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Christian Strohal: Free elections in Azerbaijan does not only depend on the authorities

11 December 2007 10:37 (UTC +04:00)

Exclusive interview of Christian Strohal, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to APA

-How do you assess the present situation, as a person following the processes in Azerbaijan for about ten years?
-As the elections approach, our representatives will regularly visit your country and will follow the processes more attentively. We hope that the situation will become better by the elections. We are sure that we can help Azerbaijan concerning this issue. We will give some recommendations on freedom of assembly, because we consider that people should be allowed to assemble wherever they want. As to the imprisoned journalists, I completely agree with my colleague Miklos Haraszti. I know that he also worries about the present state of media in Azerbaijan. I hope there will be positive changes in this sphere.
-Do you believe that the presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be free and fair?
-Every country should have the opportunity of holding free and independent elections, moreover, holding such elections should turn to the responsibility of every country. Holding free elections is the commitment undertaken by Azerbaijan. Your country has the opportunity of holding such elections, and there are all conditions for this. So, only will is needed in order to hold free and democratic elections.
-What can you say about the amendments offered to Azerbaijanâ€™s Electoral Code?
-We fully support the Council of Europe on this issue. We think it would not be right to amend the Electoral Code on the eve of the elections, it should be avoided. The amendments should be made when the representatives of the authorities, opposition and NGOs are accustomed. Therefore I support amendments to the Electoral Code of Azerbaijan in a short period of time. All will win chance to be accustomed to new amendments in this case.
-If presidential elections are not held due to international standards, several political circles will want OSCE to impose sanctions against Azerbaijanâ€¦â€¦
-Imposing sanctions are not in line with OSCE rules. We do not impose sanctions to the countries, this mechanism does not coincide with political culture of our organization. We only give recommendations, and then follow how these recommendations are observed. We hope and believe that Azerbaijan should hold free elections. And this issue does not depend on the government only, society should also try to hold free elections.
-Will OSCE leave for Uzbekistan for observing elections in Uzbekistan?
-We will leave for Uzbekistan and observe elections in the country where invited. We are not concerned whether representative of authorities or opposition will win the elections. We are only anxious about election process, its being in line with international standards.
-Elections will be held in Georgia and Armenia soon. Will these elections be held in line with international standards?
-The elections will be held in these countries next year and we have a lot to do till these elections. The situation is different in Georgia and Armenia. Our observers will observe these elections and we hope that elections in Georgia and Armenia will be held in line with democratic standards. /APA/