CAROLINE COX
Azat Artsakh Daily
14 Oct 08
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
"Democratic elections cannot be held in Azerbaijan" 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".
From: Baghdasarian