France, Strasburg, 26 June / Trend corr A. Maharramli/ During PACE discussions over Resolution on Armenia on 25 June, several deputies backed extension of the period which was given to the country to admit recommendations reflected in the document. Parliamentarians said the period was not enough for Armenia and called on PACE to extend the term to January 2009. As a result, the Resolution was passed with several changes and the time given to Armenia was extended to January 2009. During discussions over the resolution, Azerbaijani parliamentarians voiced their views on the issue.
During his speech, a member of Azerbaijan's PACE delegation Rafael Huseynov informed the MPs of the fact that for 16 years Armenia had been violating the international law and CE principles and 20% of Azerbaijani territory is still under occupation of the country. He said Armenia's sovereignty is conditional. "Because Armenia is governed by outer forces. When joining the Council of Europe, Armenia undertook an obligation to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but did not fulfil that. On the other hand, Armenia is a hearth of instability for neighbouring countries. The country is governed by a criminal regime. Armenia needs creation of a special commission on human rights.
The head of Azerbaijani PACE delegation Samad Seyidov voiced his perplexity about articles on Azerbaijan which were published on 25 June: "Not only Armenia's problems must be concerned, but also the problems persisting in CE. A view was voiced here that our approach to countries is surrealistic. Although PACE members noted positive progress in Azerbaijan and passing of election legislation as a result of cooperation with the Venice Commission, the articles are rather strict," he said.
Seyidov drew attention of the attendees to double standards policy. "Human rights are openly infringed in Armenia, there are political prisoners. But for some reason advancement is mentioned in the report. That is application of double standards. In the report on Armenia along with advancements, attention should be paid to fulfilment of requirements and to the events going on in the country," he stressed.
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