Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.1
Trend:
Azerbaijani parliament Sept.30 adopted a statement on the European Parliament resolution of Sept. 18.
The statement expresses concern about another attempt to cast a shadow on the work in the field of democratic development undertaken in Azerbaijan.
The statement says the resolution is prejudiced and biased.
"The demand for immediate and unconditional release of the persons represented as political prisoners and convicted or under investigation for specific criminal offenses in accordance with the articles of the criminal law does not comply with the principle of respect for the rule of law," said the statement. "Political activity of these persons does not give them immunity from prosecution and nobody has the right to claim it."
The statement also stresses that there can be no question of violation of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. There are hundreds of daily, weekly and monthly newspapers, independent television stations. More than 70 percent of the population uses the Internet. All conditions for the work of NGOs are created, and their number in the country has reached 4,000 in the recent years.
MPs note with regret that the resolution reflects unspecified facts.
At the same time it is stressed that, naturally, not everything is in order in Azerbaijan and human rights violations facts are present, but they are not systematic.
It is noted that the Azerbaijani Parliament commends the resolution as contrary to the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, casting a shade on the law and damaging the international image of Azerbaijan.
"If this attitude continues, Azerbaijan will be forced to once again discuss cooperation with the European Parliament," said the statement.
The application was put on the voting and adopted.