Albania, vote for Azerbaijan

Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Spain were lobbying against this resolution. The Albanian delegation, represented by MPs Kastriot Islami, Lajla Pernaska and Shpetim Idrizi voted against the resolution in general and in favour of Azerbaijan, who reject the basic position of the Assembly on this matter.

“The report for the definition of the political prisoners was very simple. It had only three paragraphs for the definition, explaining that those who are considered terrorists are excluded from this status, and appeals all member countries to follow this definition”, declared Mailir Reps, member of the Commission of Laws and human rights, PACE.

“The ‘magic’ amend, amend nr.2, undermined the entire institution of the Council of Europe, since it said that the member countries can establish the “political prisoner” definition on their own, and that for special occasions thy might refer to the European Court for Human Rights, about who can be considered “politically persecuted”. The amend also says that the Parliamentary Assembly must not define the basis of the human rights and freedom, while this is what we are doing here for every debate and resolution. It damaged the entire institution. Naturally, this is something for which Albania must feel ashamed, because they have the Presidency”, Reps declared.

The Albanian MP Shpetim Idrizi, explained for Top Channel outside the cameras that Azerbaijan had lobbied strongly, and this justified the vote of the Albanian delegation against the resolution and in favour of a problematic amend, simply by offering solidarity to the requests of Azerbaijan.

Prepared by: Arta Tozaj
 

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