Brussels, 03/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - While recognising that the pre-election environment is generally peaceful and that there has been good preparation for the presidential elections on 9 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle are concerned at the pressure on a number of opposition activists, on civil society and on independent media in Azerbaijan, a joint press release stated on 3 October. Ashton and Füle's spokespersons highlighted the intimidation, arrests on dubious charges, detentions and sentencing without proper respect for international standards and rights of the accused.
These events “have an impact both on the pre-election period and the general human rights and political freedoms situation in the country”, the spokespersons said. They stated that “the EU expects the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure rapid, transparent and fair investigations and legal procedures in line with Azerbaijani commitments and obligations in this area”. “This is especially important in order to enable a favourable environment for free and fair presidential elections (…) It is essential that space for genuine pluralism of opinions is safeguarded, including as part of the electoral process”, the spokespersons added.
The EU will continue to monitor individual cases and human rights developments in Azerbaijan and stands ready to support Azerbaijan in the process of implementing its international commitments, the spokespersons reiterated. (CG/transl.fl)