Received by Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5: 16:27 PM Mike Burns From: Zach Olson Sent: Friday, October 11, 2013 6:38 PM To: Mike Burns Subject: FW: Azerbaijan - Presidential Election Marks Signi?cant Progress From: Zach Olson Sent: Friday, October 11, 2013 6:34 PM To: 'leilani.metz@mail.house.gov' Subject: Azerbaijan - Presidential Election Marks Signi?cant Progress Hello, Hepe my note ?nds you well. As you might be aware, the Azerbaijani people went to the polls this week to elect their President selecting President Ilham Aliyev to lead the country for another term. Below is an update from the Embassy spotlighting the nation?s progress made in the election toward strengthening its democratic society. We hope you ?nd this information useful and please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you, -Zach Olson The Pedesta Group provides representation to the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. min-ran or "rm; or AZERBAHAN October 10, 2013 Presidential Election Marks Signi?cant Progress in Azerbaijan The country of Azerbaijan made a signi?cant stride toward its full democratization in holding open and fair presidential elections on October 9, 2013. The Azerbaijani people 1 Received by Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5:16:27 PM Received by Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5:16:27 PM took to the polls, freely exercising their right to vote, and overwhelmingly cast their support for the reelection of President Ilham Alier. No election is perfect, and Azerbaijan acknowledges that its electoral processes can be improved. However, the 2013 elections are an historic moment for the Westem-facing country committed to strengthening its democratic society. Azerbaijani citizens turned out in high numbers, with more than 72 percent of the 5.15 million registered voters participating in the election. The government of Azerbaijan sought out the input of international observers, inviting representatives from more than 100 countries and 50 organizations to partake in monitoring the election process. International election observers acknowledged Azerbaijan?s progress, with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PAGE) and the European Parliament (EP) praising the ?free, fair and transparent electoral process.? PACE and the EP cited a ?professional and peaceful? election day, free from voter intimidation and violence. The organizations also stated their appreciation for a more open electoral debate and sound technical preparations and investment on behalf of election authorities. Similarly, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observed a number of improvements in Azerbaijan?s electoral processes. was pleased by the good organization of the election and the number of candidates who took part, as well as the peaceful atmosphere on election day,? said Michel Voisin, the special Co-coordinator who led the OSCE short-term election observation mission. Doris Barnett, the head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) delegation, added: welcome the high turnout, and I was happy to see so many pe0ple who were eager to cast their vote.? Leaders from around the world have reached out to President Ahyev, congratulating him on his victory. Turkey?s President Abdullah Gul offered his congratulations and wished the president success in his future work for Azerbaijan?s prosperity. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych also called President Alier to congratulate him and offer well wishes. US congressmen Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Steve Cohen penned a congratulatory letter to the president, emphasizing the strong partnership and strategic interests the United States and Azerbaijan share. Democratization is a top priority of Azerbaijan?s, and the 2013 elections provide evidence of progress that has been made and highlight areas of improvement the country recognizes it needs to address. Azerbaijan looks forward to continued cooperation and collaboration with its allies in Europe and the United States as it works to build upon the successes of the elections and embraces our cultures? shared values. 2 Received by Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5:16:27 PM Received by ARA Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5:16:27 PM E-MAIL RECIPIENT LIST The attached informational materials were sent by e-mail to staff members in the following offices in the U5. House of Representatives: Rep. Rodney Alexander Rep. Joe Barton Rep. Jim Bridenstine Rep. Shelley Capito Rep. William Cassidy Rep. Howard Coble Rep. Mike Conaway Rep. John Duncan Rep. Virginia Foxx Rep. Ralph Hall Rep. Randall Hultgren Rep. Bill Johnson Rep. Mark Meadows Rep. Pete Sessions Rep. Bill'Shuster Rep. Glenn Thompson Rep. Ed Whitfield Rep. Robert Wittman Rep. Todd Young Rep. Madeleine Bordallo Rep. Corrine Brown Rep. Stephen Cohen Rep. Gerald Connolly Rep. Eni Falemavega Rep. Al Green Rep. Gene Green Rep. Alcee Hastings Rep. Rub?n Hinojosa Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee Rep. Adam Kinzinger Rep. Nick Rahall Rep. Tim Ryan Rep. Marc Veasey Received by Registration Unit 01/30/2014 5:16:27 PM