Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer stated, "Azerbaijan should fulfill the obligations undertaken." According to the information provided to "Mediamax" agency by CE Press Office, Walter Schwimmer was worried about worsening of the freedom of speech situation in Azerbaijan. During the last weeks the Azerbaijani authorities have closed down a number of newspapers and arrested many journalists. CE Secretary-General stressed Azerbaijani authorities should guarantee freedom of speech and independence of press. CE Press Office reports, according to information provided by non-governmental organizations, there are hundreds of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. Reminding of Heydar Aliev's recent decision on granting an amnesty to a number of political prisoners, Walter Schwimmer emphasized the 10-th anniversary of Azerbaijani independence to be celebrated October 18 "can serve an ideal opportunity for the final settlement of the problem, which is incompatible with membership in the Council of Europe."