Azernews.Az

The United States will spend over $3 million to support Azerbaijan's efforts to conduct a free and fair presidential election in October, US Ambassador Anne Derse says.
"Supporting democratic reform in Azerbaijan remains a critical U.S. interest and priority," she told a news conference on Thursday.
The support will include the development of political parties, and the strengthening of electoral systems; election observation efforts and efforts to strengthen the complaints and appeals process; a parallel vote count to provide real-time monitoring and transparency of election results. It will also cover the broadcasting of both Azerbaijani and U.S. political debates and human rights training for law enforcement officials.
"A number of these projects will be conducted directly with political parties and with government bodies. In addition, we are coordinating these efforts closely with the OSCE and other members of the international community.
"Our assistance is non-partisan, supports the development of democratic institutions, processes and values, not individual political parties or politicians," the ambassador said.
She said one of the projects, worth $48,000, envisions training for election officials.
Another project to be realized within the media program of the US-based IREX organization envisages organizing election debates. IREX will support public debates for local political parties and journalists under the $130,000 project.
Under one more project, the State Department will provide technical assistance to the Interior Ministry under the auspices of the OSCE. Its goal is to encourage authorities to protect freedom of assembly. About $350,000 will be spent for the purpose.
The State Department will also allocate small grants to local NGOs to encourage civil society institutions' participation in the electoral process. $50,000 will be spent on the activities.
Amb. Derse said parallel vote count will be conducted for the first time in Azerbaijan during the October 15 presidential election. The project will be supported by the US National Democratic Institute in an effort to promote the development of political parties during the electoral process. Some $870,000 will be allocated to implement the project.
Derse said parallel count of ballots has already been applied in Eastern European states and some former Soviet republics.
Exit polls will be conducted during the elections as well. Several organizations have already expressed readiness to conduct such surveys.
Derse went on to say that the United States was "a partner and friend of Azerbaijan".
"Our two countries share many interests. My country believes that the strongest partnerships are those built not just on shared interests, but also on shared values: freedom, democracy, and human rights. This year, a presidential election year in both our countries, is a special year with respect to our shared values."
Derse said the United States "wanted Azerbaijan to succeed in its goal of developing as a modern democracy and regional leader".
"We hope that our election programs will help Azerbaijan reach this goal. But ultimately, democracy in Azerbaijan depends on the Azerbaijani government and people.
Only the citizens of Azerbaijan can demand and exercise their inalienable right to liberty. We stand ready to assist and to champion the democratic values that support freedom," she said.
Referring to the challenges related to the upcoming poll, the ambassador warned against posing stumbling blocks in the way of holding a free vote.
"Whoever will try to impede the conduct of democratic elections will deal a blow upon the country's national interests," she said.
Derse emphasized that the Azerbaijani government has stated its intention to hold a free and fair election. She said it was the right decision for a country that chooses the path of European integration and is keen on developing its democratic institutions.
Derse said Azerbaijan's opportunities have widened as a result of the proper oil strategy pursued after the country gained independence, which has turned it into a state playing an important role in the region. "Azerbaijan is recognized by the international community as a reliable partner in the area of global energy security."
The ambassador said Azerbaijan has also proven itself as a reliable partner in combating terror.
The country also has the potential to create the model of a secular state in an extremely complex region, she said.
Derse said that as a result of all this, Azerbaijan has stepped up its role on the world stage, which is facilitating the solution of its own problems. Azerbaijan has put forth the resolve to become a champion of democratic elections and human rights in the region, but some questions remain with regard to the country's playing a leading role in terms of democratic development.
"The October election is an unprecedented chance for Azerbaijan to improve its international image…The entire world will be watching Azerbaijan in October. By capitalizing on this opportunity and sending a message to the world community, Azerbaijan will prove its being not only a reliable partner on energy security and global counter-terrorism efforts, but will also undertake the role of a leader in democracy and human rights."
Commenting on some opposition parties' plans to boycott the upcoming election, Derse said the U.S. calls on all political forces to take part in the poll. She said one of the founding principles of democracy was the diversity of participants in the electoral process.
"The political forces in Azerbaijan should realize that if they want to move democratic processes forward, they should participate in the process. Other forces should comprehend that without the participation of all parties, democracy will not develop," the envoy said.
The Azadlig bloc of three main opposition parties has warned it would boycott the vote unless electoral legislation was improved.

'Interference'
The Azerbaijani President's Office Chief-of-Staff Ramiz Mehdiyev has said that the allocation of funds for the election by the United States was interference with Azerbaijan's internal affairs.
The US embassy spokesman Johnatan Henick disagreed with the statement.
"Our programs are completely transparent and fully support the implementation of commitments by Azerbaijan," he told Radio Liberty.
Henick noted that Azerbaijani officials have pledged the election would be fully transparent and fair, and that US election programs aimed to reach that goal.