He noted that as a part of the cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, the European Parliament has sent three missions to elections in Azerbaijan, in 2005, 2008 and 2010, all with rather positive reports, consistently noting progress: “A young democracy, Azerbaijan cooperates in many fields with the EU, and is currently negotiating an Association Agreement with them, which would see trade and cultural relations increase, as well as more European support for education, transport and other areas. Many of the Members of the European Parliament also support Azerbaijan in its struggle with Armenian occupation, as could be seen by the report of the EP on Armenia, which conditioned any Association Agreement with the EU on the withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied territories”.
Suleymanov added this trust finally puts Azerbaijan on a new and improved democratic perception in Europe – one where the electoral process is expected to be able to function according to international norms and values: “Notably, the Parliament has sent a mission in 2013 in Armenia and is planning to send one to Georgia – therefore making Azerbaijan the first country of the South Caucasus region to satisfy democratic standards to such a level. Interestingly, other countries in 2013 with elections without European monitoring are countries like Chile, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Norway or Iceland, all high ranking countries in world democracy indexes. It is to be hoped that this new perception will help Azerbaijan on its road towards development. I want therefore to express my belief that the future of Azerbaijan is one with close ties to Europe, where both partners can prosper from economic and cultural exchanges and can help build a safer and more stable society, both in their regions and in the world”.
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