THOMAS HAMMERBERG: "WE ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT SEVERAL FACTORS ON AZERBAIJAN"

Azeri Press Agency
June 25 2008
Azerbaijan

Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubayli-APA. "Azerbaijan is an important member
of the Council of Europe and we connect with Azerbaijani Government
constantly", Thomas Hammerberg, the Council of Europe Commissioner
on Human Rights said at press conference in Strasbourg, APA Europe
bureau reports.

He estimated presidential elections to be held in Azerbaijan as
important event and noted that he would visit Azerbaijan after
elections.

"OSCE Warsaw bureau and PACE will be engaged in monitoring of Human
Rights during elections and pre-election. I made a report on Azerbaijan
last year and there reflected main issues and recommendations. I
wanted to touch upon several main facts. It is linked with problems
in Justice System. My article on corruption in Justice and Court
System will be posted in website of the Council of Europe next week
and several opinions on Azerbaijan will be reflected in it. Second
serious issue is linked with fate of lifers in Gobustan jail. We are
anxious about freedom of speech as well", he said. Hammerberg noted
that he was concerned about imprisoned journalist Eynulla Fatullayev
and regretted for him. The Council of Europe is anxious about decision
of court on Novruzali Mammadov.

"We are concerned about several factors on Azerbaijan and I try to
direct my work constructively. We should insist on implementation
of recommendations pursued by us. Our recommendations on release
of political prisoners have not been taken into account and we are
anxious about it", he said.

He added that he visited two settlements of refugees and familiarized
with their conditions.

"Their life conditions have been improved. The IDPs and refugees
have right to return to their lands and this right has not been
ensured yet. The conflict should be solved to ensure the right and
the Council of Europe played a few roles in the settlement of the
conflict. OSCE MG is engaged in the settlement of the conflict and
we cannot influence on the negotiations process. If Nagorno Karabakh
conflict is not solved, their rights will not be ensured", he said.

Hammerberg touched upon Human Rights in Armenia and mentioned that PACE
adopted special decision on the country in April. He added that Armenia
was given time to restore situation on Human Rights, but nothing was
changed. Thomas Hammerberg related holding of extraordinary discussions
on Armenia with not implementing recommendations.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress