Participants of "European March" speak for democratic development in Azerbaijan

On May 9, about 150 young people took part in the "European March" in Baku, which was organized by Azerbaijani European Movement (AEM). Unsanctioned action took place without incidents.

The action was timed to coincide with the Europe Day, which is celebrated in the European Union countries on May 9. The basis for celebration of the Europe Day was the date of May 9, 1950, when it was announced about the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Union, which was later converted to the present European Union.

Despite the fact that the executive authorities of Baku did not sanctioned the action, the police did not interfere with the march. Several police officers only accompanied the participants of the action during the march.

Being dressed in blue T-shirts with yellow stars, symbolizing the EU flag, the young people began to march along the seaside boulevard. They were holding the flags of Azerbaijan, Turkey, the EU, and different countries of the European Union. The marchers carried in their hands banners reading: "Europe Day", "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity", "Freedom", "Democracy", "Diversity", "Peace", "Freedom of Media", "Human Rights", and "Free Market". Young people voiced no slogans.

The participants of the action passed along the boulevard about 300 meters to the parachute tower and then released into the sky coloured balloons and doves, symbols of peace.

People, resting in the boulevard, showed no particular interest in the action and passively observed the event.

"I do not know what these young people want. However, they organized all the action in a nice way. We can see from their faces and their behaviour that they are nice, culture, and good guys. When you see something like that, your soul rejoices. So, we can be safe and calm about the future of the country," said Kheiransa Iskenderova, the 67-year-old resident of Baku.

The action lasted about 30 minutes and took place without incidents.