CAROLINE COX: "DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS CANNOT BE HELD IN AZERBAIJAN"

Panorama.am
14:09 14/10/2008

Commentary by Caroline Cox, Vice Speaker of UK House of Lords, on
the pre-election situation in Azerbaijan

"From the standpoint of regional developments and restoration of rights
of peoples, living in the region, I highly appreciate the progress of
the countries of the region towards the establishment of democratic
systems. I have repeatedly been to the NKR during the elections and I
can testify that the NKR has consistently received favourable reports
from independent international observers commending their achievement
of free and fair elections.

I am aware that on October 15 presidential elections are going to be
held in Azerbaijan. However, it is clearly apparent that democratic
elections cannot be held in Azerbaijan, as the Azerbaijani authorities
have suppressed the opposition. The opposition, anticipating the
predetermined outcomes of the elections, is now boycotting them.

Being a person who has taken a direct part in the realization of just
and fair demands of the Armenian people, I trust that the independent
observers representing the international community will report with
justice and integrity on the forthcoming elections for the people
of Azerbaijan".