Newsroom
ODIHR concerned over political developments in Azerbaijan
WARSAW 21 July 2000
WARSAW, 21 July 2000 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has expressed its concerns over negative trends in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan and has underscored the importance of the government and the opposition working together constructively to ensure a successful electoral process.
"The process is at a very difficult stage," said ODIHR Director Gerard Stoudmann, referring to recent political developments, in particular the ongoing deadlock in the Central Election Commission. "It is incumbent on all political forces to proceed in the most careful, serious and responsible manner, and to avoid any actions that could precipitate an unnecessary political confrontation."
Stoudmann's remarks came in the wake of the decision of opposition parties to absent themselves from the first two meetings of the new Central Election Commission, in response to the adoption on 5 July 2000 of an election law with serious deficiencies. In earlier statements, the ODIHR had deplored the shortcomings in the new election law but welcomed a separate, new Central Election Commission law as being up to international standards.
The ODIHR welcomed President Aliyev's recent pledge to OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Benita Ferrero-Waldner that he will continue his efforts to persuade the Parliament to amend the election law. Such action could open the way for rapid progress toward a constructive solution to the current political difficulties.
The ODIHR considers it important, as it pursues amendments to the election law, for the new Central Election Commission to operate effectively and has urged all members to take up their places on the Commission.
The ODIHR renews its appeal to Government and opposition representatives to work together to resolve their remaining differences, and to avoid any actions that could escalate their political differences.
For further information contact Ian Gorvin, OSCE/ODIHR Head of Public Affairs, tel. +48 22 520 06 00 x4140, or +48 603 793 789.
"The process is at a very difficult stage," said ODIHR Director Gerard Stoudmann, referring to recent political developments, in particular the ongoing deadlock in the Central Election Commission. "It is incumbent on all political forces to proceed in the most careful, serious and responsible manner, and to avoid any actions that could precipitate an unnecessary political confrontation."
Stoudmann's remarks came in the wake of the decision of opposition parties to absent themselves from the first two meetings of the new Central Election Commission, in response to the adoption on 5 July 2000 of an election law with serious deficiencies. In earlier statements, the ODIHR had deplored the shortcomings in the new election law but welcomed a separate, new Central Election Commission law as being up to international standards.
The ODIHR welcomed President Aliyev's recent pledge to OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Benita Ferrero-Waldner that he will continue his efforts to persuade the Parliament to amend the election law. Such action could open the way for rapid progress toward a constructive solution to the current political difficulties.
The ODIHR considers it important, as it pursues amendments to the election law, for the new Central Election Commission to operate effectively and has urged all members to take up their places on the Commission.
The ODIHR renews its appeal to Government and opposition representatives to work together to resolve their remaining differences, and to avoid any actions that could escalate their political differences.
For further information contact Ian Gorvin, OSCE/ODIHR Head of Public Affairs, tel. +48 22 520 06 00 x4140, or +48 603 793 789.