The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today encouraged the authorities of Azerbaijan "to step up their efforts to implement the legislation in the areas crucial for the proper functioning of democratic institutions" and, against this background, decided to continue the monitoring of the country's obligations and commitments.

According to the adopted text, based on the report by Pedro Agramunt (Spain, EPP/CD) and Joseph Debono Grech (Malta, SOC), since its accession Azerbaijan has made progress with regard to the establishment of the legislative framework in some areas crucial for the functioning of democratic institutions but, regrettably, "restrictive application or violations of some laws are resulting in growing concern with regard to the rule of law and respect for human rights". The lack of independence of the judiciary is a concern too, "where the executive branch, in some particular cases, continues to exert influence on it". (more...)

See also: Azerbaijan and the Coucil of Europe