2017/2056(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to United Nations Security Council resolutions 882, 853, 874 and 884,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2

– having regard to the launch on 7 February 2017 of negotiations between the European Union and Azerbaijan on a new comprehensive agreement, which ought to replace 1999 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part and the republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part, [1] OJ L 246, 17.9.1999, p. 0003-0051

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict ~~in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and~~ notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high- level talks, genuine confidence-building measures and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;

Amendment 101 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ~~ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to an enhanced EU participation in~~underline the EU's full support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their efforts to peacefully solv~~ing~~e the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles ~~and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high-level talks, genuine~~in accordance with the principles of the non- use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self- determination of peoples; to urge all sides of the conflict to adhere to the ceasefire regime with full respect of the 1994 - 1995 ceasefire agreements, to implement confidence- building measures and ~~exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society~~to reduce the tension on the Line of Contact, including the OSCE investigative mechanism;

Amendment 103 #

Lars ADAKTUSSON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to ~~an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving~~reaffirm full support for the efforts of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group regarding the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno -Karabakh conflict in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high-level talks, genuine confidence-building measures and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society, based on the norms and principles of international law, in particular those concerning the non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity and the equal rights and self- determination of peoples; we ensure that all sides of the conflict adhere to the ceasefire regime with full respect to the 1994-1995 ceasefire agreements, to implement confidence-building measures and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society, and to reduce tensions on the Line of Contact, including OSCE investigative mechanism and other measures agreed during the Summits in Vienna, St. Petersburg and Geneva;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia ~~and to an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving~~, to stronger EU support for a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on the basis of the central principles of the Helsinki Final Act and, in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as direct high- level talks, genuine confidence-building measures with a long-term impact as a precondition for overcoming the prevailing absolutely uncompromising attitudes on both sides, the conclusion of a binding agreement completely renouncing the use of violence, the introduction of an effective system for monitoring the ceasefire, measures to help the parties to the conflict to disengage and disarm, refraining from any activity on either side in the conflict region which would have an impact on a final resolution of the conflict, prosecution of those manifestly responsible for war crimes, and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high- level talks, genuine confidence-building measures and deeper exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k

(k) to ensure that high priority is given to dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to an enhanced EU participation in peacefully solving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in line with the UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884 of 1993, OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and notably with the support of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, promoting all initiatives conducive to peace-building such as high- level talks, genuine confidence-building measures and exchanges between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society; emphasise the need to actively curb the hate speech and prepare Armenian and Azerbaijani societies for peaceful co-existence;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)

(ka) to ensure coherence of EU policy on situations of occupation or annexation of territory and ensure, therefore, that no products from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are exported illegally to the EU;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)

(ka) to call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and their return to Azerbaijani control;

Amendment 109 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)

(kb) recalls EP position expressed in the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 9 July 2015 that the occupation of territory of a partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the ENP;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5

– having regard to the Joint Declarations of the ~~Brussels~~ Eastern Partnership Summits, including that of 24 November 2017,

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k c (new)

(kc) to call for immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan to restore its territorial integrity, and to end the on- going conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers whilst depriving hundreds of thousands IDPs of the right to return to their homelands, and hampering socioeconomic development;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k d (new)

(kd) recalls its position that the occupation by one country of the Eastern Partnership of the territory of another violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the Eastern Partnership and that the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict should comply with UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 of 1993 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Basic Principles;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k e (new)

(ke) to underline that the on-going occupation of the Azerbaijani territories is a violation of international law and is contrary to the founding principles of the European Neighbourhood Policy, thereby jeopardising the whole Eastern Partnership project;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k f (new)

(kf) to reiterate deep concerns on illegal activities exercised by Armenian troops on the occupied Azerbaijani territories, namely regular military manoeuvres, renewal of military hardware and personnel and the deepening of defensive echelons;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k g (new)

(kg) to call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and their return to Azerbaijani control;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k g (new)

(kg) to call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and their return to Azerbaijani control;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k h (new)

(kh) recalls its position that the occupation by one country of the Eastern Partnership of the territory of another violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the Eastern Partnership and that the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict should comply with UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 of 1993 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Basic Principles;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k h (new)

(kh) recalls its position that the occupation by one country of the Eastern Partnership of the territory of another violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the Eastern Partnership and that the resolution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict should comply with UN Security Council resolutions822, 853, 874 and 884 of 1993 and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Basic Principles;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k i (new)

(ki) recalls the EP position expressed in the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 9 July 2015 that the occupation of territory of a partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the ENP;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k j (new)

(kj) to call for immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan to restore its territorial integrity, and to end the on- going conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers whilst depriving hundreds of thousands IDPs of the right to return to their homelands, and hampering socioeconomic development;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on European Neighbourhood Policy as well as resolution of 9 July 2015 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k k (new)

(kk) to underline that the on-going occupation of the Azerbaijani territories is a violation of international law and is contrary to the founding principles of the European Neighbourhood Policy, thereby jeopardising the whole Eastern Partnership project;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k l (new)

(kl) to reiterate deep concerns on illegal activities exercised by Armenian troops on the occupied Azerbaijani territories, namely regular military manoeuvres, renewal of military hardware and personnel and the deepening of defensive echelons;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k m (new)

(km) recalls the EP position expressed in the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 9 July 2015 that the occupation of territory of a partner country violates the fundamental principles and objectives of the ENP;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k n (new)

(kn) to reaffirm EU’s commitment to support Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k n (new)

(kn) to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to support Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders;

Amendment 125 #

Lars ADAKTUSSON, Anders VISTISEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k o (new)

(ko) to consider the best practices, from the recent post conflict areas in South- eastern Europe, to foster dialogue between prominent cultural and religious leaders on peace and reconciliation in order to ease the tensions in the area of conflicts;

Amendment 126 #

Eleni THEOCHAROUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k p (new)

(kp) to seek the commitment of the Azerbaijani authorities that the situations, similar to the glorification of the criminal Ramil Safarov never happen again; recalls that Safarov was convicted by a court of the European Union Member State for the heinous murder with an axe of an Armenian serviceman during a NATO-sponsored language course in Hungary on the basis of national hatred, and who was extradited to Azerbaijan as a result of false guarantees given to a Member State and immediately granted a pardon and presented as a national hero by the president of Azerbaijan; in this regard recalls the resolution of 13 September 2012 on Azerbaijan: the Ramil Safarov case;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k q (new)

(kq) to underline the importance of refraining from resorting to hate speech, war threats and inflammatory xenophobic rhetoric by Azerbaijani authorities, including at the highest level;

Amendment 128 #

Jaromír ŠTĚTINA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k r (new)

(kr) to ensure that Azerbaijani authorities immediately cease the practice of positioning military equipment in the civilian areas and thus endangering its own civilian population living in close vicinity to the conflict zone;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k s (new)

(ks) to express deep concern at the military build-up and the disproportionate defence-spending in the region and highlight the importance of defusing tension and prevent the risk of new fights with regard, in particular to a negotiated disengagement and disarmament around the ceasefire line; to support, in this regard, the enhancement of the OSCE mission and the substantial increase of the number of international observers;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on European Neighbourhood Policy as well as resolution of 9 July 2015 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy,

Amendment 130 #

Eleni THEOCHAROUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;

Amendment 131 #

Marek JUREK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions ~~to support the authorities’ important efforts in ai~~on EU's assistance in conflict resolution and confidence building in the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes framework or in support of existing agreed negotiating formats and processes, including when appropriate via assistance directed at mitigating the situation of the civiliand prop~~erty and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR~~ulation, affected by the conflict;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to insist that the rights of all persons living within the border of Azerbaijan, whether temporary or permanent are respected; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to inducing both parties to the conflict to uphold~~ing~~ their right of Azerbaijani and Armenian civilians who have fled to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons which is a consequence of the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

