Member of Parliament from Shemakha – Sixth Year
Report
on a (1) year’s activity of Elkhan Suleymanov, MP from Shamakhi, member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(01.10.2015 – 31.12.2016)
Â
Appeals of voters
Â
From October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, MP from Shamakhi Elkhan Suleymanov collected from voters various types of appeals, including 220 written appeals, 119 of which were related to financial aid, 28 legal issues, and 73 social problems.
Moreover, Elkhan Suleymanov’s office received 168 oral appeals, 82 of which were connected to financial aid and personal issues, 18 legal affairs, and 68 social problems.
Each of appeals was thoroughly studied and appropriate measures were taken. Inquiries were sent to relevant authorities regarding 34 appeals, 11 of which were implemented, 14 are being fulfilled, while 9 are still processed by the authorities. 53 appeals of voters were determined to be inconsistent with legal norms and relevant explanation was provided to the applicants.
 Â
Meeting with voters
On October 26, 2015, Shamakhi Encyclopedia that was published with the initiative and support of MP Elkhan Suleymanov was presented. Elkhan Suleymanov delivered a speech at the presentation ceremony featuring intelligentsia and public of Shamakhi. According to him, Shamakhi Encyclopedia is a compilation of facts on geology, climate, fauna and flora, population, settlements, enterprises, history, religion, culture, science, education, notable natives of Shamakhi. The publication also contains glorious and tragic pages of the region. Encyclopedia comprises 899 articles, 6 large articles, 663 photographs and illustrations and 20 maps. The editorial staff has used over 150 books, encyclopedias and other informational sources.
On March 7, 2016, 136 mother heroines from Shamakhi received presents by MP Elkhan Suleymanov on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
On Aprel 12, an event on the Nagorno-Karabakh petition signed by Elkhan Suleymanov, President of Association of Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan, and addressed to Obama Administration was held in Shamakhi. In his speech, Elkhan Suleymanov stated that the provisions in petition coincide with those of PACE Resolution 2085 (2016).
On May 7, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov met with World War II veterans from Shamakhi. Having celebrated the veterans on the occasion of Victory Day, he emphasized its significance and mentioned the contribution of Azerbaijanis, including Shamakhi population in the victory over Nazism. Veterans were also presented gifts at the end of the meeting.
 Â
On May 22, 2016, the 6th M. A. Sabir Recital Contest was organized with the initiative and support of MP Elkhan Suleymanov. In this year`s competition, 11 pupils, instead of 10 as were in previous years, became the winners and were awarded by Elkhan Suleymanov. Over 100 schoolchildren, who have won the contest for over the past 6 years, receive an Elkhan Suleymanov stipend.
Â
On June 13, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov organized an Iftar ceremony at Shamakhi Juma Mosque.
On September 10, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov met with Shamakhi-born students, who got admitted to college with high scores, their parents and teachers. 14 students admitted to universities with 600+ score received gifts and money rewards by Elkhan Suleymanov.
On December 19, 2016, Shamakhi hosted a conference titled “Shamakhi as an example of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan” organized by Association of Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan.
International activities
On October 2, 2015, in his interview with APA about PACE session, Elkhan Suleymanov stated that the session was characterized with the resolution to be adopted by Bureau and confirmed at a plenary meeting regarding monitoring mission for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.
On November 2, 2015, MP Elkhan Suleymanov called the evaluation of PACE monitoring mission on the 1 November 2015 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan “the triumph of justice”.
On November 3, 2015, MP Elkhan Suleymanov expressed his opinion regarding the Report “On increase of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan” by Robert Walter , rapporteur of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. According to Elkhan Suleymanov, Robert Walter paid two visits to Azerbaijan, held high-level meetings, visited frontline region and got acquainted with the situation during his tenure as a rapporteur. He also noted that the report contains some nuanced that dissatisfies Azerbaijan. The report was adopted on November 4, 2015.
On November 10, 2015, the U.S.-based portal cxssr.org that researches post-Soviet space published an interview with Elkhan Suleymanov regarding the resolution of the Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that requests Armenian armed forces withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan and secure full sovereignty of Azerbaijan over those territories.
On November 13, 2015, Brussels-based New Europe published an interview with Elkhan Suleymanov, head of Azerbaijani delegation to Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. The interview touched upon Azerbaijan`s withdrawal from Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, the fate of the organization and other issues.
On November 17, 2015, Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, expressed his expectations regarding the planned discussions of the Social Affairs Committee on the report by Milica Markovic titled “Residents of Azerbaijan`s border regions are deliberately deprived of water”.
On November 21, 2015, Elkhan Suleymanov, gave an interview on the resolution titled “Residents of Azerbaijan`s border regions are deliberately deprived of water” to be discussed at Paris meeting of the Social Affairs Committee on November 23.
On November 23, 2015, the Paris meeting of the Social Affairs Committee adopted after voting the resolution titled “Residents of Azerbaijan`s border regions are deliberately deprived of water”. The resolution drafted by Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, evaluates creation of artificial environmental crisis as “an ecological aggression” and emphasizes that the actions aimed at worsening the lives of population in border regions as well as the present state of Sarsang water reservoir could lead to a new humanitarian crisis accompanied with human losses.
On November 25, 2015, Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE commented on adoption of Sarsang water reservoir resolution and stated that his resolutino broadens Azerbaijan`s opportunities to increase international pressure on Armenia.
On December 5, 2015, Elkhan Suleymanov was awarded with “Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan” with a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev.
On December 9, 2015, in his interview with APA, Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE spoke about his expectations regarding the plenary discussions on two resolutions drafted and adopted based on the resolution by him.
On January 11, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov expressed his opinion regarding the discussions of two resolutions – “Increase of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan” and “Population of Azerbaijan`s border regions is deliberately deprived of water” in PACE`s winter session.
On January 22, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov stated that the Armenians are supported at the level of clergy and heads of state of superpowers on the eve of discussions of two resolutions at PACE.
On January 22, 2016, the book “Armenians in South Caucasus” was presented at Heydar Aliyev Heritage Research Center by the initiative of MP Elkhan Suleymanov, President of Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan.
On January 26, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE commented on non-adoption of the Resolution “Increase of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan”at PACE. According to him, “We witnessed great injustice.”
On February 1, 2016, Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan organized an event titled “Sarsang – SOS”. According to Elkhan Suleymanov, who made a speech at the event, “the Resolution “Population of Azerbaijan`s border regions is deliberately deprived of water” is an unchangeable, official document.”
Â
On February 10, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov sent a letter to Adam Shiff, U.S. Representative for California. In his letter, Elkhan Suleymanov critisized Adam Shiff for protesting the resolution on the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia and characterized his position as biased and provocative.
On February 24, 2016, Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan organized an event titled “…Khojali…Sarsang…Genocide continuing”. According to Elkhan Suleymanov, who made a speech at the event, “the 22-year occupation of Sarsang water reservoir by Armenia is a genocide against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis.”
Â
On March 9, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov stated that no progress of the OSCE Minsk Group regarding the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh during the 22 years and masking Armenia`s aggressive policy as “Nagorno-Karabakh conflict” directly serve Armenian interests.
On April 7, 2016, Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan launched a campaign on the petition “Establish Justice and Prevent Great Catastrophe”. The petition was aimed to deliver Azerbaijan`s voice to international community, inform about Armenia`s aggressive policy, receive U.S. support for liberating Azerbaijani lands. The campaign was started on April 6, with Elkhan Suleymanov`s signature and placed the petition on White House Internet page. The petition further states that the OSCE Minsk Group, the mediators consisting of the United States, Russia and France, “has made no progress toward the liberation of our occupied territories,” and urges “the Administration to support PACE Resolution 2085, to assist in the liberation of the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia and the prevention of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.” It also warns that the “current state of the Sarsang reservoir, located in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, could result in a humanitarian disaster.
According to regulations, the petition needed 100,000 signatures during a one-month period. Within the campaign, Elkhan Suleymanov held meetings at 19 universities, including Azerbaijani University of Languages, Public Administration Academy, Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Azerbaijan State Medical University, Baku Slavic University. During meetings Elkhan Suleymanov provided information on the petition, Armenia`s aggression against Azerbaijan and PACE Resoltion 2085 (2016).
On April 19, 2016, PACE Monitoring Committee held a meeting during the spring session of the organization. Elkhan Suleymanov told APA about the discussions. He said that Romanian MP Florin Preda Caesar, head of Monitoring Committee, was elected the second co-rapporteur, Romania’s was elected MP. According to him, Stefan Schennach, co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan reported about his visit to Baku and emphasized progress regarding human rights, democracy and freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.
On April 20, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov informed about the results of the PACE spring session, stating that Armenian propoganda machine functions very actively and attacks Azerbaijan, trying to distract international community from the real problem, the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia.
Â
On April 22, 2016, Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan, organized a roundtable meting titled “Our message to Armenian propaganda on genocide”. Roundtable. In his speech, the president of ACSDA, MP Elkhan Suleymanov talked about  the PACE spring session held on April 18-20. According to him, Armenia`s requests on Nagorno-Karabakh totally failed during this session.
On May 6, 2016, Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan held a press conference regarding the campaign on the petition “Establish Justice and Prevent Great Catastrophe” addressed to Obama Administration. According to president of ACSDA, MP Elkhan Suleymanov, more than 300,000 signatures were collected in support of petition. He also noted that the petition was supported by Azerbaijan and Turkic world and received more signatures than necessary.
Â
On May 15, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov noted regarding the ACSDA petition campaign that “We believe that U.S. officials will consider the mentioned aspects and not respond only for response.”
On May 27, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov stated regarding the campaign on the petition “Establish Justice and Prevent Great Catastrophe”: “I have serious suspicions regarding biased reaction of the USA to our petition in light of global pressures against our country.”
On June 11, 2016, the petition authored by President Civil Society Development Assistance Association Elkhan Suleymanov demanding the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories and empasizing the situation of hundreds of thousands of citizens facing humanitarian catastrophe because of Sarsang reservoir was officially responded by White House Administration. The response expressed support to OSCE Minsk Group in finding  a peaceful and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. But the fact that U.S. Administration ignored the Sarsang humanitarian catastrophe creates regret.
On June 16, 2016, hearings and voting on report on Azerbaijan were held at European Parliament. According to MP Elkhan Suleymanov, the voting was successful.
On June 17, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov criticized the fact-finding visit of PACE Monitoring Committee to Armenia: “Although to co-rapporteurs have some nuances regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, but they did not touch the fact of occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia. They did not refer to PACE Resolution 2085dated January 26, 2016, that reflects the fact of occupation.”
On September 22, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov expressed his opinion on the preliminary comments of the Venice Commission regarding the amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution: “Venice Commission cannot issue legal criticism and desperately tries justify its biased criticism against Azerbaijan with “perhaps” and vague moral laws.”
On September 30, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov`s article on Euronest Parliamentary Assembly was published. The article says: “The Euronest Parliamentary Assembly is the most failed and damaging institution of the EU’s Eastern Partnership.”
On October 14, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov answered the questions of musavat.com regarding Azerbaijan-related issues discussed at PACE session.
On November 10, 2016, Elkhan Suleymanov, reported on Paris meeting of PACE Monitoring Committee. Accoring to him, the Ad Hoc Committee will deal with the conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus, Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied territories, Transnistria, Crimea, eastern Ukraine.
On December 6, 2016, MP Elkhan Suleymanov`s article published on APA informs about rising Armenian provocations, activities of the anti-Azerbaijani forces and Armenian smear campaign against Milica Markovic, the author of Resolution 2085 “Civilian population of Azerbaijan`s frontline regions are deliberately deprived of water” adopted on 26 January 2016.
On December 29, 2016, a Pew Research Center report said that in the last 5 years, the White Hous Administration has received a total of 4799 petitions, 227 of which were responded. The petition “Establish Justice and Prevent Great Catastrophe” is the second most popular petition on the White House platform. The author of the petition is President of ACSDA, MP Elkhan Suleymanov.
