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ThorbjÃ¸rn Jagland: Membership of the Council of Europe plays the role of an important platform for the solution of any conflict in Europe - INTERVIEW

ThorbjÃ¸rn Jagland: Membership of the Council of Europe plays the role of an important platform for the solution of any conflict in Europe - <font color=red>INTERVIEW</font>

14 November 2009 09:22 (UTC +04:00)

-How do you evaluate Azerbaijan-Council of Europe relations? Are you satisfied with Azerbaijanâ€™s implementing the commitments vis-Ã -vis the Council of Europe?

-We have concerns over the situation in Azerbaijan. Actually, the arrest of the Azerbaijani bloggers, about whom I issued a statement yesterday, is not the only case. We consider that their imprisonment is not directly connected with hooliganism, they were incited to the action. As regards Azerbaijanâ€™s commitments vis-Ã -vis the Council of Europe, we appreciate Azerbaijanâ€™s membership of the Council of Europe. I consider that this is very significant both for the organization and Azerbaijan. There are a number of members of the Council of Europe that have many problems concerning human rights and democracy. Therefore, the Council of Europe membership of these countries is very important. As Azerbaijan is one of these countries we consider that we should help this country so that it can advance in the right direction.

-In what spheres does the Council of Europe think Azerbaijan has unsolved problems concerning the commitments? What steps are you going to take to solve them?

-Of course, we will continue our activities, cooperation with Azerbaijan. But the recent developments show that maybe we should increase our efforts. As you know, there is a separate mechanism of monitoring in the organization. Moreover, the European Court of Human Rights also considers individual complaints. So, we use certain mechanisms to influence the situation in the country and we will use them in future, too. Moreover, we will strengthen cooperation with the European Union and OSCE concerning these issues. There is an unsolved conflict between your country and the other member of the Council of Europe, and it would be regretful if you were not the member of the Council. Of course, other structures like OSCE and the European Union also participate in the settlement of the conflict. But membership of the Council of Europe plays the role of an important platform for the solution of any conflict in Europe.

-Parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan next year. What projects is the Council of Europe going to implement in connection with it.

- Of course, we expect a fully transparent and fair elections, respect for freedom of choice and democratic norms. To do this, we will do our best. If the Azerbaijani government needs any assistance or delivery of some projects in this respect, we will consider the possibility of such activities.

- You met with the GUAM member statesâ€™ permanent representatives to the Council of Europe. How would you assess the prospects of this organization?

- I believe that the presence of such cooperation between us is very important. Of course, first and foremost, the promotion of this organization depends on its members. I am pleased that I was invited to such a meeting organized by the ambassadors of member countries.

- Armenia, one member of the Council of Europe, continues to occupy the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, another member of the Council of Europe. I would like to know your attitude.

- My attitude is very clear. I support the Minsk process. In my opinion, the OSCE Minsk Group is the only international process that could solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, or at least pave the way for a peaceful solution. However, I must say that the partiesâ€™ membership to the Council of Europe is an important factor because of they have additional grounds in finding a solution. That is, approaching on the basis of common norms and values this will help the parties find a quick and easy solution to the conflict. In addition, this is very important not only for the countries in conflict, but also for all countries in the region that they can work together to resolve conflicts on the basis of common standards and values. From this perspective, the Minsk process is very important. Conflicts are resolved in this way and Europe is built in this way.

- Today, one of the most pressing issues is the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement. How do you think the reconciliation of these countries can affect the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Azerbaijan believes that this will adversely affect the conflict settlement, there is also the view that this process will help resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What is your opinion?

- My opinion is inclined to the latter. I believe that the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement is a process that can have a positive influence on the existing conflicts in the region. The contradictions between countries from earlier times make it impossible to make even small progress in resolving conflicts. That is, the Turkey-Armenia rapprochement is a consequence of the presence of uniform norms and values in these countries because they are both the members of the Council of Europe. In such circumstances, it is natural to seek solutions to existing problems. This is to some extent like the processes that occurred in Europe after the Second World War.

- What reforms are expected to further increase the political role and authority of the Council of Europe on the international arena?

- My main goal is to make this organization more useful and competent, to make it bureaucratic with respect to resolving existing conflicts and contradictions among member countries. In the case of the emergence of new priorities, I would very much like our organization to be able to mobilize all the means at its disposal to implement them. In addition, one of our main priorities is to strengthen ties with other European institutions such as the EU and the OSCE. The EU is one of the important partners of our organization. We also need to improve the competence of European Court of Human Rights.