Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with civil society representatives in Azerbaijan on Monday in Baku to stress the importance the EU attaches to civil society, the European Commission said.

The meeting offered opportunity to exchange views about the activities of the civil society in Azerbaijan, its engagement with the authorities and the recent crackdown on prominent human rights activists.

Commissioner Füle highlighted the important role of Azerbaijani civil society in advocating democratic reforms, supporting the reform process and holding the government to account.

"You have a vital role in promoting democracy, the rule of law and defending fundamental freedoms," he said to representatives of a dozen civil society organisations. "The EU admires your dedication despite the restrictions you are facing. We are watching closely the situation and have repeatedly expressed our concern at the changes to NGO legislation, as well as the arrests and sentencing of so many prominent members of civil society. Public debate and divergent opinions are indispensable in a stable democracy they should not be seen as threats."

Commissioner Füle also announced a new programme to support civil society that was just adopted by the European Commission. This programme will promote

activities of civil society organisations working on democracy, human rights and promoting fundamental freedoms.

Targeted support (such as training programmes, seminars, conferences, advocacy, legal aid, awareness raising, analysis, research, monitoring and reporting) will be provided to build the capacity of civil society and strengthen its role in promoting reforms and accountability. The priority areas of the action include: freedom of expression, freedom and pluralism of media, electoral support, freedom of association, promotion of non-discrimination and gender, ethnic and religious equality, the protection of vulnerable groups and anti-corruption.

Bakudaily.Az