OSCE Office in Baku organizes UK study trip for government spokespersons

Eleven senior government spokespersons from Azerbaijan are visiting London from 18-21 July 2011 on an OSCE-supported study visit to discuss best practices in government-media relations and freedom of information practices with their British peers.

The OSCE Office in Baku organized the study trip in co-operation with the British Embassy in Baku. The agenda includes meetings with UK Members of Parliament, government officials, press officers, prominent journalists and freedom of information and communications experts.

“This study visit forms part of the OSCE Office's work to support Azerbaijan’s efforts to develop a more open culture of communication between the government and the media,” said Melissa Stone, Acting Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

The 11 spokespersons represent Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, Parliament, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice, Culture and Tourism, Health and Economic Development, the Prosecutor’s Office, State Committee on Work with Religious Organisations and the Supreme Assembly of Nakchivan Autonomous Republic.