Thomas Melia: Refusal to Let Delegation of State Department Says about Atmosphere in Azerbaijan

Answering Reuters during the press conference in Tbilisi, if DAS Thomas Melia could comment on the delegations’ cancelled trip to Azerbaijan and their Presidential elections, DAS Melia said: “The United States regrets that the Government of Azerbaijan raised objections to the composition of our delegation that was planning to make an official pre-election visit to Azerbaijan this week and as a result, the visit will not take place. The Azerbaijani government’s decision to stop our delegation does raise questions about the environment leading up to the October 9 Presidential election. We nevertheless call on the government of Azerbaijan to ensure a free and fair electoral process that reflects the will of the people of the country.

We urge Azerbaijani authorities to respect the freedoms of assembly, association, and free speech,as well as the rule of law and due process before, during, and following the upcoming presidential election. We also urge the authorities to facilitate the important work of domestic as well as international election monitors.”  -25D-