US Ambassador Wishes Azerbaijan Free Elections

The US Ambassador to Baku Robert Cekuta praised the issues of the US-Azerbaijani cooperation in the fight against trafficking.

"Human trafficking is a scourge faced by all countries, including the United States. And I would like to note the progress made by the Azerbaijani government to combat trafficking," Cekuta said on 17 September at a ceremony at the Ambassador's residence, organized in connection with the date of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862.

Despite the fact that over 150 years have passed since then, in today's world there are still slave labor, sexual slavery and other forms of trafficking.

He noted the successes of Azerbaijan in the field of combating trafficking in human beings, including steps to improve the legislative framework, as reflected in the annual report of the State Department.

The Ambassador also pointed to the implementation of joint programs and projects implemented by the parties with a view to combating trafficking.

Commenting on the situation of press freedom and democracy, the Ambassador noted that these issues are constantly in the focus of US in the dialogue with the Azerbaijani government.

The US position is reflected in the statements of the government, congressmen and senators.

"We are ready to continue cooperation for the sake of a strong, democratic and developing Azerbaijan, which the Azeris want to see", the Ambassador said.

Referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections, Cekuta said that since the restoration of independence of Azerbaijan the United States has collaborated to make every election a step towards the development of democracy.

"President Ilham Aliyev said that the parliamentary elections on November 1 will be free and fair. We want the same," said the Ambassador. -06C--