Azerbaijani News Wires: Turan News Agency
November 8, 2005

AMERICA SAYS ABOUT FRAUD DURING PARLIAMENT ELECTION IN AZERBAIJAN, BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN RESULTS OF ELECTIONS ARE NOT RECOGNISED

WASHINGTON/08.11.05/TURAN: Deputy spokesman of the State Department Adam Ereli expressed opinion of the official Washington towards the results of the parliament elections in Azerbaijan at the briefing yesterady evening in Washington.

First he declared a statement of the State Department about the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The statement shares the view of the OSCE observer mission on the parliamentary elections. That assessment was that despite some improvements, there were major irregularities and fraud that are of serious concern. State Department urges the government of Azerbaijan to take immediate investigations into these irregularities and fraud consistent with Azerbaijan's laws, institutions and election legislation. All protests and demonstrations need to be peaceful, legal. All parties should refrain from violence, reads the statement.

Will relationship with Azeri government going to change? Answering to this question Ereli said it is significant wahat steps will be taken by Azeri goverment.

Does it mean now that the relationship cools or are they okay to go about doing business with you on oil and on military ties, as ever? - asked again a journalist.

"We're going to continue to have relationship with Azerbaijan. There's a number of a wide range of issues that we need to deal with Azerbaijan on - energy, security, counterterrorism, economic, political, regional, multilateral - so that's going to move forward. And I wouldn't, you know, at this point, make any specific linkages to what happened in this parliamentary election to any of those issues", said Ereli.

So USA can go forward on all these other issues, the economic, political, military, et cetera, with a government that steals an election?, - asked again the journalist.

Ereli did not accept the premise of the question and note, those instances of fraud and reports of major irregularity need to be investigated. They need to be investigated, pursuant to Azerbaijani laws and regulations and in ways that redress grievances of people participating peacefully in the political system. That is an important responsibility of any country that is committed to democracy and the rule of law and the rights of its citizens.

And as Azerbaijan moves forward in acting on those responsibilities and responding to incidences and reports of irregularities and fraud, so it will obviously have an impact on our relationship, said Ereli.

Does it mean that the United States accepts the results of these elections as being obtained by minimally consistent international laws?

To this question Ereli replied that US shares the view with the OSCE that the parliamentary elections did not meet international standards.

If those allegations of fraud are proven true, will US call for new elections or to take action?

Ereli replied that first of all one should wait what steps will make Azeri side in order to investigate and improve the situation.

"The issue is what - establishing the facts; second, taking action that is provided for in Azeri law; and third, try to produce an electoral result that is accepted as credible and representative of the will of the people", - noted Ereli.-0-

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION CALLS AZERI GOVERNMENT QUICKLY INVESTIGATE FACTS OF FRAUD MALPRACTICE IN A LARGE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: The Presidency of the European Union has been closely following events over the course of the Azerbaijan Parliamentary elections held on 6 November. The EU has previously welcomed measures to provide for better and more democratic elections. The Presidency of the EU notes that the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission recognise that these elections have shown some improvements on the Presidential election of November 2003 and previous Parliamentary elections. The Presidency of the EU welcomes the fact that a large number of OSCE/ODIHR observers have monitored these elections.

But the Presidency of the EU notes with disappointment the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission that the 6 November parliamentary elections fell short of OSCE, Council of Europe, and other European standards. In addition to problems relating to the campaign, which the EU raised in earlier statements, the Presidency of the EU is particularly concerned at reports of serious problems in the counting and tabulation of votes in a large number of constituencies, and at reports of interference by a number of Heads of local authorities in support of individual candidates.

It is essential that in those constituencies where complaints of fraud and malpractice have been made, the complaints are investigated fully, quickly and in a transparent manner, and that relevant action is taken as necessary. The Presidency of the EU will pay close attention to the way in which such complaints are handled.

The Presidency of the EU urges all parties and their supporters in this election, and the authorities, to respect due process of law and to refrain from violent confrontation.-0-

NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT DEMANDS PUNISHMENT OF THOSE TO BLAME FOR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS FALSIFICATION

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: "The Norwegian government deeply regrets that the conduct of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan was far from satisfying international standarts. The elections are a step back for democracy in Azerbaijan.

The Norwegian government urges Azerbaijani authorities to ensure punishment for everyone has committed fraud and taken part in harassment in connection with the elections," reads statement of Norwegian government submitted to TURAN by Norwegian embassy.

Norwegian Ambassador Steinar Gill told TURAN that all violations of law at polling stations must be investigated and proper assessment must be given to them.

He added that presidential decree on improvement of electoral practice is "an important document." Ambassador made it clear that if the principle of formation of electoral commissions is changed, this could play an important role in improvement of electoral practice. "We think that Azerbaijan has all required technical means to conduct democratic elections," said Ambassador.-0-

HEAD OF CEC MAZAHIR PANAHOV DO NOT EXCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF ELIMINATION OF THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS IN 10 DISTRICTS

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: The Head of CEC Mazahir Panahov does not exclude the possibility of elimination of the results of parliamentary elections in approximately 10 districts.

