Brussels, 28/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - Although 2013 was “a decisive year in EU-Azerbaijani bilateral relations” - with the signing of the agreement on visa facilitation and the partnership for mobility, the continuation of energy cooperation, and negotiations on the association agreement and on the strategic modernisation partnership - very little progress was recorded on economic governance and human rights, the European Commission stated in its progress report on 27 March.
“The organisation of the presidential elections raised serious concerns”, the Commission states, adding that the pre-election climate was marked by a step backwards as regards political freedom - a worsening in the freedom of expression, pressure on journalists and campaigners, and restrictions to the freedom of assembly. The Commission calls for election legislation to be brought into line with the OSCE recommendations. Azerbaijan should continue its reform of the justice system in order to ensure full independence of the judicial power and to remedy the allegations of unfair trials. It should also adopt a law decriminalising defamation. The implementation of the action plan on human rights, like that on the fight against corruption, should continue, adds the Commission. Azerbaijan should step up its efforts to reach an agreement with Armenia on the situation in Ngorno-Karabakh, and ensure unhindered access for EU representatives. (CG)