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Samad Seyidov: Appointment of the rapporteur for Azerbaijan is in the competence of the Council of Europe, we can not interfereâ€“ INTERVIEW

Samad Seyidov: Appointment of the rapporteur for Azerbaijan is in the competence of the Council of Europe, we can not interfereâ€“ <font color=red> INTERVIEW </font>

06 April 2010 12:07 (UTC +04:00)

-When will the PACE Monitoring Committee replace Andres Herkel?

-The discussions held in the Council of Europe show that it is not so right to work with one and the same country for over five years. Andres Herkelâ€™s tenure expires in June, now he is working on a report related to Azerbaijan. The report will be heard in June session of PACE, after the report is completed his tenure will expire. According to the rules, after the completion of the work a person may be dismissed. But according to general rules, the tenure of rapporteur for a country is five years. Andres Herkel can be appointed rapporteur for other country. As regards the appointment of new rapporteur, this is in the competence of the Council of Europe. We can not interfere, our task is to work with the rapporteur, appointment of the rapporteur is in the competence of the Council of Europe.

-When will the Council of Europe end monitoring on Azerbaijan?

-We have fulfilled the great majority of our commitments, and it has been praised at the Council of Europe. Several commitments, for example alternative service and other issues remain. But they are also being fulfilled. For example, the draft law on the alternative service has been sent to the experts, joint work is being done. I consider that the activities are going on normally. Unfortunately, in all international organizations, including the Council of Europe apply double standards. Of course we expect much from the monitoring â€“ the monitoring should be conducted to help Azerbaijan and generally countries. Unfortunately, in some cases, particularly we witness it with regard to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan faces interference in internal affairs, pressure, they intend to apply the issues to Azerbaijan that do not favor its interests. When these issues end, then Azerbaijan will leave the monitoring without problems.

-Will the Subcommittee on Nagorno Karabakh be on the agenda in April session?

-The Bureau will certainly discuss this issue in April. Azerbaijan is always keeping the Nagorno Karabkh issue on agenda. As you know, Armenian side tries to avoid the discussions of the principles and issues accepted by the world.

-Is the session expected to appoint new chairman to the subcommittee?

-The issue of chairman is not important for us because PACE Bureau took the control over the subcommittee. It is important for us to keep the issue on agenda.

-Rapporteur on political prisoners Christopher Strasserâ€™s activity is not seen. Is this appointment on the scene or his office is dismissed?

-There is no question about the personality of the rapporteur. The question is about the method of approaching. Azerbaijan expresses its consent to work with the Council of Europe in the field of human rights. Recently Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe Thomas Hammarberg visited Azerbaijan and held series of high-level meetings. Co-rapporteurs Andres Herkel and Joseph Debono Grech are also regularly visiting the country. Azerbaijan held discussions with Ago group as well. I consider that it is bias attitude towards Azerbaijan to make decision without any investigation.

-What does Azerbaijan expect from the Movlut Chavusogluâ€™s visit?

-Movlut Chavushoglu is PACE President. He is representing 47 countries. I believe this visit will open new page in the relations between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe.