February 20, 2002 - 22:38 AMT
US AMBASSADOR TO BAKU CONSIDERS ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS CONNECTED WITH INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM MAY BE IN AZERBAIJAN
US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ross Wilson stated in the interview to "Turan" Baku information agency that he did not rule out existence in Azerbaijan of "scents" of organizations and persons connected with terrorism. The diplomat concerned the human rights situation in the country. He stated that Baku participation in the antiterrorist operation would not make Washington shut eyes to the facts of violation of human rights in Azerbaijan. Wilson said that the annual report of US Department of State would be made public next week and questions concerning Azerbaijan would be reflected there, too. In the Ambassador's words, one of the problems causing particular disturbance of the US leadership is holding fair and free elections. Confirming that all the previous elections in Azerbaijan were not fair and free, Wilson expressed hope that the next elections will become a step forward in this regard.