PACE PRESIDENT: ARMENIA’S BORDERS SHOULD BE OPEN

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.07.2007 14:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
is an adherent to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, however, it can’t force sides to any decision," PACE
President, Mr Rene van der Linden said in Baku. "I am deeply concerned
over calls alternative to peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. I do call upon the sides to solve the problem peacefully. In
order to do that the international community should build up pressure
while Presidents of both states should redouble efforts," he said.

"The member countries should abide by the values of the Council of
Europe. Despite progress there are still many problems. The forthcoming
presidential elections will be a test for Azerbaijan. Presently,
Azerbaijan and the Venice Commission are holding consultations
on recommendations. Juridical reforms and freedom of speech are
also needed. The opposition should have a possibility to use media
freedom. I am hopeful that media will take an unbiased stance during
the elections," he said.

The PACE President underscored that the problem of political prisoners
should not exist in the CoE member states. Mr van der Linden requested
to release 7 journalists kept in custody in Baku.

He also told reporters that Armenia’s borders should be open. "The
past should not trouble the future. Each side, especially Armenia, is
interested in settlement of the conflict. I welcome mutual visits of
intellectuals of both states," Mr van der Linden said, Bakililar.az
reports.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress