John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As chair of the House Standing Committee on Economics, I met with the chair of the Azerbaijan-Australia interparliamentary group, Mr Fatiyev, and his delegation yesterday to discuss our trade relationship and the potential for strengthening economic ties. I made clear my concerns that any growth in our relationship should be based on a commitment by Azerbaijan to improve their respect for human rights and political freedoms. Last month the Azeri government handed down lengthy prison sentences to outspoken human rights activists Leyla and Arif Yunus in a prosecution described by Human Rights Watch as 'a despicable political show trial'. Last week the European Parliament passed a resolution to apply targeted sanctions and visa bans against Azeri officials and called on the government to release political prisoners.

I also raised my strong concerns about Azerbaijan's actions in the ongoing dispute with Armenia, in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan has invested over $1 billion in armoured vehicles and artillery in the past few years, making a mockery of any supposed desire for peace in the region. As we commemorate the centenary of the commencement of the Armenian genocide, it is essential for us as community leaders to call out persecution and to stress to trading partners like Azerbaijan the importance of protecting human rights and political freedoms for all.