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David Kramer: â€œWe are interested in observing the active political process in Azerbaijanâ€

19 November 2008 16:22 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Lachin Sultanovaâ€“APA. US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor David Kramer held press conference dedicated to the outcomes of his two-day visit to Azerbaijan. Kramer said he had met with the countryâ€™s leadership, representatives of the non-governmental organizations, experts on the religious issues, members of the parliament and politicians. The guest highly appreciated US-Azerbaijan relations and said much attention was given to the energy and security spheres in the bilateral relations. â€œThe goal of my visit is increasing of attention to the democracy and Human Rightsâ€. The diplomat said main topics of his meetings were freedom of press and Human Rights. David Kramer said he heard different opinions at the meetings with the government and opposition representatives. â€œWe are interested in observing the active political process in Azerbaijan, which needs in the independent institutions and independent pressâ€. US Assistant Secretary of State he held discussions on the arrested journalists in Azerbaijan. â€œI invited President Ilham Aliyev to review the issue of pardon again. I was impressed that President Aliyev thinks to review this issueâ€.

Responding the question about US president-electâ€™s possible reaction to the democracy in Azerbaijan, the diplomat said he couldnâ€™t speak on behalf of Barack Obamaâ€™s transmission team. â€œI know that development of democracy and human rights are among the priorities of the newly elected president and he will pay serious attention to these issuesâ€. Speaking about the proposals on extension of presidential term in Azerbaijan, Kramer said this would be a decision passed by the government and parliament.