Andreas Herkel: "I will raise the issue of radio stations at the PACE winter session"

He noted that the discussions on the Azerbaijani elections were mainly held in Madrid.

"I do not rule out that if there is time, I will inform on the latest developments of the situation, including halt of functioning of radio stations as well as a referendum, scheduled for March.

Asked about the possible attitude of the European parliamentariants to these two points, he noted:

"I do not think that these steps are signs of democratic development. I am deeply concerned over this issue, as if we take the overall situation with freedom of speech in Azerbaijan, certainly the discontinue of functioning of foreign radio stations on the national frequencies is a sensitive context.

As for the term of presidency, it is not common to think that there are no limits there. In this sense, I think such a situation should be presented to the attention of the parliamentary assembly.

Herkel said he may visit Azerbaijan after the January session of PACE.

"I can not say definitely when I will come. We, with Zhivkova, have not yet coordinated this date, but I think it will occur either in February or in March.

He said during the winter session the main issues will be primarily Georgia and Russia. Herkel did not rule out that relations between Israel and Palestine will also be discussed. "But this is a new development and I find it difficult to say anything on this issue".

/Day.Az/