AA13CR02ADD1

AS (2013) CR 02
Addendum 1

2014 ORDINARY SESSION

________________________

(First part)

REPORT

Second sitting

27 January 2014 at 3 p.m.

      Progress report

The following texts were submitted for inclusion in the official report by members who were present in the Chamber but were prevented by lack of time from delivering them.

      Mr ABBASOV (Azerbaijan) – When debating the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly it is noteworthy to underline the efficiency of its work in drafting the agenda and its flexibility in reacting to social problems in Europe as well as in executing the control over the implementation of PACE decisions.

      I stress the significant contribution rendered by Mr Mignon to the organisation of the work of the Bureau. At the beginning of the previous year five political groups supported the re-election of Mr Mignon. I guess Mr Mignon succeeded in escaping the disappointment of Assembly members.

      With every passing year the scope of democracy in Europe enlarges. Through enlarging its boundaries the Council of Europe supports the values of the legal and democratic state. Within the past calendar year the Council of Europe has reaffirmed its supreme role in protecting the universal values of human rights and liberties. In particular, in terms of the social and economic crisis, the Council of Europe prevented the distortion and deformation of common European humanitarian values as stated in the European Convention on Human Rights.

      The Council of Europe faced an uneasy year. The Arab Spring crisis generated grave social and humanitarian problems that touched upon Europe as well. The previous year the Bureau managed to assess in due time one of the major issues tackled at PACE meetings – the problem of migrants and refugees in European countries, thus preparing efficient draft resolutions to be adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly.

      Today we can state that Europe overstepped the economic crisis having provided considerable financial support to poor countries such as Greece and Bulgaria. It is important that the Council of Europe did not downgrade its requirements relating to the protection of universal human rights and freedoms.

      A considerable contribution rendered by the Council of Europe was related to the reform of legislation regarding freedom of expression, assembly and meeting. Notably, significant expert activities on the issue of constitutionality of legislative acts regulating freedom of expression and assembly were conducted via the Venice Commission.

      Along with the implemented activities, the Council of Europe is still to do more towards the protection of human rights and freedoms in its member States. The example of Ukraine demonstrates the ability of the critical social and economic situation to affect the instable political and legal system of the post-soviet country. As a result of this, the course of the economic and legal reforms is impeded and this damages the picture of a flourishing Europe.

      At the end of my speech I would like once again to underline the effective and positive work of the Bureau, notably PACE President Mr Mignon, and to wish all of us productive activities in 2014.

      Ms FATALIYEVA (Azerbaijan) – I would like to touch upon the issue of presidential elections in Azerbaijan. Observation was conducted by 53 000 observers, with 1 300 international observers being invited by the government and parliament of Azerbaijan. The election process was found to be free, fair and transparent by the missions of the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, OIC, CIS, GUAM, TURKPA, as well as observation missions from over 100 countries.

      In each country the fate of the election is determined by the will of the citizens. In Azerbaijan the processes are taking place in accordance with the will of citizens and with their participation. In order to provide the active participation of citizens in the political life of the country it is necessary to create a stable economy. We have achieved that. Political reforms are carried out alongside economic development and they have made Azerbaijan one of the leaders of the region.

      Democracy exists when people have a certain vision of the future, confidence in the future and the desire to take part in political processes and most importantly to engage in political dialogue.

      Free and unlimited Internet access, the ability to provide a broad platform for any political force in the country to deliver their programmes to the electorate, the activity of political parties, mass media, Internet and TV channels prove that democracy in our country is developing.

      Independent Azerbaijan, in a short period, has mastered democratic values and achieved experience of conducting fair and free elections, and that was demonstrated at the recent presidential elections. Today Azerbaijani people have an opportunity for their development, have the experience of becoming independent: in a word they have the ability to choose between positive and negative. Today Azerbaijani citizens have made their choice: an unchangeable political course, preservation of independence and development of democracy.