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Report on implementation of Action Plan signed between Azerbaijan and EU within the framework of European Neighborhood Policy presented

04 April 2008 14:48 (UTC +04:00)

Romanian, Polish, Bulgarian and Italian ambassadors to Azerbaijan, representatives of German and French embassies have participated at the presentation. Alan Waddams, head of the Representation of the European Commission in Azerbaijan presented the report and called Azerbaijan as an ally of EU and noted that half of trade turnover fell to EU countriesâ€™ share. He added that it was the first report of the European Commission on Azerbaijan, but such reports would be prepared every year during four years. The statement says that Azerbaijan has achieved success on border services, tax services, free trade turnover, legislation for activity of companies .Waddams estimated democratization in the country and stressed that there was need to carry out reforms for the organisation of election commissions.
â€œThere is serious progress in local management bodies, National Action Plan on Human Rights has been adopted, and Ombudsman Institution has been established. There are measures should be taken in this field. Democracy is important in Azerbaijan during the electionsâ€, he said. Waddams added that it was important to eliminate problems on the freedom of assembly, speech and press. He noted that Azerbaijan was absolute tolerant society and it had achieved progress on the freedom of conscience and gender problem. The Ambassador added that Azerbaijan cooperated with EU on foreign policy, security, prevention of spreading nuclear weapons, combating crimes, drugs and human trafficking and stressed that the prepared report was very objective.
â€œThere will be several remarks in the report, but these remarks are for activation of our cooperation. We support Azerbaijan every timeâ€, he said.