoly, real and serious measures should be taken, artificial obstacles to the country's accession to the World Trade Organization should be eliminated.

7. The independence of the judiciary system should not be imitational as it has been done in the direction of transforming its executive power from the status of executor of political orders and becoming a real justice mechanism, and real judicial-legal reforms should be undertaken.

8. The text of the Agreement shall be made available to the public of Azerbaijan, subject to transparency and the legitimate interests of the Azerbaijani people.

The Azerbaijani people deserve better prosperity, more transparent and efficient management, progress and development, a more liberal and democratic society and an equal member of the European peoples' family. We are convinced that as a result of our efforts with the European Union, our people will soon be able to achieve this right. -16D-