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Thomas Hammarberg: The issue of the displaced persons has become a political issue, rather than the protection of human rights and the resolution of the problem is in the hands of the Minsk Group

28 April 2010 17:14 (UTC +04:00)

APAâ€™s Europe bureau reports that following his speech, the commissioner answered the questions of the parliamentarians.

Member of the Azerbaijani delegation Ganira Pashayeva asked the following question:
â€œThe basic rights of the Azerbaijanis, who were displaced as a result of the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, have been violated. These people can not return to their native lands for 15 years and want help from the Council of Europe. Can the Council of Europe take steps so that these people return to their native lands? Armenia has been violating their rights for 15 years.â€

The Commissioner said:

â€œThe right of these people to return is one of the basic and very significant rights. In any case efforts should be made to gain these rights. There should be sensitive attitude towards the people, who long for their native lands. During my visit to Azerbaijan I felt positive improvements concerning it. But the main problem of the displaced persons â€“ their returning is still on the agenda. Unfortunately, it has become a political issue, rather than the protection of human rights, I wish the problem to be solved, but as I have said the resolution of this political issue is in the hands of Minsk Group. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has very weak opportunities to put any pressure concerning this issue. I hope the conflict will be solved in the near future and justice will win with respect to these people.â€