At yesterday's press-conference on the day of elections Panahov said that two days before the elections the CEC received 116 claims. He admitted that approximately in 10 districts the results of elections are doubtful. He told that all claims would be considered in accordance with the law.

Concerning tough critics on the part of the OSCE Panahov called not "to exaggerate" this question because international organizations usually "do not praise positive moments and focused on shortcomings". In the whole the elections were transparent and democratic.

According to him, the official results coincide by 85% with the results of exit poll, Conducted by the American PA Consulting.

Summarizing the results of elections, Panahov told that 46,8% took part in voting. The ruling party got 63 places, "Ana Veten" - 2, Civil Solidarity - 2, "Musavat" - 4, "Umid" - 1, Social benefit -1, PPFA - 2, party of Democratic Reforms - 1, Popular Front of United Azerbaijan - 1, Liberal party - 1, Great Creation - 1, Civil Solidarity - 1, independent -41, and the rest did not note their party belonging.

In two districts in the 57th Kurdamir and 63-rd Sabirabad first district. The situation is not quite clear. However, according to Panahov, 63-rd district won the representative of "Azadlig" bloc Panah Huseynov.-06D-

ILHAM ALIYEV PROMISES TO PUNISH PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR FALSIFICATION OF ELECTIONS

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: Parliamentary elections were conducted in a democratic atmosphere and expressed will of people, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Ilham Aliyev confessed in his televised interview that "there were irregularities in electoral districts No 7 and 8." Aliyev said that he has instructed General Prosecutor's Office to investigate these facts and bring officials to blame for that to administrative and if necessary to criminal responsibility.-0-

NATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT AND LIBERAL PARTY DO NOT RECOGNIZE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RESULTS

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: National Unity Movement and Liberal party refuse to recognize results of parliamentary elections, reads statement of these organizations.

The statement reads that the elections were marred by unequal conditions for political blocs, parties and candidates during elections, police and executive authorities' interference into voting procedure and other mass violations of law.

The statement demands cancellation of parliamentary elections' results, which were conducted with blatant violation of law, and conduct of new elections.-0-

MEMBERS OF DISTRICT ELECTION COMMISSION NO 71 REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE VOTING RESULTS

MASALLY/08.11.05/TURAN: Five of nine members of district election commission No 71 in Masally region refuse to recognize official voting results in this district. They claim that elections have been falsified and refuse to sign a final voting protocol.

Members of the commission abscond from law enforcement agencies. Their names are Einulla Pashayev, Communist party, Vidadi Nazarov, EAP, Elmidar Mamedguliyev, Liberal party, Faig Heydarov, ANIP, and Vilayat Mamedov, EAP.

According to official information, Elmira Ahundova, author of books about Heydar Aliyev and supporter of the ruling regime, won victory in this district with 31.02% votes. She calls herself an independent candidate.

According to results of exit poll held by AP Consulting Group, she collected 43.8% votes. But majority of observers claim that electors gave their votes for Vasait Azizov, candidate from Yeni Azerbaijan party.

According to legislation, six members must attend session of electoral commission. There are 39,000 electors in electoral district No71 and electors' attendance constituted 40%.-0-

EARTHQUAKE HIT SHEKI AND OGUZ REGIONS

BAKU/08.11.05/TURAN: Today at 10.27 a.m. earthquake hit Sheki and Oguz regions of Azerbaijan, report TURAN's correspondents from regions. Arif Hasanov, Director of National Academy's seismology service, said that quake tremors reached 3-4 magnitude, but casualties and damages are not reported.-0-

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS DID NOT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, OSCE BELIEVES

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan did not meet the obligations before the OSCE and the CE, standards of democratic elections, reads final press-release of the mission of the OSCE/ODIHR published at today's press-conference. 

The document reads that despite some improvements during pre-election period Uncertainty was evident with regard to key aspects of the progress such as voter registration , and continued restrictions on the freedom of assembly, a fundamental right, marred the campaign period. 

"The shortcomings that were observed particularly during election day have led us to conclude that the elections did not meet Azerbaijan's international commitments on elections. It pains me to report that progress noted in the pre-election period was undermined by significant deficiencies in the count," said Alcee Hastings , president of the OSCE PA and the Special Coordinator for the short-term observers. 

The Head of the delegation from the PA CE Leo Platvoet said: "The CE is the guardian par excellence of democratic principles . These were not fully respected in this elections." 

According to him, 43% were accompanied with serious shortcomings. Thus, the authorities fulfilled a number of recommendations of international organizations only formally or partially. 

"These were elections with good intentions and bad practice," he said. He mentioned wrong use of ink , not knowing of obligation by most of the members of election commissions and authorities, and so on. 