(l) to put in place specific provisions to support the authorities’ important efforts in aiding the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons resulting from the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian forces, as recognized by relevant UNSC resolutions as well as UNGA resolution of 2008 and to support civilians living in conflict areas within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised borders; to contribute in particular to upholding their right to return to their homes and property and to be awarded compensation in line with the rulings of the ECHR;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)

(la) to assist Azerbaijan in dealing with problems that the country has been facing as a result of massive forced internal displacement from Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area, and to act resolutely for the protection and restoration of the rights of displaced people, including their rights to return, property rights and the right to personal security;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)

(lb) to express concerns that hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs who fled their homes during or in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war remain displaced and denied their rights, including the right to return, property rights and the right to personal security; calls on all parties to unambiguously and unconditionally recognize these rights, the need for their prompt realisation and for a prompt solution to this problem that respects the principles of international law; demands, in this regard, the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by deployment of international forces to be organised with respect of the UN Charter in order to provide the necessary security guarantees in a period of transition, which will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and allow the displaced persons to return to their homes and further conflicts caused by homelessness to be prevented; calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities and leaders of relevant communities to demonstrate their commitment to the creation of peaceful inter-ethnic relations through practical preparations for the return of displaced persons; considers that the situation of the IDPs and refugees should be dealt with according to international standards, including with regard to the recent PACE Recommendation 1877(2009), ‘Europe’s forgotten people: protecting the human rights of long-term displaced persons;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)

– having regard to its Annual report on the implementation of CFSP of 13 December 2017,

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)

(lb) to express concerns that hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs who fled their homes during or in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war remain displaced and denied their rights, including the right to return, property rights and the right to personal security; calls on all parties to unambiguously and unconditionally recognise these rights, the need for their prompt realisation and for a prompt solution to this problem that respects the principles of international law; demands, in this regard, the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by deployment of international forces to be organised with respect of the UN Charter in order to provide the necessary security guarantees in a period of transition, which will ensure the security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and allow the displaced persons to return to their homes and further conflicts caused by homelessness to be prevented; calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities and leaders of relevant communities to demonstrate their commitment to the creation of peaceful inter-ethnic relations through practical preparations for the return of displaced persons; considers that the situation of the IDPs and refugees should be dealt with according to international standards, including with regard to the recent PACE Recommendation 1877(2009), ‘Europe’s forgotten people: protecting the human rights of long-term displaced persons’;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l c (new)

(lc) to reiterate its serious concern that hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees who fled their native lands in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remain displaced and to reaffirm the right of all IDPs and refugees to return to their places of origin in safety and dignity;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l c (new)

Amendment 143 #

Eleni THEOCHAROUS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l d (new)

(ld) to call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately terminate the malpractice of keeping refugees and other conflict affected civilians in segregated facilities and dire conditions and without delay to take all the necessary measures to give them opportunities for development and for their eventual integration into the society;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

Amendment 145 #

Paulo RANGEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

(m) to provide support for reform of the judiciary aimed at ensuring its independence from and impartiality with regard to the executive and at strengthening the rule of law, as well as developing a strong framework for the protection of human rights and gender equality;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

(m) to provide support for reform of the judiciary aimed at ensuring its impartiality and independence from the executive and at strengthening the rule of law, as well as developing a strong framework for the protection of human rights and gender equality;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

(m) to provide support for reform of the judiciary aimed at ensuring its impartiality as well as its independence from the executive and ~~at strengthening~~for legislative provisions that strengthen democracy and the rule of law, as well as developing a strong and sustainable framework for the protection of human rights and gender equality; to include views from civil society and NGO's in developing these provisions and frameworks;

Amendment 148 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Marietje SCHAAKE, Roberta METSOLA, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Jaromír ŠTĚTINA, Helga STEVENS, Monika HOHLMEIER, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

(m) to provide support for reform of the judiciary aimed at ensuring its independence from the executive and at strengthening the rule of law, as well as developing a strong framework for the protection of human rights and gender equality; to make sure that strong legislation is in place for preventing and sanctioning politically exposed persons´ involvement in corruption, traffic of influence, money laundering, abuse of office and other related offences, particularly within the framework of the recent joint journalistic investigations revealing the involvement of a number of Azeri officials in such activities;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)

(ma) to ensure independence of judiciary by allowing independent practicing lawyers to continue practicing and representing clients under the notarized power of attorney and to put an end to arbitrary disbarment of lawyers;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)

– having regard to its Annual report on the implementation of CFSP of 13 December 2017,

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m b (new)

(mb) to ensure the independence of legal professionals by removing any undue interference in the work of lawyers, repealing the October 2017 amendments banning lawyers without Bar membership from representing clients in all courts, addressing the lack of independence of the Azerbaijani Bar and its arbitrary powers to deny admissions of new members and initiate bogus disciplinary proceedings against critical lawyers, as demonstrated by the recent cases of lawyers being disbarred or otherwise disciplined in recent years in retaliation for their legitimate work defending the government critics;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m b (new)

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m b (new)

(mb) to ensure the independence of legal professionals by removing any undue interference in the work of lawyers, repealing the October 2017 amendments banning lawyers without Bar membership from representing clients in all courts, addressing the lack of independence of the Azerbaijani Bar and its arbitrary powers to deny admissions of new members and initiate bogus disciplinary proceedings against critical lawyers, as demonstrated by the recent cases of lawyers being disbarred or otherwise disciplined in recent years in relation for their legitimate work defending the government critics;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m c (new)

(mc) to underline the importance of representation of women at all levels of government, and stresses the importance of women's equal, full and active participation in the prevention and resolution of conflicts;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m d (new)

(md) to urge Azerbaijan to sign the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence;

Amendment 155 #

Paulo RANGEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to put in place specific provisions to support Azerbaijan in fighting economic crime, including corruption, money laundering and tax evasion;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to ~~put in place~~ensure that specific provisions ~~to support Azerbaijan~~are incorporated into the Agreement requiring both sides to cooperate and provide mutual support in fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to put in place specific provisions to support Azerbaijan in fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion including greater transparency of beneficial owners of companies and trusts, transparency of large companies 'financial activities in terms of profits realised and tax paid and strengthening of the tax administration' and financial intelligence unit's capacities to prevent these crimes;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to put in place specific provisions to support Azerbaijan in fighting ~~corruption, money laundering and tax evasion~~all forms of corruption, including the so-called “caviar diplomacy”, money laundering and tax evasion; to promote the transparency of the decision-making and over the resources ‘distribution, by fully involving the civil society in the process and enhancing women’s participation in politics;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to put in place specific provisions to support Azerbaijan in fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion; to make the signing and ratification of a new agreement conditional upon a full EU wide investigation on into the Azeri money laundering schemes disclosed by the OCCPR as well as the bribery by Azeri authorities of European politicians and officials, both within the Council of Europe and the European institutions;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)

– having regard to the 13 December 2017 Annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy,

Amendment 160 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Marietje SCHAAKE, Ana GOMES, Jaromír ŠTĚTINA, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n

(n) to ~~put in place specific provi~~closely monitor and evaluate, before any agreement is in place, Azerbaijan´s progress in fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasions; to ~~support Azerbaijan in fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion~~take into account and push for the investigation of all recent disclosures related to the Azeri Laundromat, a money-laundering operation which, according to OCCRP, handled $2.9 billion over a two-year period, between 2012 and 2014, through four shell companies registered in the United Kingdom, as well as for the investigation of the findings related to Azerbaijan in the PANA fact finding EP mission’s report in Malta; to be aware that there is evidence revealing government ministries as the direct source of some of this money, as well as strong connections to high-ranking Azeri officials;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)

