PACE President: Armenia's borders should be open

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is an adherent to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, however, it can't force sides to any decision," PACE President, Mr Rene van der Linden said in Baku. "I am deeply concerned over calls alternative to peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I do call upon the sides to solve the problem peacefully. In order to do that the international community should build up pressure while Presidents of both states should redouble efforts," he said.



"The member countries should abide by the values of the Council of Europe. Despite progress there are still many problems. The forthcoming presidential elections will be a test for Azerbaijan. Presently, Azerbaijan and the Venice Commission are holding consultations on recommendations. Juridical reforms and freedom of speech are also needed. The opposition should have a possibility to use media freedom. I am hopeful that media will take an unbiased stance during the elections," he said.



The PACE President underscored that the problem of political prisoners should not exist in the CoE member states. Mr van der Linden requested to release 7 journalists kept in custody in Baku.



He also told reporters that Armenia's borders should be open. "The past should not trouble the future. Each side, especially Armenia, is interested in settlement of the conflict. I welcome mutual visits of intellectuals of both states," Mr van der Linden said, Bakililar.az reports.