Terry Davis: Azerbaijan does not fulfill commitments taken in front of Council of Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Azerbaijan does not fulfill commitments taken in front of the Council of Europe," Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis stated. He does not hide his surprise at the fact that Azeri authorities continue to ignore demands of international organizations to stop violating rights of media in the country. "In my latest statement I expressed my utmost concerns over the threat to freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. However, the tendency of arresting and prosecuting journalists continues in the country. Just now we have learnt about capturing offices of two opposition newspapers. As the CoE Secretary General I cannot keep silence when the freedom of speech is being seriously and obviously violated. After receiving the full picture of what is going on in Azerbaijan I shall make decision on further steps," the Sec. Gen., said noting that he has not received any answers from Baku about his latest statement.



Commenting on Azeri journalists' intention to raise the issue of violating the freedom of press in the country during the PACE June session, Terry Davis said he is personally ready to hear complaints on violating fundamental bases of democracy and human rights. In any case it is necessary to send complaints in written form.



Answering on the question how the situation in Azerbaijan matches with the commitments of that country taken in front of the Council of Europe, Terri Davis said before become CoE member Azerbaijan obliged "to guarantee freedom of speech, independence for media and journalists, as well as to exclude administrative measures on limiting work of media". "However, those commitments are not followed during the recent months. We will speak on that subject with Azeri authorities," the CoE Sec. Gen. said, "Turan' reports.