Leading oppositionist: “A joint commission on human rights will contribute to Azerbaijan’s compliance with commitments to the Council Of Europe”

“I believe this commission can make a valuable contribution to the resolution of problems concerning political prisoners as well as Azerbaijan’s rapprochement with the Council of Europe,” Mollazada told to Trend. He is a member of Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Last week, there was set up a group involving members of the staff of the Presidential Administration, Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan’s parliament) and human rights activists, who joined their efforts in a campaign to settle the problem of political prisoners.

According to Mollazada, the cooperation between state structures and human rights organizations is crucial for Azerbaijan in terms of the country’s moving towards the acceptance of European values, as well as the enhancement of relations with international organizations, raise of the country’s international profile and the strengthening of the country’s role (both at regional and international levels).

“This kind of cooperation needs to be strengthened, as such a move will contribute to Azerbaijan’s compliance with commitments to the Council of Europe. I think members of the above group must cooperate with European experts. I hope that the corresponding task force will soon take appropriate steps towards the settlement of the problem of political prisoners in the country,” Mollazada stressed.