(na) to include provisions on anti- corruption by setting up a framework for cooperation on transposing the relevant international standards;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)

(nb) to support Azerbaijan in the fight against money laundering and to lend its cooperation in preventing tax evasion;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n c (new)

(nc) to encourage Azerbaijan to resume its activities in the EITI;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n d (new)

(nd) to assist Azerbaijan in the fight against corruption and organised crime by establishing mechanisms restricting access to the European banking system, particularly in the form of opening or use of bank accounts on the territory of the Union, for all Azeri individuals, companies and their subsequent partners involved in money laundering and fraud schemes, throughout investigations and Court proceedings;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o

(o) to allow for increased cooperation, and as well as to support Azerbaijan in the fight against terrorism and extremism, organised crime and cybercrime, the prevention of radicalisation and cross- border crime;

Amendment 166 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o

(o) to allow for increased cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime, the prevention of radicalisation and cross-border crime; by means of cooperation, to find ways of combating recruitment by terrorist groups such as ISIS;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 169 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 c (new)

– having regard to the European Parliament's resolution of 15 November 2017 to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS on the Eastern Partnership,

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include conditional provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQ community; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 171 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Ana GOMES, Jaromír ŠTĚTINA, Helga STEVENS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms a~~imed at ending~~nd ensure that political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQ community~~; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue~~ are put to an end by Azeri authorities and to reiterate that these practices are unacceptable for any potential partner country of the EU; to reinforce the dialogue on human rights and fundamental freedoms between the EU and Azerbaijan ~~to encourage~~ and to support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQ community; to ~~set up a reinforced forum for a~~regret that the current format of the EU- Azerbaijan Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom, Security and Human Rights and Democracy did not produce substantial results and to set up a reinforced forum for an effective and result-oriented human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards; to prepare this dialogue in consultation with the main international and genuinely independent Azeri NGOs;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 175 #

Hilde VAUTMANS, Soraya POST, Brando BENIFEI, Tanja FAJON, Terry REINTKE, Daniele VIOTTI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQI community; to ensure explicit naming of vulnerable groups, such as LGBTI people, journalists, NGO representatives, dissidents, in any provisions; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQI community; to ensure explicit naming of vulnerable groups, such as LGBTI people, journalists, NGO representatives and political dissidents, in any provisions; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include conditional provisions related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions, and abductions, arbitrary travel bans, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups ~~including~~and community, such as the religious and the LGBTQ ones community; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)

– having regard to the report on EU- Azerbaijan relations in the framework of the revised ENP of 19 December 2017,

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p

(p) to include provisions encouraging the implementation of legislation in Azerbaijan related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms aimed at ending political prosecutions and abductions, the targeting of political dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, NGO representatives and members of some minority groups including the LGBTQ community; to encourage the setting up of legal frameworks and provisions that allow for the prosecution of those violating these provisions and to make violations established in a court of law punishable; to set up a reinforced forum for a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms ~~of the~~in the field of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression and an independent and impartial judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)

(pa) to create concrete benchmarks ahead of a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan and to evaluate the dialogues on the annual basis, based on deliverables; to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)

(pa) to create concrete benchmarks ahead of a human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan and to evaluate such dialogue on the annual basis, based on deliverables; to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p b (new)

(pb) to define clear benchmarks ahead of every round of the human rights dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan and to evaluate the dialogue on the annual basis, based on the deliverables; to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards; to include clearly defined provisions on a suspension mechanism of the agreement in case of continued human rights violations;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p c (new)

(pc) to create concrete benchmarks ahead of a Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan, aimed at reinforcing it, and to evaluate the dialogues on the annual basis, based on deliverables; to encourage and support in particular the implementation of comprehensive reforms of the judiciary, all in line with EU standards and the recommendations of the Venice Commission, as well as to ensure the independence of legal professionals by removing any undue interference in the work of lawyers, repealing the October2017 amendments banning lawyers without Bar membership from representing clients in all courts, addressing the lack of independence of the Azerbaijani Bar and its arbitrary powers to deny admissions of new members and initiate bogus disciplinary proceedings against critical lawyers, as demonstrated by the recent cases of lawyers being disbarred or otherwise disciplined in recent years in retaliation for their legitimate work defending the government critics;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to ensure a review of legislation and a halting of measures that seek to curtail civil society’s legitimate activities notably as regards ~~their registration requirements, foreign funding and grants registration,~~ undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of their accounts and persecution of their leaders;

Amendment 186 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to ensure a review of legislation and ~~a halting of measures that seek to curtail~~the adoption of relevant amendments in the law to enable civil society’s legitimate activities ~~notably as regards~~and remove undue restrictions to their registration requirements, the operations and their access to foreign funding and grants registration, in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and other regional and international human rights institutions, and to put an end to undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of their accounts and persecution of numerous NGOs of their leaders;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to ensure a review of legislation and ~~a halting of measures that seek to curtail civil society’s legitimate activities notably as regards their registration requirements, foreign funding and grants registration,~~measures aimed at ensuring civil society’s legitimate activities, by removing undue restrictions to their registration requirements, the operations and their access to foreign funding and grants registration, in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and other regional and international human rights institutions, and to put an end to undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of ~~their~~ accounts, travel bans and persecution of ~~their~~numerous NGOs leaders;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to ensure a review of legislation and a halting of measures that ~~seek to curtail civil society’s legitimate activities~~currently have the purpose of curtailing legitimate, broad social participation by civil society, notably as regards ~~their~~ registration requirements~~, foreign funding and grants registration,~~ for political and social organisations, including foreign funding and grants registration, as regards the restoration of the corresponding transparency, and as regards undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of their accounts and persecution of their leaders;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)

– having regard to the main results of the 15th European Union - Azerbaijan Cooperation Council meeting of 9 February 2018,

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to eins~~ure a review of~~ist that legislation and ~~a halting of~~ measures that seek to curtail civil society’s legitimate activities notably as regards their registration requirements, foreign funding and grants registration, undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of their accounts and persecution of their leaders are put to and end immediately;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q

(q) to ~~ensure a review of~~monitor legislation and a halting of measures that seek to curtail civil society’s legitimate activities notably as regards their registration requirements, foreign funding and grants registration, undue criminal investigations, raids of their offices, freezing of their accounts and persecution of their leaders;

Amendment 192 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Marietje SCHAAKE, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)

(qa) to ensure an immediate review of legislation decriminalising online defamation, in particular that of the president, especially as the penalty for this offence has recently been increased to up to 5 years of imprisonment; to urge Azerbaijan to move away from such dictatorial practices and align to EU standards;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes significant steps as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 150 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, the lifting of their travel bans once released, including those of Khadija Ismayilova and Intigam Aliyev; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan ~~takes significant steps as regards the release of~~releases all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 150 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, the lifting of their travel bans once released, including those of Khadija Ismayilova and Intigam Aliyev; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan ~~takes significant steps as regards the release of~~releases the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 150 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, ~~the~~and lift~~ing of~~s their travel bans, once released, including those of Khadija Ismayilova and Intigam Aliyev; to immediately secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes significant steps as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 150 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, the lifting of their travel bans once released, including those of journalist Khadija Ismayilova ~~and~~, lawyer Intigam Aliyev Aliyev and opposition party member Faig Amirli; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes significant steps as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 1540 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Taleh Baghir-zade, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, the lifting of their travel bans once released, including those of the journalist Khadija Ismayilova and the lawyer Intigam Aliyev; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

