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PACE Monitoring Committee conducts discussions on Azerbaijan

29 January 2009 12:57 (UTC +04:00)

Strasbourg. Alexander Kin-APA. PACE Monitoring Committeeâ€™s session conducted discussions on Azerbaijan, APAâ€™s special correspondent reports from Strasbourg.
Co-rapporteurs of PACE Monitoring Committee on Azerbaijan Andres Herkel and Eugenia Zhivkova spoke about referendum to be held in Azerbaijan on March 18, cancellation of broadcasting international radio stations in the country, suit against Leyla Yunus, Head of Institute of Peace and Democracy, arrest of politologist Zardusht Alizadehâ€™s son.
Co-rapporteurs proposed to appeal Venice Commission to investigate whether referendum on amendments and annexes to the Constitution coincides with European values or not and learn opinions of lawyers of the organization. Moreover, it was said that realization of referendum depended on political will of the country and wish of people.
The meeting covered anxiety about cancellation of broadcasting international radio stations in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani delegation addressing the event stated that international radio stations were not aired according to legislation and international broadcasting principles.
A document was not approved in the meeting.
Mr. Herkel told APA that Co-rapporteurs would visit Azerbaijan regarding referendum and will make a statement on outcomes of the visit.
Mr. Herkel noted that declaration could be approved on the issue.