Former PACE co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan, acting PACE member Andreas Gross, gave an interview to Radio Azadlig, where he expressed his opinion on the current situation in Azerbaijan, and recalled some moments of his activity as PACE co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan.
In particular, he expressed his concern over the arrests of young activists in Azerbaijan, and noted that the state needs such activists to build a democratic society. He also noted that the activity of young activists does not consist only in criticizing the current government. The authorities, in turn, should establish a dialogue for the sake of the future of the country.
Asked by journalists about the published report of foreign NGOs on the “Caviar Diplomacy” of the Azerbaijani government, Andreas Gross said that he himself received gifts.
“The caviar diplomacy was an element that only acted on a small part of my colleagues. I often received small gifts too. Mostly cans of caviar, which I usually gave to my colleagues. In return, I presented them my books and pictures. These gifts, aimed at improving personal relationships, should never affect work. This rule of conduct was clear to everyone who worked with me,” said Gross.
Andreas Gross also dispelled the rumors circulated by some local media that he was exposed from the office of the head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev.
“These rumors are groundless. I always came and left his office in a civilized way. I liked to visit Ramiz Mehdiyev’s office more than people who worked with him on the same floor. With him, you could always discuss, exchange opinions and learn something new. We spent hours there, and it was interesting for us to listen to each other. I’m sorry that we have not seen each other for a long time, “Gross said.