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Special representative of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Joao Soares held on Tuesday a meeting with representatives of political parties during his visit to Baku. The head of the OSCE Office in Baku Koray Targay also attended the meeting, the Azerbaijani information agency Turan reported.

As the agency was told, according to one of the participants, Panah Huseyn, the opposition focused on the "heavy political situation on the eve of the presidential elections, the intensification of repression against political activists, brutal violation of the freedom of expression and the press, banning rallies."

Moreover, the authorities continue toughening the legislation and prepare amendments to increase the periods of administrative arrest for disobeying police and violation of the rules of demonstrations. Mubariz Gurbanly, the representative of the ruling party "Yeni Azerbaijan" disagreed.

Soaresh said in response that is well informed about the situation in Azerbaijan. It negatively assessed the idea of the Azerbaijani authorities to diminish the status of OSCE Baku office.

The meeting was also attended by leaders of the "Musavat" party, the Popular Front, "Umid", Civil Solidarity, Great Creation, etc.

Next presidential elections in Azerbaijan are to be held in October 2013. March 14, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Gary Robbins told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna about the plans of the official Baku to limit the power and the mission of the Organization in Baku. Later, Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev stated that Baku has sent a letter to the OSCE in connection with lowering the status of the mission.