Chancellor Merkel should pressure Azerbaijan over its record on human rights and corruption – Transparency International

YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, ARMENPRESS. When Angela Merkel visits Azerbaijan this weekend, the German chancellor should pressure the government over its record on human rights, corruption and treatment of activists, Transparency International Secretariat said in a statement, reports Armenpress.

“According tomedia reports, a key item on Chancellor Merkel’s agenda is German support for the Southern Corridor natural gas pipelines. Germany is reportedly considering granting Azerbaijan a€1.2bn loantowards the project.

“Both Azerbaijan and Germany are entitled to seek a good deal from Chancellor Merkel’s visit to Azerbaijan this weekend. But as the leader of most influential member of the European Union, Chancellor Merkel must ensure that her actions promote and represent European values, and bring enduring results forthe release of political prisoners and easedrestrictions onfunding for civil society organizations”, said Adam Foldes, legal advisor at Transparency International. Transparency International’s chapter in Azerbaijan has significantly minimized its activities due to problems with state registration of foreign funding.

“Last month, MEPs called for future European relations with Azerbaijan to be predicated on supporting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Germany should adhere to the same principle in its dealings with the country”, continues Foldes.

In July,MEPs recommendedthat the EU“put in place specific provisions to help Azerbaijan to fight economic crime, including corruption, money laundering and tax evasion, and back investigations into laundering schemes, notably the “Laundromat” affair.”

The ‘Azerbaijani Laundromat’ refers to a US$2.9bn slush fund allegedly sponsored by the Azerbaijani government that used shell companies to launder money andbribe European politicians to suppress independent human rights reports, finance fake election observation missions andlaunder the reputation of Azerbaijan.

In negotiating any deal with the government of Azerbaijan, the German government should insist on freedom for political prisoners, a free and pluralistic media landscape, space for activists to protest and participate in decision making, and concrete measures against corruption”, the statement said.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan