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EU made a statement on freedom of media in Azerbaijan

22 December 2006 10:31 (UTC +04:00)

The statement reflected EUâ€™s concern over the recent events in freedom of media in Azerbaijan.
â€œThe EU is deeply concerned about the pressures over media. The EU attaches great importance to the principle of media freedom as a part of democracy. The unity urges the Azerbaijani government to create an environment where media can operate freely, efficiently and without fear. The restriction of media freedom runs contrary to the spirit and purpose of the recently approved European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan, as regards human rights and fundamental freedoms. The measures taken against media are also contrary to the commitments made by Azerbaijan before the CE and OSCEâ€?, the statement said.
The EU considered positive that National Television and Radio Council let ANS TV and ANS CM to resume its broadcasting and delay the consideration of license.
â€œThe EU attaches a great importance to the regulatory rules that provide an opportunity for free media to flourish. The EU will continue to follow closely the developments of the situation of media freedom in Azerbaijanâ€?, the statement said. /APA/