October 27, 2005 - 15:57 AMT
EU Commissioner Indicated Violation During Election Campaign in Azerbaijan
EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated today that civil rights are violated in the course of the election campaign in Azerbaijan. In her words, the parliamentary election in that country will be «litmus paper» of Azeri authorities' willingness to become closer with the EU. The EU Commissioner also remarked that the working out of the Action Plan between the EU and South Caucasian countries within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy can last till the end of the year, taking into account that Baku keeps encouraging commercial air flights to North Cyprus. It should be reminded that Greek Cyprus had demanded that Azerbaijan put an end to all relations with unrecognized Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. Otherwise, Cyprus may finally veto EU-Azerbaijan cooperation within Wider Europe: New Neighbors program.