Morningstar: U.S. for free and fair elections in Azerbaijan

"The U.S. wants to see free and fair elections in Azerbaijan,” said the UJS Ambassador to Baku Richard Morningstar in the interview with The Voice of America. "However, for the holding of free and fair elections it is not enough to implement any measures on the election day. We believe that conditions should be created for the freedom of assembly, ensuring citizens' access to the media, it is important to ensure a fair election process. For these questions, we will continue the dialogue with the government. We hope that after the election we will be able to say that the elections were free and fair,"- the Ambassador said, commenting on the political situation in Azerbaijan preparing for presidential elections on 16 October 2013

How relevant is the democratic nomination for President Ilham Aliyev for the third term, as has been said by the ruling party New Azerbaijan?

In answering this question, Morningstar said: "The main question is that we pay attention and attach importance to this election in free and fair conditions, regardless of who the candidates are. When it comes to the candidacy of Ilham Aliyev, the nomination or not his nomination by the ruling party depends on the party itself. But the main point is that, ultimately, any candidate, who becomes President, should be determined by the people of Azerbaijan. The main thing is that the elections are free and fair."

Asked to comment on the lack of progress on improving the electoral legislation and balanced composition of election commissions, which is required by the opposition, and as called for by international organizations, Morningstar replied: "What changes are needed to make to the Electoral Code should be decided by the government and the people of Azerbaijan. OSCE, Council of Europe and other international organizations, as well as the United States are ready to assist Azerbaijan in fulfilling its international obligations."

Ultimately, however, he added, the government of Azerbaijan should work together with civil society and in cooperation to implement the necessary changes. "We want a very simple thing - a free and fair election process," said Morningstar.

Asked to comment on the arrests of the opposition activists Ilgar Mamedov and Tofig Yagublu, and protesters in Ismayilli, Guba and the shopping center Bina, Morningstar said: "From the beginning we said that with scrutiny we monitor these developments and are concerned about this. We urge the government to comply with the statutory procedures, and to ensure transparent and open trials. We keep track of what happens on these issues.

At the same time, we urge the government to establish an open dialogue with citizens in the areas, listen to their legitimate complaints and resolve them."

He noted that, in this direction some work started.

In particular, the Ambassador called encouraging the recent statement of President Ilham Aliyev about the abuse of non-officials in exercising their powers against criticism of corruption in their areas.

"We observed some work at the beginning and we want to look how much and to what extent it will continue. We also want and call for respect for the rights of citizens to freedom of assembly, speech and expression," said Morningstar.

About making reactionary amendments to the NGO law and the deteriorating environment for civil society Morningstar said the United States is for a dialogue between the government and NGOs. However, he recalled that last year there was such a meeting, and it was promised that the dialogue will continue. Amendments to the law on NGOs are studied by the Embassy and have been discussed in meetings with officials.

"We will continue to call for the importance of dialogue between the government, civil society and citizens to address legitimate complaints," said Morningstar.

Expressing his attitude to the question of the possible closure of the newspaper Azadlig because of the large court fines, he said functioning of independent newspapers is very important and necessary and Azadlig is one example of this. -0 -