Domestic

Home page

Domestic

Samad Seyidov: Council of Europe mission should visit Nagorno Karabakh through Azerbaijan

05 October 2007 16:23 (UTC +04:00)

Mr. Seyidov said that the visit of speaker Ogtay Asadov to the Council of Europe and his meetings were of great importance.
â€œIt shows that Council of Europe and Azerbaijan have high-level relations,â€ he said.
Samad Seyidov said that Azerbaijanâ€™s commitments were debated in the Monitoring Committee and concerns over the state of media, human rights, Electoral Code and law on freedom of assembly were expressed. Mr. Seyidov underlined that they expressed their position on these issues and everything was settled in the framework of the law.
â€œElectoral Code is being debated with the Venice commission. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the freedom of speech and issues related to media and supports quick solution to these problems. But surely, everything should be solved in the framework of law. An agreement was reached on appointing new rapporteur. They will visit Azerbaijan late this year or early next year only after a new rapporteur is appointed,â€ he said.
Samad Seyidov said they assume who is likely to be a new rapporteur, but declined to name.
Head of delegation saying that meeting of Subcommittee on Nagorno Karabakh was held said that Lord Russell Johnston intends to visit the two countries and Azerbaijan approves this meeting.
â€œWe are not against the Committeeâ€™s visiting Nagorno Karabakh. We support taking all steps within territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It means that they should visit Nagorno Karabakh through the territories under the control of Azerbaijan. It is logical. For example, CE sends its rapporteur to Georgia. The rapporteur should visit South Ossetia, Abkhazia at the same time. Will he leave for Abkhazia and South Ossetia after passing through Russia? CE rapporteur takes territorial integrity of the country into consideration while visiting the country. I do not understand if all the countries recognize territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, then why do they leave for Nagorno Karabakh through Armenia?
If someone visits Nagorno Karabakh through Armenia, then he will disrespect territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Such people can not cooperate with Azerbaijan. The issue will be solved to our advantage. Because Azerbaijanâ€™s demand coincides with international law, it will be fulfilled,â€ he said.
Mr. Seyidov also underlined necessity of delegation led by Oâ€™Hara to visit the region regarding protection of cultural heritage.
â€œThis visit should take place due to international norms. Territorial integrity is the main issue and it is not subject of the debate.
This visit was delayed, if it takes place, Azerbaijanâ€™s proposal will be probably taken into consideration, and our position will be supported,â€ he said.
Mr. Seyidov said that reports of the delegation members will play a great role in informing world community about realities of Azerbaijan in the framework of the session. /APA/