Novruz Mammadov, the head of the foreign relations department of the Azerbaijani presidential staff, said on 17 July that a recent U.S State Department statement expressing concern over the upcoming presidential election is \"normal\" and merely reflects an interest in Azerbaijani affairs. The U.S. State Department noted that although it does not hold \"a position or support any particular candidate,\" it is concerned that the election be \"conducted in accordance with the recently adopted unified election code, Azerbaijan\'s constitution, and with international standards,\" including \"registering all qualified candidates, permitting public debate, providing equal access to the media, and ensuring that the balloting is free and fair.\" Mammadov added that the election will be free and fair, and pledged the government\'s commitment to meeting international electoral standards. (ANS)