Novruz Mammadov, the head of the international relations department at the Azerbaijani President’s Administration, commented on recent statement of the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Fule concerning attempts of the opposition to conduct the April 17 rally.

"I regret that Fule's immediate statement on the April 17 protest action is untrue and reflects an unfair stance with respect to the ongoing processes, since the statement is based on inaccurate information," Mammadov told journalists.

Mammadov said there is no problem with freedom of expression and freedom of gatherings in Azerbaijan.

According to him, Azerbaijan observes the commitments made to international, regional organizations and bodies. "The inadequate position on the ongoing processes in the country contradicts the spirit of cooperation established between the European Union and Azerbaijan," Trend quoted Mammadov as saying.

Earlier the EU has issued a statement on behalf of EU commissioner Stefan Fule. The document expressed concern about the authorities' actions with regard to opposition's attempts to hold an unsanctioned rally in the center of Baku.