US calls on Azerbaijan to respect freedoms, avoid violence

The U.S. called here Thursday on the Government of Azerbaijan to respect the freedoms of "peaceful assembly, association, and speech," and urged restraint and avoidance of violence following the elections. State Department Spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement that the U.S. "continuously urged the Government of Azerbaijan to ensure a free and fair electoral process and to respect the freedoms of assembly, association, and speech." "It is with regret that we conclude this election fell short of international standards," she remarked. She shed light on the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly preliminary statement of the "serious shortcomings that need to be addressed in order for Azerbaijan to fully meet its OSCE commitments." She said that the U.S. "agrees with this assessment and shares OSCE concerns." She pointed out that "leading up to election day, the Government of Azerbaijan also maintained a repressive political environment. Authorities interfered with the media and civil society routinely, sometimes violently interrupted peaceful rallies and meetings before and occasionally during the campaign period, and jailed a number of opposition and youth activists." "Democracy is more than one election," she remarked. She affirmed "we remain committed to supporting the people of Azerbaijan and working with the Government to further efforts to achieve Azerbaijan's full potential as a stable, prosperous, and democratic member of the international community."