The head of the mission of long-term observers ODIHR/OSCE Gert Arens and of European parliament Marie Beguin were less critical , and they noted both negative and positive moments during parliament elections in Azerbaijan.-0-- -0-

USAID EXIT-POLL WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF POLITICAL NEUTRALITY STATES US EMBASSY

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: The US Exit Poll sampled voters in sixty-five randomly chosen constituencies located througout Azerbaijan. Results have been posted on the USAID Exit Poll website (www.USAIDAzExitPoll.com), reads the US Embassy press-release. 

THis exit poll has been subject to criticism by both the goverment and some opposition parties. Any allegations made by any group or persons were quickly and fully investigated on the day of the election and in not one instabce were any complications uncovered that would affect the results of the polling. PA Consulting introduced extensive controls into the exit poll process to ensure that no individual - regardless of his or her political leanings - could adversely influence the results. There is no evodence to indicate that these controls were not fully effective throughout the exit polling process. 

The USAID Exit Poll was also the only exit poll to deploy international observes to monitor the exit polling itself. This exit poll was conducted with the levels of of professionalism and precision required for the such a major undertaking, in accordance with the four main orinciples established at the outset-political neutrality/objectivity, transparency. anonymity of particiipants and professionalism. USAID and PA Consulting proudly stand by this work.-0- 

VLADIMIR RUSHAYLO IS HAPPY WITH THE ELECTIONS HELD IN AZERBAIJAN 

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: Press-conference of the delegation of observers from CIS countries led by the head of the mission Vladimir Rushaylo took place today in the "Gulistan" palace. 

Expressing the opinion of delegation of observers he told that the parliamentary elections held in Azerbaijan" meet the norms of legislation and democratic standards".--04C-- 

"AZADLIG" BLOC DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE RESULTS OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS AND IS GOING TO OBTAIN THEIR ELIMINATION

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: The election bloc "Azadlig" does not recognize the results of parliamentary elections on November 6. Bloc will demand liquidation the results of election and conduction of new parliamentary elections, Turan told at the press conference the leader of Musavat Isa Gambar. He told that the Azadlig bloc is going to act peaceful constitutional methods. Gambar told that the authorities did not sanctioned the action of protest intended for November 8. In this respect the rally demonstration will take place on November 9 at 15.00 in Gelebe square. 

According to Gambar, the elections were totally falsified and reminded military- police operation. "The polling stations have been captured, the members of commission have been forced out and observers stole bulletins," Gambar said. He added that it was done by the representatives of power and ruling party. 

Gambar called international community "not to recognize the results of elections and to support Azeri democrats". "We call the whole free world to support us," he said. 

The head of the PPFA Ali Kerimli stated that despite falsifications people of Azerbaijan supported opposition. 

According to him, beginning from today the bloc will claim in the courts the results of elections in order to obtain elimination of the results of falsified elections. He` believes that " the level of falsifications exceeded all previous elections held when Heydar Aliyev was in power". 

The leader of the Liberal party Lala Shovket stated that she supported the "Azadlig" bloc. According to her, the Liberal party will take part in fight of Azadlig bloc for democracy and elimination of falsified elections. "We are ready to this fight and will go till very end," she said. --02C-- 

BLOC "YES" DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS AND IS GOING TO COOPERATE WITH AZADLIG BLOC AGAINST FALSIFICATION OF ELECTIONS 

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: The election bloc "YeS" made a statements in support of Azadlig bloc and announced about cooperation with them against falsification of elections. 

The statement reads that serious shortcomings took place during the elections. The representative of the bloc Eldar Namazov had preference on the results of exit-poll, however, the authorities falsified the result of voting. 

Bloc "YeS" does not recognize the results of elections and will fight against them within the frameworks of the law. In particular, appeal to courts, and demand bringing to justice people allowing falsification. -05D04- 

FACTS OF VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF JOURNALISTS DURING THE PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN

BAKU/07.11.05/TURAN: According to press-release of the committee of protection of the rights of journalists, during the parliament election November 6 correspondents of Yeni Musavat paper sublected force. Mahabbat Orudlev was beat and detained at the 17th electoral district. of Sabunchi area. Police deliver him to the 14-th police station of the Sabunchi region where he spent several hours. 

Azer Ayhan and Rey Karim oglu subjected to the police force at the 5th district of the same area. 

At the 44th Garadag district a correspondent of the paper Paytaht Anar Orujev was pushed out by group of unknown people. 

In the city Ali-Bayramli a correspondent of the regional paper Gyrhchirag Shakir Izzat oglu subjected to the violance while covering the election process. 

According to the "Baki habar" paper three correspondent of this paper as well subjected violance. It happened at the 36th district of Hatai area with the correspondent Nabi Alishev, at the 26th Sabunchi district with Habiba Abdulla and 20yj Narimanov distruct with the correspondent Ruslan Bashirli.-02D-