12:12, 10 January 2008

European Union welcomes release of five journalists in Azerbaijan

The European Union has positively perceived the pardon act of 119 Azerbaijani inmates, five journalists among them. In its statement, the EU has welcomed the decision of Azerbaijani authorities and expressed hope for release of the remaining three detained journalists (Sakit Zakhidov, Ganimat Zakhidov and Einullah Fatullaev) and for introduction of moratorium on criminal prosecution for slander.

"The European Union welcomes the long-waited release of five journalists on the occasion of the Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. The President's decree is a positive step towards realization by Azerbaijan of its international obligations on the freedom of press," the EU's statement runs.

"The European Union believes that this sort of political gesture could strengthen the Azerbaijan-EU partnership and create a more favourable atmosphere on the eve of the pre-election campaign," the document remarks.

Earlier, the release of five journalists was greeted by the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

Author: Rafael Gasanov, CK correspondent