Freedom House responds to Aliyev’s hysteria over “pro-Armenian stance”September 23, 2016 - 13:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Freedom House issued a statement in response to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev criticizing the organization for its reports on his growing authoritarianism and his government’s tightening restrictions on civil liberties and political rights. Also, Aliyev slammed the watchdog for “biased, pro-Armenian position.” “President Aliyev is the person most responsible for Azerbaijan’s appalling human rights record of the last decade, including the baseless imprisonment of civil society activists and efforts to stifle all political dissent,” said Daniel Calingaert, acting president. “Aliyev has remained in power thanks to sham elections while family members have enriched themselves. Freedom House will continue to do its work of bringing greater attention to his government’s abuses.” On September 20, 2016, a news agency based in Azerbaijan quoted Aliyev criticizing the European Parliament, the Organization and Security and Co-operation in Europe, and Freedom House, for their criticisms of questionable elections and violations of fundamental human rights. Azerbaijan is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2016, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2016, Partly Free in Freedom on the Net 2015, and receives a democracy score of 6.86 on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 as the worst possible score, in Nations in Transit 2016. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |