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YAP deputy chairman: â€œThe issue of political prisoners is nothing but the method of pressure by some European circles on Azerbaijanâ€

23 January 2013 13:26 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Mubariz Aslanov – APA. Deputy chairman of New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), MP Ali Ahmadov has commented on the reports “The follow-up to the issue of political prisoners in Azerbaijan” and the honouring of obligations and commitments by Azerbaijan to be discussed at PACE today. In his interview with APA, he responded to the remarks in the report against Azerbaijan.

Ahmadov said PACE held discussions several times on the submitted reports: “I consider that the problem of political prisoners is nothing but the method of pressure by some European circles on Azerbaijan. A lot of prisoners were released under president’s pardon orders and amnesty acts.”

Ahmadov considers that the discussions over these reports consisting of remarks against Azerbaijan are an element of the struggle by forces standing against the Azerbaijani statehood. According to him, some human rights activists or political organizations from Azerbaijan are closely involved in this struggle: “They are sending materials for false lists. Of course, this is complete injustice. The use of the notion of political prisoners against any country must be ended.”

“Touching on the recommended changes to the Election Code, Ahmadov said that Azerbaijani Election Code provides the legal framework for a fair and equal voting. There is no need to improve the Election Code or change any of its components. It is impossible to implement one’s election-related claims or wishes by changing the Election Code. No forces can use the election law as a tool, if they want someone to come to power in Azerbaijan. The only way to win elections is the people's opinion. The current election law creates sufficient conditions for it.”

The report of rapporteur Christoph Strasser includes a list of 85 political prisoners.

Another report says that the international observers detected irregularities during the last parliamentary and presidential elections: “Therefore, the Venice Commission recommended Azerbaijan to make some changes to the Election Code for next elections”.