Ali Gasanov: "Azerbaijan does not need recommendations by Reporters Without Borders"

Azerbaijan authorities do not need recommendations by Reporters Without Borders, announced head of the president's public and political office Ali Gasanov. "The policy of Azerbaijan in the field of the mass media is based on the norms of the Council of Europe," he said while commenting upon the recommendations to improve the media situation that Reporters Without Borders addressed to the Azerbaijan Government.

According to Mr. Gasanov, Azerbaijan has not met only two obligations in the field of information and press undertaken by the country to the Council of Europe. The country is expected to meet them by the end of the current year. "The Laws "On Public Television" and "On Freedom of Information" are planned to be passed by the end of 2003," he said.

"No facts of authorities' putting physical pressure on journalist have been registered in 2003," and all the other facts are under investigation by law-enforcement agencies, noted Ali Gasanov.

As for bailment of Yeni Musavat newspaper editor-in-chief Rauf Arifoglu until the trial, Ali Gasanov finds it to be "impossible for the moment" as judicial bodies consider expedient to hold Rauf Arifoglu under arrest.

Editors note: See also the article "Press freedom curtailed since Ilham Aliev's election as president".