OSCE studying pre-election climate
The European security body is intensely watching the political
situation in Azerbaijan ahead of this year's presidential poll,
chair of the Finnish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee said on
a visit to Baku Friday.
Pertti Salolainen told Radio Liberty that his visit aimed to collect information about the pre-election climate in the country. The findings will be then forwarded to the OSCE chairman-in-office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva.
"The OSCE chairman will visit Azerbaijan next month. As a country chairing the OSCE, Finland is heeding attention to the country. We are looking to make a contribution on various issues, including internal political developments and the solution of conflicts. We are also expecting President Ilham Aliyev to visit Finland in May," Salolainen said.
Salolainen stressed that the resource-rich South Caucasus republic has gained tremendous importance for Europe as a source of energy.
He disagreed with statements that the West is sacrificing democracy in other countries for oil. "Europe's leading institutions have repeatedly voiced their concerns over freedom of press and assembly in Azerbaijan."
The OSCE chair Kanerva is scheduled to arrive in the country on February 28, according to the OSCE office in Baku.
Pertti Salolainen told Radio Liberty that his visit aimed to collect information about the pre-election climate in the country. The findings will be then forwarded to the OSCE chairman-in-office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva.
"The OSCE chairman will visit Azerbaijan next month. As a country chairing the OSCE, Finland is heeding attention to the country. We are looking to make a contribution on various issues, including internal political developments and the solution of conflicts. We are also expecting President Ilham Aliyev to visit Finland in May," Salolainen said.
Salolainen stressed that the resource-rich South Caucasus republic has gained tremendous importance for Europe as a source of energy.
He disagreed with statements that the West is sacrificing democracy in other countries for oil. "Europe's leading institutions have repeatedly voiced their concerns over freedom of press and assembly in Azerbaijan."
The OSCE chair Kanerva is scheduled to arrive in the country on February 28, according to the OSCE office in Baku.
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