OSCE, Council of Europe, European Commission present assistance plans for Azerbaijan election

BAKU, 30 April 2008 - Representatives of the Council of Europe, the European Commission and the OSCE presented plans today for assisting the Republic of Azerbaijan in preparing for the 15 October presidential election.

"We consider this electoral process a key priority for the work of our institutions in Azerbaijan," said the international representatives Denis Bribosia (Council of Europe), Jose-Luis Herrero (OSCE) and Alan Waddams (European Commission) in a joint statement.

"We are still on time to put in place the necessary measures to guarantee an electoral process in line with international standards, but a serious effort has to be made by all the actors concerned. We are ready to support this effort."

The three institutions will help strengthen the capacities and independence of administrations and actors involved in the electoral process; contribute to a media environment that would ensure independent, unbiased and plural coverage of the electoral campaigns of all the candidates; encourage the appropriate exercise of freedom of assembly; and stimulate public interest and participation in the electoral process.

The three institutions will develop their plans in a concerted and coherent manner to ensure that their assistance best contributes to the efforts of Azerbaijan to hold free and fair presidential election.