(r) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes s~~ign~~pecific~~ant~~ steps as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience which, in 2017, exceeded 1540 persons, including, among the most emblematic cases, Ilgar Mammadov, Afgan Mukhtarli, Mehman Huseynov, Ilkin Rustamzada, Seymur Hazi, Rashad Ramazanov, Elchin Ismayilli, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Asif Yusifli, Fuad Gahramanli and Aziz Orujov, theo lift~~ing of~~ their travel bans once released, including those of journalist Khadija Ismayilova ~~and~~, lawyer Intigam Aliyev and opposition party member Faig Amirli; to secure the release and improvement of the situation of these individuals via the judiciary and the application of the rule of law;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993), 884 (1993),

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

– having regard to the ~~notification~~launch of infringement proceedings on 25 ~~Octo~~December 2017 by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe ~~of the launch of infringement proceedings~~ due to the Azerbaijani authorities’ continued refusal to implement the Ilgar Mammadov v. Azerbaijan judgment from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR),

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)

(ra) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations and the full implementation of all other judgements of the Court by paying the fines, but also undertaking all necessary general measures, including in the cases where the Court found violations of freedom of association;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)

(ra) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan fully complies with the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights on Ilgar Mammadov’s case and ensure his prompt and unconditional release; and the full implementation of all other judgements of the Court by paying the fines, but also undertaking all necessary general measures, including in the cases where the Court found violations of freedom of association;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)

(rb) to comply with the ECtHR ruling on Ilgar Mammadov’s case and fully cooperate with the ECtHR on the cases involving allegations of violations of the right to freedom of association and execute the decisions handed down;

Amendment 206 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Marietje SCHAAKE, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r c (new)

(rc) to urge Azerbaijan to immediately address the unprecedented infringement proceedings launched by the Council of Europe in 2017 and ensure the unconditional release of opposition politician Ilgar Mammadov, thus complying with a judgment from the European Court of Human Rights from 2014;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r d (new)

(rd) to condemn, in particular, the recent sentencing of Afgan Mukhtarli to a 6 year prison term on trumped-up charges after his abduction from Georgia, to call firmly for his immediate release and to grant asylum and find ways to protect all the Azerbaijani dissidents entering the EU;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r e (new)

(re) to ensure that Azerbaijan reinstates opposition supporters or their relatives who might have lost their jobs due to their or their family members’ political activism and end alleged retaliatory harassment and arbitrary prosecution of activists’ family members;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r e (new)

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r e (new)

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r f (new)

(rf) to ensure that Azerbaijan respects the right to freedom of peaceful assembly; refrains from restricting this right in ways that are not compatible with its obligations under international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights; and promptly and effectively investigates all cases of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detention of peaceful protesters, including in connection with the sanctioned opposition rallies in September 2017 and March 2018, and bring the perpetrators to justice;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r f (new)

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r f (new)

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r f (new)

(rf) to respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and refrain from restricting this right in ways that are not compatible with its obligations under international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights; to promptly and effectively investigate all cases of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detention of peaceful protesters, including in connection with the opposition rallies in September 2016 and September 2017 and bring the perpetrators to justice;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r g (new)

(rg) to ensure, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan takes tangible measures to ease the operating environment for civil society by amending the legislation so that registration of non- governmental organisations and receiving foreign funding is possible without administrative and legal barriers; to ensure that NGOs are not subject to excessive and unnecessary reporting to various government agencies (including on various occasions to the Tax Agency, the Social Protection Fund, the State Statistical Committee and the Finance Ministry);

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

(s) to seek, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azer~~baijan commits to investigations into~~i authorities investigate into and report on results concerning all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

(s) to ~~seek~~insist, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan ~~commits to~~starts investigations into all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

(s) to ~~seek, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan commits to~~remind the Azerbaijani authorities that, as a signatory to the UN Convention against Torture, Azerbaijan has committed itself under international law, not only on the basis of the amended criminal law but also nationally, to prevent the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to prosecute and punish anyone guilty thereof; to insist, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan give a binding undertaking to comply with the demand of the UN Committee against Torture for a zero tolerance policy to be adopted with regard to the persistent problem of torture and with regard to terminating the impunity of those responsible, and to launch investigations into all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

(s) to seek, before the conclusion of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan commits to investigations into all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody; as well as to investigate alleged torture and ill-treatment of Taleh Bagirzade, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Mehman Huseynov; to investigate torture and ill-treatment allegations of the LGBTQ community members, who were arrested and harassed en masse (of around 150 people)in September 2017;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)

– having regard to the Statement of 14 January 2018 of the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations on the sentencing of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli in Azerbaijan,

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

(s) to seek, before the conclusions of the negotiations, that Azerbaijan commits to investigations into all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody as well as to investigate alleged torture and ill-treatment of Taleh Bagirzade, Giyas Ibrahimov, Beyram Mammadov, Mehman Huseynov; to investigate torture and ill-treatment allegations of the LGBTQ community members, who were arrested and harassed en mass (around 150 people) in September 2017;

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

Amendment 222 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

~~(s)~~ to seek, before the conclusion of the ~~(s)~~ negotiations, that Azerbaijan commits to investigations into all cases of mistreatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, notably in the case of the late Mehman Galandarov, who died in custody; and shall ensure that justice is done by bringing to justice those responsible for the above offences.

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s

Amendment 225 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to underline the importance of a free and independent media, both off and on-line and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, and pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countriesin political talks with partners, to underline that, with regard to media content, free and independent media, both off and on-line, which are very important for the functioning of a well informed civil society which participates consciously and actively in the country’s development, must be guaranteed by groups of oligarchs and clans, as well as dominant political groups, and that the EU is prepared to support free, pluralistic, editorially independent media in Azerbaijan;

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to ~~underline the importance of~~ensure that a free and independent media, both off and on-line and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, and pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all , exists and operates in the country without undue interference, to unblock access to the websites of Azadliq, and of three news outlets that have to operate from abroad: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Azerbaijan Service, Meydan TV, and Azerbaycan Saati; and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line withe E~~astern Partnership countrie~~U standards;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to ~~underline the importance of a free and independent media, both off and on-line and~~ensure that free and independent media, both off and on-line can operate in the country without undue interference; to lift travel bans on 4 journalists of Meydan TV; to unblock access to the websites of Azadliq, and of three news outlets that have to operate from abroad (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)Azerbaijan Service, Meydan TV, and Azerbay can Saati); to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards~~, and~~ pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to ~~underline the importance of a~~ensure that free and independent media, both off and on-line, exists and that it operates in the country without undue interference, to unlock the access to access to the websites of Azadliq, and of three news outlets that have to operate from abroad: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Azerbaijan Service, Meydan TV, and Azerbaycan Saati; and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, ~~and pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form~~including through the organization of a regional initiatives encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to ~~underline the importance of~~ensure that a free and independent media, both off and on-line, exists and operates in the country without undue interference, to unblock access to the websites of Azadliq, and of three news outlets that have to operate from abroad: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)Azerbaijan Service, Meydan TV, and Azerbaycan Saati; and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, andlso pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)

– having regard to the OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission report of 2 March 2018 on Azerbaijan’s early presidential election,

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to stress its concern over the current state of press freedom in Azerbaijan, including the prosecution and harassment of journalists and the blocking of media outlets; to underline the importance of a free and independent media, both off and on-line as a core principle of democracy and to ensure a strengthened EU support, both political and financial, for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, and pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to underline the importance of a free and independent media, both off and on-line and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, ~~and pointing out that a~~in light of the fact that currently 5 major media outlets are permanently blocked by Azerbaijan under the pretext of national security and that for press freedom, Azerbaijan ranks 162 out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders; to point out that reinforced attention to press and media freedom cshould take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 232 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

