OSCE Chair welcomes registration of opposition parties for elections in Azerbaijan

VIENNA, 11 October 2000 - The Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, welcomes the decision of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan to finally agree to the registration of eight opposition parties, among them the Musavat Party and the Azerbaijan Democratic Party. As a result, she said, all major opposition forces will be enabled to contest the 5 November parliamentary poll under the proportional system.

Ms. Ferrero-Waldner highlights the fact that the decision at the last minute - the registration will end today - followed a recommendation by President Aliyev some days ago.

"This gesture indicates the clear will of the authorities of Azerbaijan to move ahead on the path of democratisation and to co-operate closer with European structures," Ms. Ferrero-Waldner said. "The time is ripe to accelerate the accession process of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe," she said. "Joint accession of Armenia and Azerbaijan to this organisation in the nearest future would foster stability in the region and would also give impetus to the peace process between the two countries."

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org