OSCE Office underlines media freedom on Azeri National Press Day

BAKU, 22 July 2003 - Congratulating the Azeri media on the occasion of National Press Day, the Head of the OSCE Office in Baku underlined the importance of free media for Azerbaijan's democracy.

"This event should remind us of the significance of free media to Azerbaijani democracy, because a free, really independent and vibrant press is the lifeblood of strong, functioning societies, and a lifeline to progress itself," Ambassador Peter Burkhard said in his address to representatives of Azerbaijani media.

There have been a number of positive changes in the media field, such as the abolition of the Ministry of Information and the freezing of newspaper debts to the state-owned printing house. However, there are still great challenges lying ahead of Azerbaijan in this field and there are still serious issues to be resolved.

This year, National Press Day comes at a moment when the country is on the eve of presidential elections. The forthcoming elections already heated up the political climate in Azerbaijan and boosted the media activity. In these circumstances, the OSCE Office in Baku is concerned about a significant increase in acts of violence against journalists, especially during unauthorised rallies, meetings and demonstrations.

The OSCE Office in Baku also remains concerned about the continuing use of defamation suits against independent newspapers and violations of journalists' right to have access to information.

"In the absence of free media it is not possible to conduct democratic elections," said Ambassador Burkhard. "Having free and fair elections is not only about casting votes in proper conditions, but also about having adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself so that voters can make an informed choice."

"In this important time in Azerbaijan's history, it is crucial that journalists also respect the trust that is bestowed upon them by the public. I hope the Azerbaijani press will act as a professional institution during the coming elections and will cover this event with the full energies of the profession," he added.

The Head of the OSCE Office also urged Azeri media outlets to ensure that the full range of political opinion is reflected in the media and to report on the election in a professional and ethical manner.

22 July is commemorated as National Press Day in Azerbaijan, as the first national publication, the "Akinchi" (The Plowman) newspaper, came out on 22 July in 1875 under the editorship of the great Azeri public figure Hasan Bey Zardabi.