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Ian Micallef: Azerbaijan will turn to the Venice Commission for judgment on 146th Article on municipalities

12 September 2009 19:07 (UTC +04:00)

According to him, during his visit he met with the head of the Presidential Administration, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Justice, Azerbaijani delegation to the Congress and the PACE, Vice-Speaker of Milli Mejlis, representatives of the opposition, NGOs and media.

Expressing concern about the situation on local-governance in the country, Ian Micallef also said that he had some positive feeling at the meetings with state and government officials.

"I was told that they will turn to the Venice Commission for an opinion on 146th Article of the Constitution, which is related to municipalities. It was noted that they will have consultations with us. Therefore, we take this visit very optimistic," he added.

Ian Micallef called on the Azerbaijani authorities to hold elections in line with the international and democratic standards.

He also said freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are very crucial on the eve of elections.

"The Council of Europe intends to send an observation mission for the elections. If we receive such an invitation from the Azerbaijani government, we will, of course, send our pre-election and election missions. We consider it necessary that the powers of municipalities should be expanded, their financial problems should be solved, that they are independent in making decisions,â€ he noted.

He also emphasized the necessity of giving special status to the capital of Azerbaijan and electing mayor of Baku.