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Minister: Democratization, respect for human rights and the rule of law are priorities for Azerbaijan

14 March 2012 14:43 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Viktoria Dementyeva â€“ APA. The property rights of all the citizens, who were resettled during the construction of the Crystal Hall, are being protected, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in his interview to the Die Welt newspaper of Germany, APA reports. Minister said he is glad that Baku will host Eurovision Song Contest 2012.

â€œIt is important for Azerbaijan, as people in Europe and other parts of the world will get information about our rich history, culture and achievements within the past 20 years. We want to show that we are a part of the European family,â€ he said.

Asked about the demolition of the houses in the area, where the contest will be held, and resettlement of the people, Minister said Azerbaijan is developing rapidly, roads, bridges, tunnels and buildings are being constructed in the country.

â€œBut there are a lot of old buildings. The Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the decision to pay compensation to the people resettled from their houses. I assure you that all the property rights of the citizens are protected,â€ he said.

Touching on the freedom of speech and press in Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov said democratization, respect for human rights and the rule of law are priorities for the country.

â€œPolitical parties, including opposition parties are functioning in the country. Most of them have newspapers and websites, where they openly criticize the government. No one bans freedom of speech,â€ he said.

Minister said there are no political prisoners in Azerbaijan and no one is imprisoned for political views.

â€œAll, both journalists and other citizens can openly express their views. But no one is above the law. This principle must be obeyed,â€ he said.