PACE FORMER HEAD SATISFIED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPE
Trend News Agency
Jan 23 2008
Azerbaijan
France, Strasbourg, 22 January / corr Trend A.Maharramli / Trend’s
exclusive interview with Rene Van Deer Linden, who concluded his tenure
as the chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE)
Question: What is your assessment about your own activities as the
PACE chairman?
Answer: The apt answer can come from the PACE members, the people
with whom I have worked with for so many years. I am very satisfied
that during my activities, I contributed towards the process of
evolution and development of Europe, providing favor to all the
countries and their citizens. I can especially notify the considerable
politicization of the CE and establishment of relations with the
other religion. Furthermore, I tried to deepen the relations with the
European Union, especially, the European Parliament, after signing an
agreement on cooperation. When I was the chairman, I did my utmost
to draw attention to the relations with the NGO, increase their
contribution towards the society, as well as contributed towards the
deepening of the relations between the CE and Russia. In my opinion,
Russia is a key to the future. The cooperation with this country is
very necessary for CE.
The role of private relations is of pivotal importance while
maintaining the international relations. There is no need to create the
new resistance, dissociation and contradictions between the West and
East Europe. It is necessary to create the atmosphere of confidence
in these relations. It is important for me to overt the subsequent
10-15 years. On the other hand, non-nomination of the candidature
of Margelov to the post of PACE chairman should not be regarded as
an action directed against Russia. There are no logical grounds for
such statements, because all political groups at the PACE and their
heads reached to the agreement in this respect. The people with the
other opinions are in minority.
Question: What is your estimation about Azerbaijan’s fulfillment of
its CE obligations?
Answer: Azerbaijan is still a country, under the monitoring. I hope
the Government, the Parliament and political parties of Azerbaijan
will make progress towards the fulfillment of their CE obligations. I
only want to advice Azerbaijan to show the existence of progress,
as it is very important. It is impossible to change everything at once.
I will say honestly, the CE must show some patience and tolerance in
this process. The fulfillment of important obligations, demonstrates
the true selection of the directions and existence of progress.
Question: This year, Azerbaijan is going to presidential elections.
What recommendations and assistance could the CE render in this regard?
Answer: We have a mission of holding and organization of the elections,
as well as the observations on the elections day.
Elections should meet the obligations undertaken, criteria related to
speeches to the media, relations with the opposition, and composition
of a fair election commissions. The organization and holding of
presidential elections should demonstrate that Azerbaijan has achieved
progress in this issue.
Question: How do you regard the last discussions over Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict? What recommendations could you give in connection with
chances of achievement of an agreement on the conflict, in the
pre-elections situation in both countries?
Answer: I am not informed about the current situation. To speak
explicitly, during my visit to the region in July 2007, I was not
so optimistic. However, I hope for the improvement in the situation
over this period. Indeed, it is important for both the sides to have
an intention of solving the conflict through talks, use of the other
methods, including force, is quite unacceptable. I hope forthcoming
presidential elections in both the countries, will be a new attempt
to solve the dispute finally.
I was optimist, touring the region two years ago, because the two
presidents were having talks and meetings at that time. Strong will
is required for the resolution of the situation. It is very important
to settle the conflict, which is a burden for the entire region.
Question: Can the recognition of the Kosovo independence affect the
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in any way?
Answer: I have no idea. However, I can say that I do not believe in
the solution of the conflict even if Kosovo gains independence. This
issue will be discussed at the PACE session this week. It is necessary
to know the opinions of MPs. I have impression that the current
discussions will be harder than the previous ones.
Question: The agenda of the winter session includes an issue on
ecological activities and globalization. Azerbaijan raised an issue on
Metzamor nuclear power station in Armenian, stating it to be a real
source of threat for the region and ecology. What is your position
in this issue?
Answer: I cannot make any comments on this issue. Basically, I am
for the atomic energy. However, this power should be produced at the
modern nuclear power station meeting the safety rules.
Question: List of candidates to the post of judge from Azerbaijan,
to the European Court on Human Rights has been returned back for the
next time. What are the reasons?
Answer: To be frank, I am not aware of the reason for it. Firstly,
this issue refers to the competence of the Ad Hoc Committee on Human
Rights. This Committee implements its work with high reasonability. I
do not want discussions on any candidate. Moreover, the discussions
whether the candidate will be able to cope up with his duties, are
also unacceptable. Therefore, this problem should be discussed with
the framework of the Ad Hoc Committee. The return of the list should
be confidential.
Question: What is your estimation to Georgia’s fulfillment of its
CE obligations?
Answer: It is difficult to say anything until the discussions of the
issues regarding Georgia are done at the PACE. There is tension on the
eve of the parliamentary elections. Clearly, the political elite of
Georgia is responsible for the positive constructive atmosphere in the
country, so as to avoid any resistance. We will observe attentively
and with interests, over the parliamentary elections in Georgia,
in line with the norms and standards.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
