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MP: Azerbaijan takes systematic approach to countering corruption

28 January 2016 13:15 (UTC +04:00)

Q: Transparency International has published the results of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2015. What do you think of this index?

A: Transparency International is a global non-government organization leading the fight against corruption. One of the primary targets in its activities is to measure the level of corruption in different countries, using three indicatives – Corruption Perceptions Index, Bribe Prayers Index, and Global Corruption Barometer.

The newly announced Corruption Perceptions Index is the indicative that is most frequently referred to and on the other hand it has drawn much criticism. That is due to the fact that this index, in addition to studies on measuring the level of corruption in countries, ranks them [countries] on a comparative basis. Based on the opinions of different experts and private sector representatives, the ranking of the results on the basis of common criteria inevitably distorts the results and is thus considered unreliable.

I’d like to mention one fact. Despite having been published since 1995, the methodology used to get this index has been modified because of the errors and big differences in the 2012 results. Nonetheless, the attitude towards the index appears to be unchanged and that index is still not relied upon today in serious investigations, reforms, or measures.

The organization itself accepts these criticism and remarks because measuring corruption, especially its comparative ranking, is painstaking. Because of this particular reason, there are constant calls for the revocation of this index used by the organization.

Nevertheless, the index should be viewed as a neutral assessment and an opinion, the other reports of the organizations should also be analyzed and measures taken for our country to constantly make progress in the ranking. There is close cooperation with Transparency International and its office in Azerbaijan.

Q: Azerbaijan has improved its position in this year’s index. What is your opinion about the current position of Azerbaijan in the index?

A: In general, Azerbaijan’s position in this index is improving every year. Compared to the previous years’ results, Azerbaijan’s position is improving year by year and the positive dynamics is maintained. From this point of view, we are not surprised by the result as we daily observe significant progress regarding the level of corruption in our country and the impact of related-measures in this area.

The regrettable and unacceptable point is that the pace of progress in the index is incompatible with the pace of the reforms and measures conducted in the county in this field, and assessment of other international organizations. According to the latest index, Azerbaijan surpassed 7 countries in 2015. This is a positive aspect, but when we have a look at the anti-corruption efforts taken in 2015 in our country we obviously see an incompatibility between the current situation and the result. Thus, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his statements in 2015, mentioned regular fight against corruption, gave instructions, signed relevant decrees and orders, submitted laws for parliament’s discussion and showed his firm political will in regard to the fight against corruption.

"ASAN Service" (State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan) rendered services of state agencies to more than 7.6 million citizens in 2013-2015. Based on the results of surveys and exit-polls, 98-100 percent of citizens were satisfied with these services. ASAN Service provides about 253 services from 10 state agencies and other bodies. Citizens’ satisfaction with the services leads to reduction of corruption level and create positive expectations.

Other international organizations specialized in this field - Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN), relevant sub-structures of the UN, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) etc. the list can be expanded - also highly-assess ASAN’s activities.

Similar assessments of other organizations also describe a different view. For example, the World Bank called Azerbaijan top reformer of 2008. Azerbaijan ranked the 8th among top 10 reformer countries in 2015. Among the 148 countries which are ranked for Global Competitiveness Index, Azerbaijan ranked 39th in 2014. However, we didn’t achieve breakthrough in these years due to flaws in the preparation of the index.

According to the results of the Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer 2013, 73 percent of those polled said the level of corruption in Azerbaijan has not increased, 68 percent of respondents hailed the measures taken by the government to fight corruption as effective. This indicator is three times more than the average world rate of 22 percent. Azerbaijan advanced 12 countries in the index and it doesn’t reflect the truth.

Q: What work is being done for improving the position of Azerbaijan in this index?

A: There is a systematic approach to the fight against corruption in Azerbaijan and the country’s president always pays attention to this area. Both legislative and institutional reforms carried out in this area in Azerbaijan meet international requirements. Progress Azerbaijan has made is also reflected in the reports of international organizations specialized carrying out detailed researches in this area [fight against corruption]. For example, in 2012 the Anti-Corruption Network of OECD recommended the model of the Anti-Corruption Department under the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan as the best one for other countries. ASAN Service which awarded by the United Nations Public Service Award 2015 is recommended by international organizations, including the UN as the best model for the fight against corruption.

It should be noted that the anti-corruption policy of Azerbaijan is not aimed at improving the country’s position in international indexes and reports. In any case, such indexes are based on different methodologies and subjective opinions.

In his speech at the conference dedicated to the implementation of the “State Program on socio-economic development of in 2014-2018,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that corruption is a big disaster for all countries, including Azerbaijan. Along with punishment and administrative measures, institutional measures are being taken against corruption. In Azerbaijan, arena for corruption is narrowing, new public services are being created. Mr. President has said repeatedly that the basis of the state policy is the welfare of Azerbaijani citizens. Measures to combat corruption contribute to this policy.