Baku. The EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Catherine
Ashton and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Stefan Fule
expressed deep concern over the arrest of human rights activist Leyla Yunus. In
their joint statement it is said the European Union values its relations with
Azerbaijan. However, these relationships will not reach their full potential
without respect to Azerbaijan's international obligations, including the
Council of Europe, the Committee of Ministers of which is presided by
Azerbaijan.
The statement also noted that the arrest
of Yunus is part of the restrictions imposed by the authorities against civil
society.
Leyla Yunus was arrested for 3 months on
five charges. Her husband Arif Yunus is under police surveillance and against
him they also put forward similar charges. Amnesty International declared Leila
Yunus a prisoner of conscience.