Azerbaijani Opposition Charges US with ‘Double Standards’

Azerbaijani opposition leaders charge that a recent US embassy statement on the results of the November 6 parliamentary elections signals that Washington has "betrayed" the opposition and decided to put geopolitical interests ahead of the cause of democratic reform. The criticism comes as a sharp about-face from the campaign period, when opposition ads and media routinely presented the US as the safeguard for democracy in Azerbaijan. Though the US has denied the opposition's charges, a Wednesday meeting between US Ambassador Reno Harnish and key opposition leaders has reportedly done little to assuage these concerns.

A US embassy statement, issued on December 2, opening day for Azerbaijan's new parliament, congratulated the Constitutional Court for canceling election results in ten constituencies allegedly tainted by fraud, and expressed optimism about working with newly elected members of parliament. It urged the government "to press ahead with prosecution of those who engaged in fraud," called on police to "respect the rights of peaceful free assembly," and reminded authorities about the need to hold fresh elections in the ten constituencies in accordance with international standards.

The embassy's reaction to the Constitutional Court decision, which removed mandates for Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) Chairman Ali Kerimli and PFPA activist Gulamguseyn Alibeyli, has prompted outrage by members of the tripartite Azadlig (Freedom) bloc, Azerbaijan's largest election alliance which unites the PFPA, Musavat Party and Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.

In a December 3 statement, the leaders of Azadlig, and the opposition Liberal and National Independence Parties expressed "surprise and regret concerning the hasty welcoming statement by the US about the Constitutional Court's decision."

"The US used a