French President, Francois Olan, during an official visit to Azerbaijan, held a meeting with representatives of civil society. The meeting was attended by the co-founder of the civil movement "Republican Alternative " (ReAl) Erkin Gadirli , chairman of the party "Musavat" Isa Gambar , chairman of the Popular Front Party Ali Kerimli, commentator of radio "Azadliq" Khadija Ismailova , director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy, Leyla Yunus , Director of Turan news agency, Mehman Aliyev.
The French President was informed about the state of human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan, including such issues as violations of human rights , freedom of expression and assembly, electoral fraud , political persecution , and corruption. Particular attention was given to the growth of the number of political prisoners in the country. The aspiration of Azerbaijani civil society to European integration and democracy was noted. Representatives of civil society organizations called France to show more attention to the situation in Azerbaijan, and to assist to carry out political and economic reforms.
The French president said that the specified range of issues has always been in sight of France, which is doing everything possible to promote the values of democracy and the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU.
In particular, France will closely monitor the upcoming municipal elections in Azerbaijan and expects the democratization of the electoral legislation.
The President also noted that the ideas expressed during the meeting and the visit itself will serve the development of Azerbaijan as a strong democratic state.
Bakudaily.az
