European Parliament holds dialogue with Azerbaijan as ‘equal partner’
BAKU – European Parliament’s President Jerzy Buzek has called the recent resolution critisizing the human rights situation in Azerbaijan "a manifestation of a natural dialogue between the partners".
"It is natural when the partners are discussing not only the issues on which they agree, but those issues that worry them both. Such a dialogue is important in order to move forward cooperation," Buzek told a press conference at the end of his visit to Baku on Friday.
Baku lambasted European Parliament’s adopting such a resolution without the agreement of the Azerbaijani side. The Azerbaijani parliament sent a protest to the European Parliament over the resolution.
"The spirit of the resolution should be considered in light of the potential of European Parliament's cooperation with Azerbaijan," he said. "Azerbaijan seems a fully European country, and we have a dialogue with Azerbaijan as an equal partner," he said.
Buzek completed his first three-day visit to South Caucasus region on Friday. In Baku, Buzek met with the President, Parliament Speaker, representatives of civil society and opposition.
Buzek said at the meetings with the leadership of Azerbaijan, he stressed that the issue of human rights, freedom of press, freedom of speech and assembly is the foundation of democracy.
"There are some sensitive issues for Azerbaijan. First it is the independence of your country. I emphasize again: the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is very important for the EU," he said.
But also the European Parliament and the European Union have their sensitive topics, and it is a question of human rights and freedom of speech, he said.
Buzek stressed the need to continue reforms in the country to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, welcoming the willingness of the Azerbaijani government to develop this area.
"It is completely Azerbaijan's choice in what direction it will develop. However, democratic reforms will only benefit the country and people," said Buzek. "The purpose of my visit is not to impose any decisions on Azerbaijan, because Azerbaijan is an independent country. I came here to share my experience,"
Based on the experience of the EU, Buzek stressed once again that the establishment of civil society and democratic system will determine the stability and prosperity in the long-term period.
"The choice is Azerbaijan's. We can help with our experience, as the South-Eastern European countries 20 years ago were in similar realities that now exist in Azerbaijan."