Samad Seyidov: PACE won’t discuss Azerbaijani referendum separately

Baku. Ramiz Mikayiloghlu-APA. The Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) will not hold separate discussions on the referendum held in Azerbaijan, Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov told APA.

 

Seyidov said that in every session, the PACE provides an overview of the work done within the half year. "Perhaps, in this context, the Azerbaijani referendum can be touched upon. However, no separate discussion is intended at the PACE on the referendum”, he said.

 

Touching on the opinion of the Venice Commission on the proposed changes and amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan, Seyidov noted that the Venice Commission is an advisory body of the Council of Europe. The Venice Commission has more than 70 member countries. It expresses its opinion on whatever happens in those countries. However, the Venice Commission’s opinion, as well as the one on the changes and amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan is not the definite and true opinion of the CoE. This is an attitude. The Venice Commission, as well as the observers visiting Azerbaijan to monitor the referendum and other international organizations may also express attitude towards the referendum. Therefore, it is absolutely wrong to present the opinion of the Venice Commission as principal opinion.  There can be various opinions. For example, the opposition, the Venice Commission, observation missions each have their own opinion”, said Seyidov.