EU statement on presidential election caused Baku's bewildermentOctober 22, 2008 - 18:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU statement that the Azerbaijani presidential election did not meet international standards received a diverse feedback, for all other international organizations announced that the election was well organized and democratic, an Azeri official said. "The Azeri government protests the EU statement," said Novruz Mammadov, head of international relations division at the Azeri president's administration. "This statement is disrespect for the other international observation missions." "1258 international observers from 59 countries watched the election process and concluded that it was an advance toward democratization. Although, the absence of opposition candidates was marked as the main shortcoming, the EU statement caused surprise," Mammadov said, 1news.az reports. Commenting on the presidential election in Azerbaijan, Chair of the EP Delegation, Mrs. Marie Anne Isler Béguin, stated: "According to our observations on Election Day, the election was well prepared and largely carried out smoothly. However, we deplore the lack of genuine competition, due to the boycott by major opposition parties and the absence of a real campaign". Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |