EU hopes Azerbaijani elections will be free and fair

Speaking at the Diplomatic Academy in Baku European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbouring Policy Stefan Fule said the EU is interested in free and fair elections in Azerbaijan.

"We have passed our suggestions and recommendations to the Azerbaijani government to improve the situation and make reforms. This applies to both the composition of election commissions, the creation of equal conditions for candidates, and freedom of assembly. We expect that the recommendations will be adopted and a democratic election situation will be established. The EU will conduct its monitoring, along with the others," Fule is quoted as saying by Azerbaijani media.

In his speech the EU official also urged enhanced ties between Azerbaijan and the EU in the spheres of defense, energy, culture and education.