SAMAD SEYIDOV: COUNCIL OF EUROPE MISSION SHOULD VISIT NAGORNO KARABAKH THROUGH AZERBAIJAN

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 5 2007

"I normally assess the session. Though there were no direct debates
on Azerbaijan at the plenary session, various issues were touched in
the speeches at the committees, political groups and delegations,"
taking a stance on the outcomes of the fall session, Samad Seyidov,
head of Azerbaijani delegation to Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE) told APA’s Europe bureau.

Mr. Seyidov said that the visit of speaker Ogtay Asadov to the Council
of Europe and his meetings were of great importance.

"It shows that Council of Europe and Azerbaijan have high-level
relations," he said.

Samad Seyidov said that Azerbaijan’s commitments were debated in
the Monitoring Committee and concerns over the state of media, human
rights, Electoral Code and law on freedom of assembly were expressed.

Mr. Seyidov underlined that they expressed their position on these
issues and everything was settled in the framework of the law.

"Electoral Code is being debated with the Venice commission.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the freedom of speech
and issues related to media and supports quick solution to these
problems. But surely, everything should be solved in the framework
of law. An agreement was reached on appointing new rapporteur. They
will visit Azerbaijan late this year or early next year only after
a new rapporteur is appointed," he said.

Samad Seyidov said they assume who is likely to be a new rapporteur,
but declined to name.

Head of delegation saying that meeting of Subcommittee on Nagorno
Karabakh was held said that Lord Russell Johnston intends to visit
the two countries and Azerbaijan approves this meeting.

"We are not against the Committee’s visiting Nagorno Karabakh. We
support taking all steps within territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

It means that they should visit Nagorno Karabakh through the
territories under the control of Azerbaijan. It is logical. For
example, CE sends its rapporteur to Georgia. The rapporteur should
visit South Ossetia, Abkhazia at the same time. Will he leave for
Abkhazia and South Ossetia after passing through Russia? CE rapporteur
takes territorial integrity of the country into consideration
while visiting the country. I do not understand if all the countries
recognize territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, then why do they leave
for Nagorno Karabakh through Armenia?

If someone visits Nagorno Karabakh through Armenia, then he will
disrespect territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Such people can not
cooperate with Azerbaijan. The issue will be solved to our advantage.

Because Azerbaijan’s demand coincides with international law, it will
be fulfilled," he said.

Mr. Seyidov also underlined necessity of delegation led by O’Hara to
visit the region regarding protection of cultural heritage.

"This visit should take place due to international norms. Territorial
integrity is the main issue and it is not subject of the debate.

This visit was delayed, if it takes place, Azerbaijan’s proposal
will be probably taken into consideration, and our position will be
supported," he said.

Mr. Seyidov said that reports of the delegation members will play a
great role in informing world community about realities of Azerbaijan
in the framework of the session.