October 17, 2003 - 22:38 AMT
ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN DID NOT MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, US STATE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS
The US share the opinion that the elections held in Azerbaijan October 15 did not meet the international standards, as reported by Mediamax agency, US State Department representative Adam Ereli stated. In his words, the US observers in Azerbaijan witnessed "the problems connected with the lists of voters, cases of forced polling and other violations". "We are also concerned over the reports about collisions taken place after the elections and call all the parties to show restraint", - the US diplomat said. "As earlier, we appeal to the Azeri government to fulfill its obligations to the OSCE and provide security for the citizens. We as well call the opposition to undertake peaceful measures going in accordance with the law", - the US State Department representative said.