(t) to underline the importance of a free and independent media, both off and on-line including an immediate end to the harassment and persecution of opposition and investigative journalists and ensuring accountability of the perpetrators, and to ensure a strengthened EU support for free and pluralistic media in Azerbaijan, with editorial independence and in line with EU standards, and pointing out that a reinforced attention to press and media freedom could take the form of a regional initiative encompassing all the Eastern Partnership countries;

Amendment 233 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t

Amendment 234 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u

(u) to include fair and ambitious trade and investment provisions, in so far as is compatible with Azerbaijan’s non-WTO- member status, that are fully in line with EU standards, notably sanitary, phytosanitary ~~and~~, environmental, labour, social, gender balance and non- discrimination, and that ensure the protection of intellectual property rights including geographical indicators;

Amendment 235 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u

(u) to include ~~fair and~~specific ambitious and fair trade and investment provisions, in so far as is compatible with Azerbaijan’s ~~non-WTO- member status, that are fully in line with EU standards, notably sanitary, phytosanitary and environmental, and that ensure the protection of intellectual property rights including~~status of not yet being a member of the WTO, that are fully in line with EU standards and do not undermine the relevant EU standards, notably with regard to SPS, IPR, plant health, environmental protection and the protection of geographical indicators;

Amendment 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v

(v) to put in place robust measures that would ensure rapid progress towards improving the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan notably as regards taxation, the management of public finances and of public procurement, in order to allow for more transparency, better governance and accountability, equal access and fair competition; and to ensure measures to promote social rights, employment, education, transport and connectivity;

Amendment 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)

(ua) to include strong and enforceable measures covering the recognition and protection of intellectual property rights, including geographical indications for wines, spirits and other agricultural and foodstuff products;

Amendment 238 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)

(ub) to follow the principles of the revised ENP and to strive for an ambitious agreement compatible with the aspirations of both sides; to commit to rapid progress in negotiations that would help Azerbaijan to accelerate the structural reforms it needs to diversify its economy; to bear in mind that the agreement should serve to reduce the number of barriers to market access, facilitate trade and encourage sustainable development for the benefit of citizens; to take into account the gender impact and respect for human rights while boosting export opportunities for both sides of the agreement;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u c (new)

(uc) to support Azerbaijan in its accession process to the WTO by providing technical support, so as to enable the country to harmonise with international standards and benefit from the rules-based multilateral trading system and trade facilitation;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)

– having regard to the important role Azerbaijan plays in a very sensitive region,

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u d (new)

(ud) to include in the public procurement chapter a reference to the rules set out in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement;

Amendment 241 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v

(v) to make the necessary reforms and put in place robust measures that would ensure rapid progress towards improving the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan notably as regards taxation, the management of public finances and of public procurement, in order to allow for more transparency, better governance and accountability, equal access and fair competition;

Amendment 242 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w

(w) to allow for increased cooperation in the energy sector in line with the EU’s and Azerbaijan’s important strategic energy partnership;

Amendment 243 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w

(w) to allow for increased cooperation in the energy sector in line with the EU’s and Azerbaijan’s strategic energy partnership; inter alia, to establish new energy interconnections between the EU and Azerbaijan and to increase the EU’s energy security;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w

(w) to allow for increased cooperation in the energy sector in line with the EU’s and Azerbaijan’s strategic energy partnership, taking into account Azerbaijan's track record as a reliable energy supplier and country's pivotal role in various projects of the Southern Gas Corridor;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w

(w) to allow for increased cooperation in the energy sector in line with the EU’s and Azerbaijan’s strategic energy partnership, while taking into account that in March 2017, the EITI (The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) suspended Azerbaijan’s membership for failing to comply with the group’s civil society requirements; to push for Azerbaijan to realign to these requirements;

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x

(x) to ~~also~~ support the diversification of Azerbaijan’s energy mix, promoting non- carbon energy sources and preparing for the post-carbon age, in the interests of energy security and the prevention of energy poverty; to note the important dimension given to climate change and to the impact on local communities in the pending decision by the European Investment Bank on the funding of the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP);

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x

(x) to also support the diversification of Azerbaijan’s energy mix, promoting non- carbon energy sources and preparing for the post-carbon age; reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewables, to note the important dimension given to climate change and to the impact on local communities in the pending decision by the European Investment Bank on the funding of the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP);

Amendment 248 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x

(x) to also support the diversification of Azerbaijan’s energy mix, promoting non- carbon energy sources and preparing for the post-carbon age in line with the commitments of the Paris Agreement; to note the important dimension given to climate change and the necessity, in this regard, to set ambitious targets and to the impact on local communities in the pending decision by the European Investment Bank on the funding of the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP);

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)

(xa) to assist effectively Azerbaijan in its efforts to diversify the economy currently over relying on hydrocarbons; to ensure, at the same time, that the EU assistance is not directed to those sectors of the Azeri economy exporting to the Russian Federation that could potentially damage the European firms affected by Russian sanctions;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A. whereas the Eastern Partnership is based on a shared commitment between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union to deepen their relations and adhere to international law and core values, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

Amendment 250 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)

(xa) to support the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor, a project of a strategic importance for the EU for its energy diversification and security;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y

(y) to put in place ambitious provisions on environmental protection and climate change reduction, in line with the Union´s climate change agenda, as part of the new agreement, including through a mainstreaming of these ~~policies as part of other sector~~ policies;

Amendment 252 #

Paulo RANGEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y

(y) to put in place ambitious provisions on environmental protection and climate change reduction, in line with the Union’s objectives in this matter, as part of the new agreement, including through a mainstreaming of these p~~olicie~~rovisions as part of other sector policies;

Amendment 253 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point y

(y) to put in place ambitious provisions on environmental protection and climate change reduction on the basis of the binding Paris Protocol, signed by both contracting parties, as part of the new agreement, including through a mainstreaming of these policies as part of other sector policies;

Amendment 254 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z

(z) to provide new perspectives for enhanced cooperation in non-energy related areas in order that efforts can be made to diversify the Azerbaijani economy~~, boost job creation and~~ with the aim of creating more jobs and modern industrial and service sectors and establishing structures in the economy and research which will bring about sustainable development, enabling these jobs and sectors to be belatedly created; to allow for more people-to people contacts both at a regional and European level, in particular in the fields of education, health, transport and tourism;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z

(z) to provide new perspectives for enhanced cooperation in non-energy related areas in order to diversify the Azerbaijani economy, boost job creation and allow for more people-to people contacts, in particular youth, both at a regional and European level, in particular in the fields of education, health, transport ~~and tourism;~~ , tourism, strengthening already existing successful programmes such as the 'Young European Neighbours' network, created by the EU-funded 'OPEN Neighbourhood - Communicating for a Stronger Partnership: Connecting with citizens across the Eastern Neighbourhood' ('EU NEIGHBOURS east') project;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z

(z) to provide new perspectives for enhanced cooperation in non-energy related areas in order to diversify the Azerbaijani economy, boost job creation and allow for more people-to people contacts both at a regional and European level, in particular in the fields of education, health, transport and tourism; to find ways, in this regard, to set up programmes aimed at facilitating meetings on specific issues and common problems between the representatives of Azeri and Armenians NGOs and youth organisations;

Amendment 257 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a

(aa) to enhance cooperation with regard to youth and student exchanges and the development of new scholarship programmes and training courses, as well as a facilitated participation in the fields of higher education and youth in the ERASMUS+ program which will ensure the development of ~~skills~~mobility, of skills and language command and enable Azerbaijani people to become acquainted with the EU and its values and vice-versa;

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a

(aa) to enhance cooperation with regard to youth and student exchanges and the development of new scholarship programmes and training courses, as well as a facilitated participation in the ERASMUS+ program which will ensure the development of skills and enable Azerbaijani people to become acquainted with the EU and vice-versa, thus allowing for greater integration of societies;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab

