Gordana Comich: Attempts to impose rules on OSCE ridiculous

Azerbaijan is experiencing problems that are typical for countries in transition. This is particularly reflected in the rejection of those general rules, on which lives the rest of the world. This was said in an interview with Turan by the author if the resolution of the Committee on Democracy and Human Rights of the OSCE PA, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Serbia Gordana Comich.

"In recent years, Azerbaijan has made economic progress, but it is not enough.

We receive reports of harassment of civil society, human rights defenders and journalists. This means that not everything is in order. We can long and hard talk about the reasons, but the most important thing is how to eliminate these problems. I believe that the best way to do this is dialogue. However, the authorities have no desire or political will for dialogue with opponents from among their own nationals. The authorities are convinced that they are nothing to do with, and blame the opposite side. This is not a normal situation," she said.

The Azerbaijani authorities claim that allegations of violation of human rights and freedoms in the country are based on false information that comes to the West from individuals in Azerbaijan. What do you think about this?

This question was answered by Gordana Comich in the way that such claims are unsubstantiated and completely unfounded. "The best way to prove it is to open all doors. If the authorities say that there is nothing like this, let provide open access to everything and everyone that has drawn criticism.

For example, there is the issue of political prisoners. If you are saying that they do not exist, invite reputable human rights organizations dealing with this issue, and give them the opportunity to visit all prisons and persons whom they want. Give them an opportunity to talk with your investigative authorities. Show them all that, as you think, proves that there are no political prisoners," said Comich.

How realistic is it to expect from the Azerbaijani authorities such behavior if they do not allow the rapporteur on political prisoners into the country?

On this Mrs. Comich noticed that in this way act those authorities who are convinced that everything will be exactly as they want. But life is different. "In fact, the reality bites. Therefore, the resolution we have just adopted urges the Azerbaijani authorities to dialogue with their publics.

We say: stop blaming your defenders for betrayal and work for some external force, sit at a table and talk about problems. In this way a successful society is built.

In any democratic country of the West similar conflicts occur and accusations sound. But the difference is that the warring parties listen to each other, there is a dialogue in society and no one can deprive them of this right," underlined Comich.

How realistic is it to expect a similar tolerance of the regime, which is often referred to as authoritarian?

"If you want to be a member of a club called the OSCE, would you be kind enough to observe the standards, requirements and its commitments to the organization. Nobody imposes his rules on anybody. You may accept something or openly deny it. But to try to impose your own rules or orders on OSCE is not serious and it will not work," said Comich.

Next she compared the situation in Azerbaijan with one-party system, where everything is decided by one party, one power or one person. "The history of the 20th century has shown that people may be hungry and poor, but they do not want to lose liberty. People do not agree with the fact that they are well fed, but robbed their freedom. Therefore, even a modification of the one-party system does not work in the 21st century.

The leader of a country should realize that he exists not only in order to rule, but to listen to his citizens. Anyone who does not listen very soon begins to think that he can do no wrong. However, at this moment he makes his most serious mistake.

At the same time, democracy and freedom are not a gift and it is necessary to fight for them," she said in conclusion. -02B-