Brussels, 06/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 3 May, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stated that the EU is committed “to further develop bilateral relations with Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual respect, common interests, but also on the basis of our common values and principles”. Visiting Baku on 2-3 May, Füle said that being in Azerbaijan in the spring - “a period associated with rebirth” - is “quite symbolic for our bilateral relations”. While the Eastern Partnership summit will take place in November, Füle and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev agreed “to make every effort to lift the EU-Azerbaijan relationship to an even higher level and to further enhance its quality”, Füle added.
During his meetings with Aliyev, members of the government, representatives from the opposition and from civil society, Füle discussed “the deepening and broadening” of the EU-Azerbaijan relationship - be it as part of the Eastern Partnership or in terms of support for the modernisation and reform of Azerbaijan. He also stated that the negotiations on visa facilitation and the readmission agreements “are very close to conclusion”, as is the comprehension aviation agreement, and he underlined the importance of cooperation in terms of energy.
Importance of respect for human rights. Füle highlighted the importance of respect for human rights and democratic priniciples, and the possibility of cooperating in this area. On 20 March, the European Commission underlined the need for considerable efforts from Azerbaijan to meet its commitment in the construction of a solid and sustainable democracy (see EUROPE 10812). “Efforts to meet commitments on democracy, including electoral processes, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the independence of the judiciary need to continue”, Füle added, describing the forthcoming presidential elections as a test for democracy.
Elsewhere on the same day, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland, underlined his concern and disappointment at the new accusations brought against the head of the school of political studies in Baku, Ilgmar Mammadov, despite international calls for his release (see EUROPE 10782 and 10783). (CG/transl.fl)