On January 30, plenipotentiary ambassador Ann Derse met with the chairman of Central Election Commission Mazahir Panahov.

As a supporter of democracy development in Azerbaijan, ambassador informed about significant role of its development for the US and inquired about activities of Central Election Commission concerned with preparation and conduct of referendum appointed for March 18, 2009.

Chairman of the Commission mentioned about the sincere and efficient cooperation between the US Embassy and Central Election Commission and was very pleased with the development and straightening of these relations. He gave detailed information on implemented activities concerned with the approval of Calendar Plan and steps undertaken by the commission in accordance with the Plan.

During the conversation, the quest asked to provide her with detailed information on voter education programs and training programs for lower level election commissions.

 

Chairman gave detailed information about implementation of wide scale educational programs and noted that lover level election commissions were provided with the published part of constitutional text to be discussed by referendum in accordance with the draft Referendum Act "on amendments and changes to the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and draft act on referendum in order to distribute them among voters. M. Panahov gave information about future steps to be undertaken.

Ambassador thanked for sincere meeting and stressed the confidence in continuation of cooperation between two countries.