PACE MONITORING COMMITTEE CRITICIZES PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 7 2007

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Monitoring
Committee criticized negative moments during latest parliamentary
elections in Armenia, state interference with elections, biased
calculation of votes and nominating candidature of one man in some
constituencies, head of Azerbaijan Delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov
told APA.

According to him, the election in Armenian is assessed positively in
some moments in general. "The critiques made by Monitoring Committee
on Armenian parliament elections are worth of esteem. The Committee
stressing these moments appreciated the elections close to fair. Some
organizations try to present these elections too optimistic, positive
which is too far from reality," Mr.Seyidov said.

The meeting also debated the political situation in Ukraine. Saying
that Ukraine is "very important country for Azerbaijan" Samad Seyidov
reminded that Ukraine will hold snap elections in September. "I
consider it is very crucial moment as Ukraine- Azerbaijan relations
are of great importance for us. Ukraine is one of the most vital
former Soviet countries for Europe. Naturally, Monitoring Committee
is closely watching the processes happening in Ukraine and supports
the easy settlement of the problem".

Another issue debated by Monitoring Committee was reports on Monaco
which was admitted to the Council of Europe in 2004.

The Monitoring Committee did not debate any issue on Azerbaijan.

Estonian MP, rapporteur on Azerbaijan Andres Herkel also participated
in the meeting.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress