Azerbaijan, OSCE discuss cooperation in human rights area
By Nazrin Gadimova
Azerbaijan's Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova and OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku Alexis Chahtahtinsky discussed the perspective of further cooperation in the sphere of human rights on April 14.
Speaking at the meeting, Suleymanova noted that she attaches great importance to mutual cooperation with the OSCE in the field of human rights. She also said ombudsman institute is actively involved in projects of CoE and the EU, including twinning-projects and projects of the "Eastern Partnership".
Suleymanova informed the guest about the work carried out in the field of protection of human rights in Azerbaijan in recent years, as well as offered to coordinate joint activities, to hold joint seminars for government agencies, NGOs and media representatives, to direct financial aid donors on the most important goals and to invite international experts famous for their theoretical and practical knowledge to the public awareness seminars.
She also recalled that the 12th Baku International Conference of Ombudsmen on "The role of national human rights institutions in ensuring the rights of women", dedicated to the National Day of Human Rights will be held on June 18.
Chahtahtinsky, in turn, said the OSCE Office in Baku is interested in cooperation with the Azerbaijani Ombudsman and drew attention to the importance of the mutual relations in the sphere of human rights.
He said further cooperation will play an important role in multiplying efforts on human rights protection.
Earlier, Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov received Chahtahtinsky.
The speaker expressed confidence that during his tenure Chahtahtinsky would contribute to developing the Azerbaijan-OSCE relations, adding that Azerbaijan attached particular importance to its relationship with the OSCE.
Asadov also praised Azerbaijan's cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as close and fruitful, hailing the Assembly's decision to hold its spring session in Baku this June.
Touching upon, the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Asadov said the dispute is a source of serious threat to not only the South Caucasus, but also the entire Europe. He urged the OSCE to increase its efforts towards finding a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
Chahtahtinsky, in turn, praised development processes in Baku, sharing his views over prospects for the development of the Azerbaijan-OSCE relations.
Following the adoption of a new mandate by the OSCE Permanent Council on 26 July 2013, the OSCE Office in Baku was transformed into the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku as of 1 January 2014.
French diplomat Alexis Chahtahtinsky has been appointed OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku on February 14, and took his office from March 1, 2014.