US urge Azerbaijan to respect freedom of expression: Philip Crowley

The US State Department has published a report on the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

Assessing the recent electoral processes in the country, State Department representative Philip Crowley particularly has said:

“The November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were peaceful, with the participation of all opposition parties and observers from domestic groups and the international community.”

At the same time, the report highlights certain problems noted during the pre-election process and on election day itself.

“We share concerns by the OSCE/ODIHR Observer Mission and call upon the Azerbaijani Government to focus now on adjudicating election grievances fairly, transparently, and expeditiously, ensuring accountability for officials who are suspected of interfering with the proper conduct of elections. We further urge the Azerbaijani Government to respect freedom of expression, assembly, and association,” says the author of the report.