Head of OSCE Office in Baku holds reporting press conference

Outgoing Head of OSCE Office in Baku Ali Bilge Cankorel held a reporting press conference.

Noting that he had been working in Azerbaijan for more than two years, Ambassador said OSCE office had implemented over 120 projects. These projects cover various spheres from struggle against domestic violence to election procedures. The diplomat also touched on the initiative on dialogue among the political parties.

"It has been the first initiative in the past eight years and we have managed to establish relations with all the political parties. We will continue efforts in this field and hope for the continuation of this dialogue in the coming weeks," he said.

Ali Bilge Cankorel said he would leave Azerbaijan within the next two weeks, another person would succeed him. That person will lead the initiative on political dialogue.

Noting that they attached importance to the legal awareness, OSCE’s representative said the office had monitored about 2500 court hearings, OSCE established four resource centers in various cities and regions of Azerbaijan. These centers offer legal aid to the citizens.

Ali Bilge Cankorel said OSCE Office had also established useful cooperation with the local law-enforcement bodies, 30 visits had been made to the detention facilities of the local police offices. Project on community policing is being implemented with Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry.

As regards the OSCE-implemented projects, which have not produced complete results, the state of implementation of the law on freedom of assembly, organization of election commissions, registration of candidates and other issues were noted.


/APA/