(ab) to also promote economic growth via transport and connectivity; to extend the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to ~~Eastern Partners~~Azerbaijan;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas Azerbaijan is part of both the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the Eastern Partnership framework, which are based on a shared commitment with the EU to deepen bilateral relations and to uphold international law and fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights;

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)

(aba) to take also appropriate steps towards opening a visa dialogue with Azerbaijan in line with the progress made in the implementation of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)

(aba) to take also appropriate steps towards opening a visa dialogue with Azerbaijan in line with the progress made in the implementation of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements;

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)

(abb) to seek possibilities to initiate Visa Liberalisation Dialogue between EU and Azerbaijan as stated in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit of 2017;

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)

(abb) to seek possibilities to initiate Visa Liberalisation Dialogue between EU and Azerbaijan as stated in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit of 2017;

Amendment 264 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point AC

(AC) to seek to ensure that the agreement has a robust parliamentary dimension, strengthening the current provisions and mechanisms of cooperation to enable increased input into and scrutiny of its implementation, notably through the establishment of an upgraded interparliamentary structure;

Amendment 265 #

Alojz PETERLE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a c

(ac) to ensure that the agreement has a robust parliamentary dimension, strengthening the current provisions and mechanisms of cooperation to enable increased input into and scrutiny of its implementation, notably through the establishment of an upgraded interparliamentary structure encouraging regular and constructive dialogue between the European Parliament and the parliament of Azerbaijan to consider all aspects of relations and implementation of agreements;

Amendment 266 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)

(aca) to include a strong parliamentary dimension in the monitoring of the implementation of the agreement;

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac b (new)

(acb) to conduct the negotiations as transparently as possible; reminds the Commission of its obligation to inform Parliament immediately and fully at all stages of the negotiations and urges the Council to publish the negotiating directives;

Amendment 268 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)

(ada) to ensure that before any application or provisional application of the new EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement, it should be first subjected to Parliaments consent;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas the new comprehensive agreement between EU and Azerbaijan should prefer and encourage Union’s interest in the region as well as promote Union’s values;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)

B. whereas the European Parliament favours a deepening of relations with all Eastern Partnership members insofar as they respect these core values; whereas, within the EaP policy, the attractive longer-term ‘EaP+’ model proposed by the European Parliament in its 15 November 2017 resolution on the Eastern Partnership, that could eventually lead to joining the customs union, energy union, digital union and Schengen area among others, should also be open to countries that do not have an association agreement with the EU - such as Azerbaijan - once they are ready for such enhanced commitments and have made significant progress towards implementing mutually agreed reforms;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)

C. whereas Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU; whereas the EU and Azerbaijan are strong economic partners, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately EUR 16billion; whereas the EU is Azerbaijan's first trading partner and its biggest export and import market; whereas Azerbaijan is a strategic energy partner for the EU, allowing for a diversification of the EU’s energy sources;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to United Nations Security Council resolutions 882, 853, 874 and 884,

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas Azerbaijan is considered as an important partner of the EU, especially in the field of energy cooperation, in a very volatile region caught up in conflicts, hostilities and foreign influences;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas since 1999 EU-Azerbaijan relations have been regulated by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement; whereas negotiations on the new EU- Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement were launched in February 2017 and will include a title on trade and related matters, including chapters on trade in goods, customs, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, transparency, dispute settlement, competition, public procurement, intellectual property rights, technical barriers to trade, state-owned enterprises, energy and trade, and a sustainable development chapter;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas the EU is by far the biggest trading partner of Azerbaijan, in terms of both imports and exports, accounting for 48.6% of its total trade and constituting the largest source of foreign direct investment;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)

Cd. whereas the economy of Azerbaijan relies heavily on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for around 30% of GDP and around 90% of exports, making it vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in global oil prices; whereas the diversification and modernisation of the Azerbaijani economy remains important in ensuring sustainable long-term growth; whereas Azerbaijan was initially downgraded from the status of an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)-compliant country to an EITI candidate country in April 2015, before having its membership suspended in March 2017;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)

D. whereas the geographic situation of Azerbaijan between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East and neighbouring regional powers, notably Russia, Iran and Turkey, is both strategic and challenging; whereas protracted conflicts in the South Caucasus, affecting also Armenia and Georgia pose a major threat to all partners’ independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity; whereas the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can only be solved peacefully in line with the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles, notably through the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E (new)

E. whereas the EU and Azerbaijan underlined in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit of 24 November 2017 that “in a differentiated way, the EU will continue to jointly discuss with each of the partner countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus, attractive and realistic options to strengthen mutual trade and encourage investment to reflect common interests, the reformed investment policy as regards investment protection, as well as international trade rules and trade-related international standards, including in the area of intellectual property, and contribute to the modernisation and diversification of economies”;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F (new)

F. whereas the negotiations on the new agreement are progressing positively, at a steady pace and have made good progress; whereas the new agreement is expected to have a positive impact on Azerbaijan in terms of promoting democratic standards, growth and economic development; whereby such prospects are particularly important for Azerbaijan's youth in view of fostering a new generation of educated Azerbaijani, to uphold our core values and aim for the modernisation of the country;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas despite having officially applied in 1997, Azerbaijan is not yet a Member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and its trade relations with the EU currently fall under Most Favoured Nation Treatment, having graduated from GSP+ in 2014 on the basis of its income level; whereas until Azerbaijan does join the WTO, serious tariff and non-tariff barriers will continue to hamper its trade and business relations with its economic partners;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G (new)

G. whereas a fully functioning civil society is a vital precondition for securing economic diversification by means of enhanced trade and economic integration, with a view to benefiting the whole of Azerbaijani society;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas the Commission, the European External Action Service and the Member States should take the lead internationally to promote the fight against corruption among the EU’s partner countries, including under the Neighbourhood Programming Instrument, with a view to establishing and consolidating independent and effective anti-corruption institutions;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)

– having regard to the key principles enshrined in The Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy of June 2016, particularly those pertaining to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders of states are equally respected by all participating states,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recommends the following to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service:

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) to ~~ensure that the deepening of~~deepen relations between the EU and Azerbaijan ~~is undertaken~~ on the basis of mutually agreed ambitions and the upholding of the core values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) to ~~ensure that the~~only proceed with the ongoing deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan i~~s undertaken on the basis o~~f mutually agreed ambitions ~~and the upholding of the~~, core values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected and upheld, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens;

