MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

06.06.2005

tabled for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115(5) of the Rules of Procedure
by Anna Elzbieta Fotyga
on behalf of the UEN group
on human rights and democracy in Azerbaijan

B6-0382/2005

European parliament resolution on human rights and democracy in Azerbaijan

The European parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus,

– 

–  having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

• A.whereas parliamentary elections will take place in November of this year,
• B.whereas the authorities forbade an opposition meeting in Baku on 21 May 2005 and whereas the demonstration, which took place despite the prohibition, was marked by violent attacks by the police with 75 participants in the demonstration being arrested,
• C.whereas on 4 June 2005 thousands of demonstrators demanded free and fair elections,
• D.whereas in May 2005 seven leaders of the opposition accused of organizing disturbances in October 2003 went on trial and were subsequently released,
• E.whereas President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on 11 May 2005 on 'Improvement of the Election Practices in the Republic of Azerbaijan',
• F.whereas Azerbaijan is a participant in the European Neighbourhood Policy,

1.  Is concerned about the situation of the political opposition in Azerbaijan who are victims of arrests, acts of violence against protesters and other acts hindering the freedom of assembly and free speech;

2.  Urges the authorities to release those protestors and opposition activists who are still being detained;

3.  Demands that if there is a legal case to be brought against anyone this be done in a transparent manner which guarantees the right to a proper defence and which ensures a judicial procedure which respects the rule of law;

4.  Notes that the authorities have made some gestures aimed at reforming the system through a Presidential decree;

5.  Notes also that the authorities refrained from violence against protesters on 4 June 2005;

6.  Calls on the Government of Azerbaijan to implement fully the Presidential decree as a first step towards guaranteeing free and fair elections in November of this year;

7.  Underlines the need for the election process to comply fully with international democratic standards and the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR;

8.  Calls on the Council and the Commission and the Member States to pay particular attention to the electoral process in Azerbaijan and to support the Azerbaijani people in establishing democracy and freedom;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.