OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: ARREST AND DETENTION OF

UNCLAS STATE 076734 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OSCE PGOV PHUM PREL AJ SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: ARREST AND DETENTION OF TWO NGO LEADERS IN AZERBAIJAN ¶1. Post is authorized to make the following statement at the July 23 meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna: Begin Text: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Freedom of expression is a fundamental OSCE freedom and integral to the democratic process in every democratic country. The United States is concerned about the recent arrest and detention of Azerbaijani NGO leaders Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade. We note reports that they were beaten and then detained pending trial, while their assailants were released. We are also concerned by credible reports that the police initially denied the Messrs. Milli and Hajizade access to their lawyers, and that they have yet to receive adequate medical care. We have raised our concerns with senior officials of the Government of Azerbaijan, including law enforcement officials, and will continue to do so. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to release Milli and Hajizadeh pending trial. We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to ensure that Mr. Milli and Mr. Hajizade are granted proper access to legal assistance and medical care. We also ask urge that the Government of Azerbaijan exercise due process. We welcome recent positive steps taken by the Government of Azerbaijan this year, such as the release of several journalists form prison, and criticism by President Aliyev of the use of criminal courts for libel cases. The United States remains committed to working together with the government and people of Azerbaijan to address the many challenges that remain to accelerate democratic reforms, including on freedom of expression and association, and the full range of OSCE commitments, which are integral to the democratic process in every State. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. CLINTON