Azernews.Az

BAKU – The European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby, visiting Baku, said he had discussed the November parliamentary elections with Azerbaijani officials and opposition leaders.

"The international community is paying much attention to these issues," he told reporters. "Facilitating coverage of election campaigns and voters’ familiarization with candidates’ platforms are crucial. I hope that good opportunities will be created for political forces’ communication with the population and the voters."

President Ilham Aliyev hosted the EU’s special envoy on Monday. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Karabakh, as well as energy cooperation, according to the presidential press service.

Later in the day, Semneby held talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. The parties discussed prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and the 27-member EU, the ministry said.

Mammadyarov touched upon security in the volatile South Caucasus region and briefed the EU envoy on the course of the ongoing negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh settlement.

Semneby voiced hope that the long-standing dispute would find its solution soon.

The EU official also met with executives of the governing Yeni (New) Azerbaijan Party (YAP). During a meeting with YAP deputy chairman Ali Ahmadov, views were exchanged on the preparations for the November 7 parliamentary elections and the socio-political situation in Azerbaijan ahead of the vote.

In a meeting with the leader of the opposition Musavat party, Isa Gambar, parliamentary elections, democracy, socio-political situation in the country, alleged political prisoners, Azerbaijan-EU relations and regional issues were mulled.

On Tuesday, Semneby is expected to hold meetings with two more opposition leaders - Ali Karimli, chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, and Igbal Agazada, chairman of the Umid (Hope) Party.