June 28, 2003 - 19:36 AMT
CE SECRETARY GENERAL NOT GOING TO TOLERATE AVAILABILITY OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN AZERBAIJAN
Neither I, nor the Council of Europe (CE) have the patience to wait until all political prisoners are released in Azerbaijan. CE secretary general Walter Schwimmer told "Turan" agency. In his words, as reported by "Arminfo" agency, postponing the PACE vote on George Clerfayt's report on political prisoners till September is the last opportunity for Baku to solve the problem. "It would be better if the Azeri authorities do it before the next sitting of the PACE committee on human rights. If this is not the case, the committee will make corresponding conclusions," - W. Schwimmer said. He also stated that he can visit Azerbaijan only when there are no political prisoners in the country. The CE secretary general is dissatisfied that Baku refuses to consider cases of political prisoners, delaying solution of the problem in every possible way. Only 22 political prisoners are set free, however some 170 are left, whose cases should be submitted for Council of Europe consideration by the Azeri authorities.