In Germany Aliev was Reminded about Human Rights Problems

• 01.23.2015, 11:10
•  Europe,  Region,  World

Azerbaijani President’s visit to Berlin was accompanied with the active demonstrations of human rights activists.  One of the demonstrators even managed to penetrate into the press conference of Aliev and Merkel, reports Deutsche Welle. Several human rights organizations learning about Aliev’s visit made criticizing announcements as well as organized demonstrations in front of the Chancellor's Office. "We expect that in her meeting with Aliev the Chancellor will condemn the Azerbaijani government for the abuse of its opponents", - said the General Secretary of the German headquarter of "Amnesty International" Selmin Caliskan. Announcements of the similar nature were also made by the human rights defenders of Human Rights Watch. 

One of the most important topics in the relations between Baku and Berlin is the human rights issue in Azerbaijan. This is what the German Chancellor announced in the joint press conference with the Azerbaijani President. As a German monthly writes, Aliev tried to avoid commenting Merkel's statement, but the German journalists insisted on it. One of the journalists asked whether the fact that Azerbaijan is ranked in 160th place of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index does not worry Aliev. As an answer to this question Aliev said that Azerbaijan does not have any problem with the Press Freedom Index and all rights and freedoms in his country are preserved.

"Many magazines are being published in Azerbaijan, there is an unlimited and free access to the Internet which is used by 75 percent of the population, there is no censorship, there is a right of peaceful demonstrations and gatherings, which take place without any restrictions,"- added Aliev.

In her turn the German Chancellor reminded that Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe and consequently, is obliged to protect human rights, to adhere to democracy and the rule of law. "We think that there are cases in the field of human rights that have caused our criticism," – said Merkel and reminded that Germany is interested in having reliable legal basis for German foundations and organizations that work in Azerbaijan. "Concerning these issues our opinions differ," – stressed the German Chancellor.

Merkel and Aliev also discussed the geopolitical situation of the region, the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Merkel announced that Germany wants to take a mediating role in the resolution of the conflict. According to her they share the same view with the President of Azerbaijan that there should be a peaceful settlement of the conflict, writes newsru.com citing the official website of the government of Germany.

"Germany seeks to take a mediating role in the resolution of the conflict. We consider that the Council of Europe and the European Union could come forth with an initiative in that direction and have a certain contribution to the settlement of the conflict. Azerbaijan is holding consultations with the European Commission in this respect," – said Merkel, reports Interfax.