Freedom House: Azeri fair elections unlikely after OSCE withdrawalSeptember 17, 2015 - 14:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Following the September 11 announcement that restrictions imposed by Azerbaijan compel the cancellation of an election observer mission planned by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Freedom House, an independent watchdog organization, issued the following statement: “The conditions imposed by President Aliyev's government on the European observer mission for the November 1 parliamentary elections make clear that Azerbaijanis risk having their votes stolen,” said Daniel Calingaert, executive vice president. “Members of the U.S. Congress should speak up for the people of Azerbaijan by calling on Aliyev's government to explain its actions and allow a comprehensive, credible election observation mission.” Earlier, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) announced that the restricted number of election observers, counter to Azerbaijan’s OSCE commitments, “compelled” the cancellation of the election mission. The European Parliament approved a resolution expressing “serious concern over the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation” in Azerbaijan, citing the parliament’s decision against sending an Election Observation Mission owing to limitations on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. U.S., Turkey emphasize importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Jake Sullivan and Akif Cagatay Kilic have discussed the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. |