The 12 February statement of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stephan Fule on supplements and amendments to the law on NGOs aimed at increasing transparency in the activity of civil society in the Republic of Azerbaijan and further improving NGOs and the current legal base in this sphere evokes surprise and misunderstanding.
It is interesting what “reliable” sources the EU referred to while making such remarks.
Since becoming a member of the Council of Europe, the Azerbaijani Republic has fulfilled task which it undertook, and the preparation and development of legislation as part of the cooperation of the European Council with the Venice Commission was considered.
The recent supplements and amendments made to the law on NGOs were thoroughly discussed by NGOs, the Azerbaijani Parliament, the Ministry of Justice and representatives of international organizations and proposals put forward by civil society representatives were also taken into consideration.
It was finally decided that the recent supplements and amendments developed basing on the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic and the European Convention on Human Rights would contribute to increasing transparency in the activity of civil society and developing the NGOs.
The legislation of the Azerbaijani Republic regulating NGO and civil society activities is no inferior to legislation of EU countries in this field, and in contrast, it is more democratic compared to legislation of some European countries.
The statement made by the European Union without seeing and assessing measures taken and achievements made toward the development of NGO and civil society in Azerbaijan shows biased approach and attempts of political pressure.
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