PRESIDENT'S REACTION TO MEDIA SITUATION
Azertag, November, 2006
- Mr. President, last times, some oppositional forces make claims connected with mass media. How can you regard them?
- You know, as a whole, the political processes ongoing in Azerbaijan are positive. Along with political reforms, we continue the economic reforms either, and I have told several times and I reiterate that the political reforms should complete the economic reforms. Both of them should be carried out in parallel. We have already big economic potential, we have created it. Political reforms, development of democracy in the country, freedom of word, press, belief, supremacy of law - all these are our priorities. The more important is carrying out of economic reforms the more significant are the political reforms. In absence of strong public control and free society in Azerbaijan, our economic successes will not have prospects, and they will be for the short term. Therefore, last years, the core of the political reforms in Azerbaijan, their essence is to develop the country all-roundedly, and every citizen benefited all freedoms. Press freedom in Azerbaijan is available. There are over 500 press organs in the country and function freely. We make serious steps in this direction. Ensuring freedom of press and word is one of our priorities, and I can say Azerbaijan has reached notable accomplishments in this field. As you know, we have joined the new neighborhood policy of European Union. That plan of activity also includes continuation of political reforms, that is, it is our choice. Should we not be definite in this question, nobody could enforce his views on us. This is our choice, our wish and our will. That's way, we should not politicize the situation in connection with some media bodies. All questions should be solved on legal ground.
Recently, remove of the Azadlig newspaper to other premises has long been discussed among the oppositional media. This technical matter is artificially exaggerated as though the state wants to suppress the oppositional press. On the contrary, we have created very good conditions for Azadlig newspaper. They, too, will be provided at the Azerbaijan Publishing House, where all the media bodies are placed. The question should be treated only on legal ground. There is freedom of word and press in Azerbaijan, and nobody should doubt it. Sure, these processes will intensively go ahead in Azerbaijan. As our country modernizes, enriches, becomes a modern state, and put limits to press is impossible. In globalizing world, it is impossible to restrict the press.
As to the situation connected to ANS TV channel, it is, of course, a matter of discussions, and I consider that this also should not be regarded politically. I always support strengthening of free press - years ago and after I was elected President of the country - including the ANS TV, for which I have also made necessary efforts. In hard years for the channel, in any case, the Channel's officials can affirm this - I have been beside them. I have done this, for, I consider the strengthening of free and independent press in Azerbaijan is necessary.
Nevertheless, along with that, every question should be solved on legal ground. Law is the same for all. We create a legal state in Azerbaijan. I demand from all officials to follow the laws. From simple citizens to the head of state, from a journalist to manager of channel - all should obey the law. One may like the law, another may dislike. However, this is law and these laws rule society and country. Nobody can be above the law. In some cases, they disseminate such opinion that having a press organ, being a journalist or representative of media, gives special privileges. That is not right, all are the same before the law. There are public bodies, the National Television and Radio Council, and they have right objections, substantial offers and every media organ should provide them. Therefore, I consider these questions can find their solution in a working atmosphere and on good intention. Should the objections and demands are fulfilled in the warning, then, the channel can function further.
You know, I would note once again, in the present time, it is impossible to close and restrict any media organ. We live in the period of Internet. Now, why do we connect the schools to Internet? That, our people, our children, the youth could be familiarized with the ongoing processes in world, comprehend the global novelties, acquire and apply in life.
I often visit the regions, the remote villages. There are satellite antennas in the far distant villages, and not seldom, but in mass. That is, restriction of any media is not possible. Soon, the TV programs will be broadcasted in mobile phones. That is, restriction is not the goal, and there is no such intention. Merely, all should observe the law, and all should act in the frame of law. Nobody will have special conditions. This is my position of principle and I shall not change it. Every question should be solved on the ground of law. In that case, not a problem will remain. Should everybody perceive this and obey the laws, then, all matters will find solution.
I reiterate that it is my viewpoint, and it is my philosophy. I want to see Azerbaijan as a modern state. Rich and economically strengthened, politically free, modern, open to the world, ready for cooperation, able to defend its position, with powerful army, able to restore its territorial integrity, and I will do my best for this. Nobody and nothing can avoid me from this way. Thank you.
AZERI BROADCASTING COUNCIL CLOSES ANS TV AND ANS CM RADIO
AZERI TV WATCHDOG JUSTIFIES DECISION TO TAKE PRIVATE COMPANY OFF AIR
CLOSED AZERI BROADCASTER APPEALS TO PRESIDENT FOR HELP
OSCE OFFICE CONDEMNS CLOSURE OF PRIVATE TV BROADCASTER IN AZERBAIJAN
MOST POPULAR AZERI COMMERCIAL BROADCASTER TAKEN OFF AIR
COURT RULES TO EVICT AZERI OPPOSITION DAILY
REPORT FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS
AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN TV STATION AND EVICT TWO NEWSPAPERS AND NEWS AGENCY IN CRACKDOWN ON INDEPENDENT MEDIA
OSCE OFFICE PRESENTS REPORT ON AZERBAIJAN'S PUBLIC BROADCASTER
BELIEVERS ENRAGED BY ANTI-ISLAMIC PUBLICATION
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