23:39, 29 November 2004

OSCE concerned about legal reforms in Azerbaijan

The OSCE Office in Baku raises its concern about the recent steps taken in the field of legal reforms in Azerbaijan, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku Maurizio Pavesi told the Caucasian Knot correspondent. "The OSCE Office in Baku is also concerned about the fact that some lawyers licensed to render paid legal services are deprived of the right to be founders of the Bar. All professional lawyers must have a right to act as barristers in courts of all instances and in the Constitutional Court," Mr Pavesi said.

Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi also pointed out that it was important that the Bar should be open for all people entitled to act as barristers. "We consider the possibility to receive legal aid from all lawyers able to represent citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic to be the citizens' fundamental right," Ambassador Pavesi added.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot