“Unfortunately, it is impossible to regard as fair, unbiased the OSCE Permanent Council’s statement on the April 2 rally,” chief of the foreign relations department of the Presidential Administration Novruz Mammadov told APA while commenting on the OSCE Permanent Council’s statement on the April 2 rally.

“First of all, the rally held by the radical opposition was not at all peaceful, as stated. This rally aimed at causing provocation. The protesters attracted attention in the crowded streets and squares of the city and with their illegal actions tried to involve the law enforcers in provocation. Their intention failed.

As regards the activity of the journalists, the reports are not true. Journalists in Azerbaijan have opportunities to do their work and they fully enjoy this opportunity.

Secondly, they do not want to note in the statement that Baku Mayor’s Office allotted several venues. Those who wished to hold peaceful rally could have gathered and expressed their opinion in the venues allotted to them, not in the crowded parts of the city. But as seen, the organizers of the rally had other plans.

Finally, on the one hand it causes regret and surprise that OSCE Permanent Council immediately issued a statement not reflecting the reality, on the other hand it has negative influence on the spirit of cooperation between the authorities and opposition and aims to cause tension in Azerbaijan.