PETER SCHIDER: "I HOPE AZERBAIJAN WILL NOT REPEAT ARMENIA’S MISTAKES DURING ELECTIONS"
Today.Az
/politics/44372.html
April 18 2008
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with respectable president of PACE Peter Schider.
-Which of the principles of the conflicts resolution -territorial
integrity or the right for self-determination-does PACE prefer while
assessing the conflict areas?
-As a rule, two parties are represented in a conflict. Each has its
own position and it is always difficult to reach a compromise. But
the main principles of the Council of Europe in such situations are
sovereignty and peaceful way of the conflict settlement. Therefore I
think that such conferences, as one held with my participation in Baku
and devoted to the legal bases of the conflicts resolution in GUAM,
are a good start for the adherence to the principles of the Council
of Europe.
-Do you agree that the unilateral declaration of Kosovo’s independence,
will have a negative influence on the resolution of other conflicts,
in particular, that of Nagorno Karabakh?
-Yes, I think such concerns do exist. The European Union should take
into account all consequences of the developments on this issue. This
threat does exist, it should be a signal for others and all in Europe
are responsible for elimination of this threat.
-The situation in Kosovo showed that double standards still exist
in the world and decisions, profitable for the West and the United
states are adopted in the end. Do you agree with it?
-This issue has been the subject of discussions and, as you know,
the opinion of some members of the Union did not coincide with
others. In the result, it was decided to follow the general policy
of the European Union. This decision is important for the future of
the Union, but at the same time it carries the said threats.
-Presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn of this
year. What PACE expects from this event?
-We expect the elections to be held in line with the due standards of
the Council of Europe. I hope the elections will be democratic. This
is mainly important for the country, itself. And I think Azerbaijan
will cope with this task.
-Some appeal to PACE with a request to impose sanctions on Armenia
for violence, committed by the country’s authorities against their
citizens during presidential elections. Do you think Azerbaijan will be
able to avoid such negative developments during the coming elections?
-I think the events, connected with the elections in Armenia, were
harmful for the country. And I hope Azerbaijan will be wise and learn
from this example.