Amendment 43 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Roberta METSOLA, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) to ensure that the deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan is ~~undertaken on the basis of mutually agreed ambitions and the~~conditional on upholding of the core values and principles of democracy~~, the rule of law, good governance, respect for~~ and good governance, as well as on providing solid legal guarantees in the areas of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) to ensure that the deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan is linked to and undertaken on the basis of mutually agreed ambitions and the upholding of the core values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) to ensure that the deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan is undertaken on the basis of mutually agreed ambitions and is conditional on the upholding of the core values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights ~~and fundamental freedoms, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens~~, including the rights of minorities, and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and association, gender equality, in the interest of both parties and especially their citizens; to reaffirm the EU's support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU values, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders~~, NGOs~~ and journalists; to ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new agreement;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, ~~which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU value~~that call for overall compliance of the country with its international commitments, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights aend ~~the~~of harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan ~~before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new~~are key requirements / incentives for swift ratification of any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, ~~which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU value~~that call for overall compliance of the country with its international commitments, in particular with regard to the ~~non-~~implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights ~~and the~~, end of harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; ~~to ensure that~~ significant steps ~~are taken~~ as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan ~~before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new~~are key requirements / incentives for swift ratification of any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which ~~unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU value~~states that the full respect for the country's international commitments, in particular with regard to the ~~non-~~implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights ~~and~~, end of the harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs ~~and~~, journalists~~; to ensure that~~, environmental activists; concrete and significant steps ~~are taken~~ as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan beare indispensable conditions fore any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new agreement;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to ~~remind~~draw the attention of the Azerbaijani authorities ~~abou~~to the European Parliament’s ~~position as expressed in its~~ resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, in which Parliament unambiguously states that noit cannot ratify any comprehensive agreement ~~will be ratified~~ with a country that does not respect EU values, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and ~~the~~continued harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement~~; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to~~ is concluded; to include in the new agreement a provision concerning the possibility of suspension in the event of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms ~~is included in the new agreement~~;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect fundamental EU values, in particular with regard to the non- implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ~~ensure that significant steps are taken as regards~~guarantee the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience ~~in Azerbaijan~~, as it was announced by Azerbaijani authorities, before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement is concluded; to ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new agreement;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership~~, which unambiguous~~ and clearly states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU values, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ~~ens~~urge th~~at significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoner~~e Azerbaijani authorities to implement the ECtHR decisions; to ensure that all political prisoners, including journalists, activists and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan are released before any new EU- Azerbaijan agreement; to ~~ensure~~include in the new agreement a dedicated suspension mechanism ~~related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the new agreement~~with clear provisions on respect for human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament’s position as expressed in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which unambiguously states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect EU values, in particular with regard to the non-implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and the politically motivated harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights defenders, NGOs ~~and~~, journalists, opposition members, religious leaders and lawyers; to ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement; to ~~ensure a dedicated suspension mechanism related to~~include clearly defined provisions on a suspension mechanism of the agreement in case of continued human rights and fundamental freedoms ~~is included in the new agreement~~violations;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities ~~abou~~that the European Parliament~~’s position as expressed~~ will have the final say over the ratification of any agreement and to remind them of the European Parliament’s position in its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership, which ~~unambiguous~~clearly states that no comprehensive agreement will be ratified with a country that does not respect ~~EU value~~fundamental EU values and rights, in particular with regard to the non- implementation of decisions by the European Court of Human Rights ~~and the harassment~~, constricts space for civil society, violates human rights, including those of the LGBTI community, principles of democracy and the rule of law and continues to harass, intimidat~~ion~~e and persecut~~ion of~~e human rights defenders, NGOs and journalists; to ~~ensure that significant steps are taken as regards the release of~~stress that all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Azerbaijan need to be released before any new EU-Azerbaijan agreement~~; to ensure a dedicated suspens~~ will be concluded; to include in the agreement under negotiation a mechanism ~~related to human rights and fundamental freedoms is included in the ne~~that allows for the suspension of the agreement if human rights, democracy and the rule of law agre~~ement~~ not adhered to;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) to include clearly defined provisions on suspension mechanism of the agreement in case of continued human rights violations;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind ~~the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the same~~previous resolutions according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles andmeaningful commitments by both sides to and substantial progress towards settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind the ~~Azerbaijani authorities about the~~ European Parliament position expressed in ~~the same~~previous resolutions according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles andmeaningful commitments by both sides to and substantial progress towards settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict through the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs;

Amendment 58 #

Lars ADAKTUSSON, Anders VISTISEN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the same resolution according to which ~~the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on~~ meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs would facilitate the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the same resolution according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and ~~each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict~~Azerbaijan must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting as well as the implementation of the ~~OSCE~~ 2009 Basic Principles ~~and the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs~~;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 c (new)

– having regard to Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership between EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy of 7 November 2006,

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to ~~remind~~draw the attention of the Azerbaijani authorities ~~abou~~to the European Parliament position ~~expressed in the same resolution according to which~~that, on the basis of the three central principles of the Helsinki Final Act - refraining from the threat or use of force, territorial integrity and equal rights of self-determination - the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict ~~must be made conditional on meaningful~~requires binding commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire ~~and supporting the~~, implement~~ation of~~ing the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and actively supporting the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs in this regard;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the same resolution according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards ~~solving~~the peaceful resolution of the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c

(c) to remind the Azerbaijani authorities about the European Parliament position expressed in the same resolution according to which the ratification of new agreements between the EU and each of the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be made conditional on meaningful commitments to and substantial progress towards solving the conflict, such as maintaining the ceasefire and supporting the implementation of the OSCE 2009 Basic Principles and the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs, as well as to empower and include the civil society of both Armenia and Azerbaijan in any negotiation process;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d

(d) to ensure that the future agreement with Azerbaijan is ambitious, comprehensive and forward-looking, based on shared values and shared interest for a strong, reliable, sustainable and equal-to- equal partnership, delivering tangible and concrete benefits not only for large companies but also for SMEs and for the citizens of the EU and of Azerbaijan;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d

(d) to ensure that the future agreement with Azerbaijan is ~~ambitious, comprehensive and~~ forward-looking, and will deliver~~ing~~ tangible and concrete benefits not only for large companies but also for SMEs and for the citizens of the EU and of Azerbaijan; to include in the new agreement specific supervision and control mechanisms against money laundering schemes, fraud and corruption;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d

(d) to ensure that the future agreement with Azerbaijan is ambitious, comprehensive and forward-looking, ~~delivering~~is accordingly based on the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, while taking into account the specific conditions of the contracting parties, delivers tangible and concrete benefits to both sides, not only for large companies but also for SMEs and for the citizens of the EU and of Azerbaijan;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) to take into account the specific characteristics of SMEs, with the aim of improving their business climate, fostering their internationalisation and unlocking their export potential;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e

(e) to ~~ensure, in so far as the above conditions are fulfilled, speedy and steady progress in the negotiations with the objective of~~refrain from mentioning a date for the signing of this new agreement ~~before the next Eastern Partnership Summit in 2019~~, which can only be signed when all conditions mentioned above are fulfilled;

Amendment 68 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e

(e) to ensure~~, in so far as the above conditions are fulfilled,~~ speedy and steady progress in the negotiations with the objective of signing this new agreement before the next Eastern Partnership Summit in 2019, only in so far as the above conditions are fulfilled;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e

(e) ~~to ensure, in so far as~~if the above conditions are fulfilled, to respond to speedy and steady progress in the negotiations ~~with the objective of signing~~accordingly, in such a way that this new agreement can be signed before the next Eastern Partnership Summit in 2019;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 c (new)

– having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership between EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy of 7 November 2006,

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

(f) to actively communicate about the aims of the new agreement to improve public awareness, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, about the expected opportunities and benefits that would arise from its conclusion~~, thereby countering all disinformation campaigns~~;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

(f) to ac~~tively communicate about~~hieve transparency regarding the aims of the new agreement ~~to improve public awareness, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, about the expected opportunities and benefits that would~~and the current negotiating process so that all stakeholders in society and civil-society bodies in the EU and Azerbaijan can have their say and thus seek to make the public, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, more aware of, and persuade them to consider, opportunities and benefits - and also challenges and practical tasks to be undertaken - that may arise from ~~its~~the conclusion~~, thereby countering all~~ of the agreement, thereby successfully countering both political apathy and disinformation campaigns;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

(f) to actively communicate a~~bout the aims of the new agreement to improve public awareness, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, about~~nd to raise public awareness about EU values, the objectives of the conditionality principles included in the new agreement as well as the expected opportunities and benefits that would arise from its conclusion, thereby countering all disinformation campaigns;

Amendment 74 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Javier NART, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

(f) to actively and clearly communicate about the conditions and aims of the new agreement, in order to improve public awareness, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, about the expected opportunities and benefits that would arise from its conclusion, thereby countering all disinformation campaigns;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f

