OSCE Chairman welcomes decision of Azerbaijani authorities to release prisoners

SOFIA, 18 March 2004 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, returning to Sofia from a trip to the Caucasus, welcomed the decision of the Azerbaijani authorities to pardon 129 people and release them from prison.

Commenting on the 17 March decree by President Ilham Aliyev, the Chairman-in-Office said:

"I hope this move will prove to be another step towards reconciliation and the upholding of democratic values in Azerbaijani society. We are glad that Azerbaijan recognises the need to follow OSCE principles in promoting democracy and human rights. This move gives new hope for positive developments in the country."

During his visit to Azerbaijan on March 16, the Chairman-in-Office raised the question of democratisation and respect for human rights in the country and also voiced concern over the fate of those detained and awaiting trial after the disturbances following the October 2003 election.