Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 12 2004
PACE RAPPORTEUR SATISFIED WITH REFORMS IN AZERBAIJAN
[May 12, 2004, 16:07:33]
Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on
political prisoners Malcolm Bruce met the delegation of Azerbaijan
Parliament at PACE on 11 May.
Noting that this visit is of great significance, the head of
the Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation at PACE, chairman of the
international relations and inter-parliamentary links standing
committee Samad Seyidov said that on 10 May, the people of Azerbaijan
marked the 81st anniversary of the national leader of Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev, who is the only personality in the national history
that made known Azerbaijan in Europe and provided its integration to
the international community.
On the occasion of birthday of the national leader, President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree on pardoning. The Decree
shows the policy of humanism of the Azerbaijani state. Recently,
President of Azerbaijan made a large speech in the Council of Europe,
underlining that Azerbaijan positively regards the European and
world values. Human rights in Azerbaijan are protected at highest
level. We are pleased that you watch these processes in Azerbaijan
and highly assess.
According to Samad Seyidov, the amnesty Decrees are not directly
connected to the Council of Europe. These Decrees show how the
Azerbaijani state adheres the principles of democracy, human rights
protection and civil society building.
You are the PACE Rapporteur on political prisoners. We know you as
unbiased man and consider that the hardest problem of Azerbaijan – the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict is at your attention. You
are aware of Azerbaijan’s position. We hope, you will tell in your
report on the positive steps Azerbaijan makes in the field of human
rights protection, democratic state building and this will be evidence
to peace intention of Azerbaijan.
Expressing his gratitude for provided information and warm reception,
Mr. Malcolm Bruce said we are having very constructive dialogue with
the Azerbaijan parliamentary delegation at PACE. This dialogue is
important for both sides.
I have been in Azerbaijan six months ago. In the passed period, great
changes took place. Statement of the Azerbaijan President at PACE
made a deep impression on us. The President makes real steps and we
welcome them. We know that solution of the problem needs long time.
And continuation of the processes in similar direction pleases us and
makes us optimists. Last Decree on amnesty of Azerbaijan President
will give a new impetus to the Azerbaijan-COE relations.
At the meeting, also was held exchange of views on a number of issues
of mutual interest.