Azerbaijani expert: Aliyev overreacts to any criticism in PACE
Ilham Aliyev’s speech has left bad impression with the PACE members, said the expert Arastun Orujlu, commenting on the president's speech in PACE as well as his answers to MPs’ questions, reported the Azerbaijani news agency "Turan".
"In general, there was nothing new he said, but that’s how he speaks in Azerbaijan, but to act in such a way and manner in the West is too much," said the expert.
According to Orujlu Aliyev overreacted to every criticism. "Complete denial of problems and categorical rejection of the most obvious things, like the violation of freedoms, arrests of journalists and harassment of civil society are very worrying factors," he said.
Thus, according to the expert, Aliyev proved that he is going to continue acting however he wants, and is not ready for any dialogue with the opponents. And not only with its citizens, but also with the Western partners. "This is a very dangerous behavior, which does not bode well," he added.
"Turan" notes that most of the questions posed to the Azerbaijani President were unpleasant for him. "Thus, the MEPs were asking about dozens of political prisoners existing in the country, about PACE rapporteur who was not allowed to the country, the arrest of activists and violation of the right of freedom of assembly, the arrest of journalists and violations of free speech," says the agency.
It is noted also that most acutely Aliyev responded to the question on election frauds. Aliyev, threatening the British MP, who posed him this question, by his finger, accused him of lying, "Turan" writes.
On June 23 draft resolution entitled "Azerbaijan's chairmanship at the Council of Europe: what steps are taken in terms of respect for human rights?" was approved at PACE Bureau meeting in Strasbourg; the draft was initiated by the Irish MP Michael McNamara. The process of monitoring was entrusted to the PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights.