EU Presidency declaration on Azerbaijan

The European Union has learned that the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Azerbaijan upheld the sentences of seven opposition leaders who were accused of organising civil disturbances following the presidential elections in Azerbaijan in October 2003. The European Union is deeply concerned at the severity of the sentences awarded in the Court's judgements.

The EU recalls its commitment to the freedom of expression in all its forms, including the right of opposition and the right to demonstrate. In this respect, the EU encourages the government of Azerbaijan to uphold democratic values including due process of law and to take up an open dialogue with the opposition, in accordance with Azerbaijan's commitments in the framework of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

Earlier this year, the EU welcomed presidential amnesties, which freed numerous prisoners, detained after the demonstrations in October 2003. The EU considered these amnesties as signs of a positive development, which should be pursued further. The European Union encourages the Azerbaijani government to proceed on that course by creating a political environment which supports pluralism, fair democratic competition and a dialogue between parties. The European Union stands ready to offer its assistance in this respect.

The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia *, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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