(f) to inform and consult with the main stakeholders about the ongoing negotiations and actively communicate about the aims of the new agreement to improve public awareness, both in Azerbaijan and in the EU, about the expected opportunities and benefits that would arise from its conclusion, thereby countering all disinformation campaigns;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to ~~provide for~~insist on regular and in-depth dialogue~~, notably on~~ in order to encourage and monitor political reforms aimed at bolstering institutions, such as the judiciary in order to make them more democratic and independent, onthe upholding of human rights, ~~and on~~including LGBTI rights, the fostering a strong civil society and ensuring its involvement in the reform process as well as the liberalization of the regulatory environment for NGO's;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political and democratic reforms aimed at ~~bolstering~~establishing more independent institutions, such as the judiciary ~~in order to make them more democratic and independent, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering~~, on protecting human rights, media freedom and on creating such an environment in which a strong civil society cand operate without any undue interference, as well as ensuring its involvement in the reform process and in the dialogue with the EU;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political and democratic reforms aimed at ~~bolstering~~creating independent institutions, such as the judiciary ~~in order to make them more democratic~~, and and independent~~, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering a strong civil society~~ parliament and on protecting human rights, media, and creating an environment in which a strong civil society can operate without undue interference and ensuring its involvement in the reform process;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political reforms a~~imed at bolstering institutions, such as the judiciary in order to make them more democratic and independent, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering a strong civil society~~nd democratic aimed at creating independent institutions, such as the judiciary and an effective parliament in compliance with the principle of separation of powers in , on protecting human rights, media freedom and creating environment in which a strong civil society can operate without undue interference and ensuring its involvement in the reform process;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 d (new)

– having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit (Brussels, 24 November 2017) where European Union and Member States confirm their commitment to support to the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all their partners,

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political and democratic reforms aimed at ~~bolstering~~creating independent institutions, such as the judiciary ~~in order to make them more democratic and independent, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering a strong civil society~~and an effective parliament in compliance with the principle of the separation of powers, on protecting human rights, media freedom and creating environment in which a strong civil society can operate without undue interference and ensuring its involvement in the reform process;

Amendment 81 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Javier NART, Roberta METSOLA, Ana GOMES, Jaromír ŠTĚTINA, Helga STEVENS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, ~~notably on political~~pushing for solid reforms aimed at bolstering institutions, ~~such as the judiciary~~ in order to make them more democratic and independent, onwith a strong focus on the judiciary, upholding of human rights, ~~and on~~protecting investigative journalism, fostering a strong civil society and ensuring its involvement in the reform process; to include in the new agreement regular reporting mechanisms on the status of the above- mentioned reforms;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth political dialogue, notably on ~~political~~ reforms aimed at bolstering institutions, such as the judiciary in order to make them more democratic and independent, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering a strong civil society and ensuring its involvement in the reform process;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political reforms aimed at bolstering institutions, such as the judiciary in order to make them more impartial, democratic and independent, on upholding of human rights, and on fostering a strong civil society and ensuring its involvement in the reform process;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g

(g) to provide for regular and in-depth dialogue, notably on political reforms aimed at democratically bolstering institutions, such as the judiciary, in order to make them more ~~democratic and independent, on upholding of h~~independent and more capable of combating the widespread corruption, cronyism and the illegal enrichment of the elites, on fully upholding political and social rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human rRights, and on fostering a strong civil society ~~and ensuring its~~, including trade unions and their involvement in the necessary reform process to diversify the economy, overcome the complicated socioeconomic situation and further modernise the social system;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to establish specific measures aimed at implementing the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission with a view to ensuring progress towards elections and referenda that allow for a free and fair expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspiratDoes not affect the English versions;.)

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to establish specific measures aimed at implementing the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission ~~with a view to ensuring progress towards elections and referenda that allow for a free and fair~~to make sure that all elections and referenda in Azerbaijan are free and fair and allow for the expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspirations;

Amendment 87 #

Alojz PETERLE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to establish specific measures aimed at implementing the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission with a view to ensuring progress towards free and credible elections and referenda ~~that allow for a free and fair~~which guarantee the free expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspirations;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to establish specific measures aimed at implementing the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission with a view to ensuring progress towards ~~elections and referenda that allow for a~~conducting the free ~~and~~, fair ~~expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspirations~~, competitive and transparent elections and referenda;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to e~~stablish specific measures aimed~~ ncourage electoral reforms that implement~~ing~~ the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission with a view to ensuring progress towards elections and referenda in order to improve electoral frameworks without any bias towards ruling parties, that allow for a free and fair expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspirations; to stress that the snap presidential elections of April 2018 fail to ensure the standards of free and fair elections, and that this failure will jeopardise the EU-Azerbaijani relations;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 d (new)

Amendment 90 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Marietje SCHAAKE, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h

(h) to e~~stablish specific measures aimed at implementing~~nsure that the recommendations by the OSCE/ODHIR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission ~~with a view to ensuring progress towards~~are implemented, with a view to establish new legislation guaranteeing the organization of elections and referenda that allow for a free and fair expression of Azerbaijani citizens’ views and aspirations; to put strong emphasis on the effectiveness and impartiality of the election administration, the conduct of the campaign and the respect for fundamental freedoms, media coverage of the elections and the administration of election day procedures, including the vote count and tabulation of results, as called for by the OSCE; to further monitor the organization of future elections until these requirements are met;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i

(i) to aim for provisions that enhance cooperation in promoting peace and international justice ~~and~~ in particular ~~for~~urge Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); to also seek strong cooperation measures in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as tackling illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i

(i) to aim for provisions that enhance cooperation in promoting peace and international justice ~~and in particular for~~; to insist that Azerbaijan adhere to its international obligations, including as a member of the Council of Europe and to urge Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); to also seek strong cooperation measures in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as tackling illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;

Amendment 93 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, David CASA, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Cristian Dan PREDA, Traian UNGUREANU, Barbara SPINELLI, Barbara KUDRYCKA, Benedek JÁVOR, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Javier NART, Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ, Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK, Marietje SCHAAKE, Ignazio CORRAO, Ana GOMES, Helga STEVENS, Monika HOHLMEIER, Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i

(i) to aim for provisions that enhance cooperation in promoting peace and international justice and in particular for Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); to calsl upon Azerbaijan to respect its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and abide by the decisions of the ECtHR; to seek stronger cooperation measures in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as tackling illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i

(i) to aim for provisions that enhance cooperation in promoting peace and international justice and in particular for Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)in accordance with the commitment to actively promote the universality of the Rome Statute enshrined in Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP, to insist on the inclusion of provisions requiring Azerbaijan to sign and ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including signing and ratifying promptly the ‘Kampala compromise’ agreed at the Review Conference in Uganda in 2010; to also seek strong cooperation measures in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as tackling illicit trade in small arms and light weapons;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j

(j) to provide for close cooperation in foreign and security matters to ensure as much convergence as possible, in particular as regards active responses to global threats, conflict prevention, crisis management and regional cooperation; to respect Azerbaijan’s multivector foreign policy and therefore, in the interests of stability and to bolster regional and international peace, to take into account in a responsible manner the fact that shifts in the complex geopolitical identity as a country at the interface between East and West, between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and between numerous large, competing parties in the region and their political, economic and military alliances, can result in serious domestic political upheavals and fresh conflicts with the neighbourhood or various strategic partners;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j

(j) to provide for close cooperation in foreign, defence and security matters to ensure as much convergence as possible, in particular as regards responses to global threats, terrorisms and extremism, conflict prevention, crisis management and regional cooperation; to support the signing of the Framework Participating Agreement (FPA) between the EU and Azerbaijan in order to regulate the Azerbaijani participation in Common Security and Defence Policy mission and operation;

Amendment 97 #