U.S. Department of State’s assessment puzzles Azerbaijan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan commented on the statement of the U.S. Department of State regarding the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

The Foreign Ministry said that “the statement caused regret and bewilderment in Azerbaijan.”

“Statements issued by the U.S. Department of State regarding elections in any country do not differ dramatically from assessment given to these elections by authoritative international organizations,” it said.

“The U.S. Department of State said that “the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan did not meet international standards”. This statement refers to the conclusions made by election observation missions of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, European Parliament. Nevertheless, the document cited does not feature assessment similar to the U.S. Department of State’s conclusions.

Along with some shortcomings, the document of the international organizations underlines that the elections in Azerbaijan were characterized by a peaceful and debate atmosphere and all opposition parties participated in the political process and observation mission assessed positively the voting in 90 per cent of the polling stations. It shows the elections earned people’s trust in general.

At the same time, the Government of Azerbaijan deems its duty that conduct of democratic, fair and transparent elections is a major aim of the state and along with praising the progress achieved in this direction, the Central Election Commission and respective government agencies will seriously investigate some shortcomings in the election process and take necessary measures,” the Ministry said, news.az reported.