Azerbaijan, Baku /corr Trend I.Alizade / MP Gultakin Hajiyeva, Deputy Head of the Azerbaijani Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE), reported that the discussions held at the PACE Monitoring Committee on the report of Azerbaijan's fulfillment of CE's obligations were constructive.
She stated that the Monitoring Committee gave an objective estimation as to the fulfillment of the obligations. "Most speakers at the meeting appraised Azerbaijan's status and gave a positive estimation of the work done since the adoption of the last resolution and remarked on its development. From this aspect, one can confirm that the discussions were more normal and constructive compared those held previously," Hajiyeva added.
She appraised a report by the co-rapporteurs on the fulfillment of its obligations. The MP noted that the document also contained critical notes. "This is normal, as most reports such as this contain critical notes on countries where the monitoring is held. On the contrary, the monitoring should be completed. The approach of the co-rapporteurs to the whole process is quite normal. They noted positive milestones and at the same time, highlighted the definite critical notes," MP Hajiyeva.
The MP noted that the co-rapporteurs mainly criticized problems existing in the provision of freedom of assembly. The report stated that the problems are being resolved. "The document voiced its concerns regarding the problems that arose around ANS television
She noted that one of the issues reflected in the report is linked with holding the forthcoming 2008 parliamentary elections in accordance with the European Standards. A relevant appeal has been made to Azerbaijan with this respect. " Azerbaijan will do everything to carry out the 2008 parliamentary elections in a democratic and transparent manner compared to previous elections to demonstrate a political strength, MP Hajiyeva stressed.
MP Hajiyeva voiced her hope that during the PACE Spring session, scheduled for April, discussions over Azerbaijan's obligations will be normal and constructive. MPs addressing the PACE Monitoring Committee evaluated Azerbaijan's ongoing developments.