US Mission to OSCE Statement
The following statement was delivered by Kyle Scott, Charge d’ Affaires of the United States Mission to the OSCE, to the OSCE Permanent Council July 23, 2009.
Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental OSCE freedom and integral to the democratic process in every democratic country. The United States is concerned about the recent arrest and detention of Azerbaijani NGO leaders Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade. We note reports that they were beaten and then detained pending trial, while their assailants explicitly were released. We are also concerned by credible reports that the police initially denied Messrs. Milli and Hajizade access to their lawyers, and that they may be in need of further medical care.
We have raised our concerns with senior officials of the Government of Azerbaijan, including law enforcement officials, and will continue to do so. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to release Messrs. Milli and Hajizade pending trial. We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to ensure that Messrs. Milli and Hajizade are granted proper access to legal assistance and medical care. We also ask that the Government of Azerbaijan exercise due process.
We welcome recent positive steps taken by the Government of Azerbaijan this year, such as the release of several journalists from prison, and criticism by President Aliyev of the use of criminal courts for libel cases.
The United States remains committed to working together with the government and people of Azerbaijan to address the many challenges that remain to accelerate democratic reforms, including on freedom of expression and association, and the full range of OSCE commitments, which are integral to the democratic process in every State.
Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza
How fundamental are changes to the Madrid Principles which you, co-Chairs of Minsk Group have made in Krakow, Poland? Are there any new elements in the future status of NK, force withdrawal from occupied areas, international peacekeeping mission, etc?
