Barroso calls Azerbaijani authorities to release journalist Fatullaev

The European Union welcomes release from prison of two bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Gadjizade and hopes for soon release of journalist Fatullaev. This was stated today in Baku by Jose-Manuel Barroso, head of the European Commission, who answered local journalists' question about his satisfaction with the state of democracy in Azerbaijan.

"We had a frank conversation on this topic with President Ilham Aliev. It is important that Azerbaijan fulfils its obligations and continues political and economic reforms. The EU is ready to support these initiatives. We also understand quite well the concerns about political stability in the society," said Mr Barroso.

"We are satisfied with the decision to release the two bloggers and are closely monitoring the case of the convicted journalist Fatullaev, anticipating his release," he added.

The day before, the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev also noted that he had discussed the topic of political and economic reforms in Azerbaijan with Mr Barroso.

Let us remind you that on the outcomes of the talks the parties signed the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Commission on the 2011-2013 National Indicative Programme" and the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Commission on the Framework Document of the Programme of Comprehensive Institutional Building".

In the evening on January 13, Messrs Ilham Aliev and Jose-Manuel Barroso also signed the "Joint Declaration on Southern Corridor", which supports natural gas deliveries from Azerbaijan to Europe.