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Thomas Hammarberg: I have put forth about 30 proposals for improving the state of human rights in Azerbaijan â€“ EXCLUSIVE

Thomas Hammarberg: I have put forth about 30 proposals for improving the state of human rights in Azerbaijan <font color=red>â€“ EXCLUSIVE </font>

20 February 2008 17:17 (UTC +04:00)

-Before you made the report on Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, you had presented the document to Azerbaijani government. Has the government made any amendments to the report?

-Yes, they have. They made some technical corrections. We did not send the report to Azerbaijani government for serious amendments, we sent it to specify some technical points.

-You initiated on establishing special independent organizations for preventing tortures. Was this issue discussed during your visit to Azerbaijan?

-Of course. I mentioned this issue when I visited Baku in September last year. Almost in all countries there are facts of police violence against people. I think that it should be prevented. I still receive reports from Azerbaijan that police sometimes treat people badly and commit acts of violence. Thatâ€™s why, I touched on this issue in my dialogue with Azerbaijani authorities and I hope that my position will be heard.

-How do you assess the state of human rights in Azerbaijan compared with other countries of the region?

-I do not like to make such comparisons, as the situation in every country is unique. For example, there was a war in your country and the conflict has not been solved yet. This is quite another situation and can not be compared with others. Of course, human rights are violated under these circumstances. There is special situation in connection with the democratic rights and freedoms in your country. Though some improvement is observed in this sphere, there are problems. I think that there are still serious problems in the field of human rights in the Caucasus and generally in the former USSR. We can mention the problem of fair trial, treatment of police during mass rallies, attitude towards prisoners in jails and other issues.

-Have you put forth a proposal for improving the state of human rights in Azerbaijan?

-Yes, I have. About 30 proposals have been put forth. I hope that Azerbaijani government will take notice of all these proposals. There is National Action Plan on human rights in Azerbaijan and I hope that my proposals will be taken into consideration while implementing the plan. I have great hopes for the development of human rights in Azerbaijan, because it is important for the development of the country.

-Will you observe how your recommendations are followed in Azerbaijan?

-Of course, I will. Azerbaijan has always been in the center of my attention and it will be so. I continue to observe the ongoing processes in the country. I plan to visit Azerbaijan in mid-May again to see whether my recommendations are followed, and intend to meet with the representatives of the government, civil society and rights defenders. It will be interesting to observe the pre-election situation in Azerbaijan. It is early to say something, if my recommendations are not taken into consideration. General situation should be first of all assessed in the country.

-How do you assess pre-election situation in Azerbaijan?

-Special PACE mission will visit Azerbaijan to assess the pre-election situation. As far as I know, there is some improvement concerning the state of human rights. I hope the issue on human rights will not be forgotten on the eve of the elections. This issue will be decisive for holding free and fair elections in Azerbaijan.

-How does Kosovoâ€™s declaration of independence comply with the international legal norms?

-As you know, there are two views on this issue. One side considers that unilateral declaration of independence is a legal act, the others say it will be precedent for other territories. I plan to visit Kosovo in the near future and assess the state of human rights there. I think that great attention should be paid to their rights.