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OSCE Office in Baku issues statement - UPDATED

OSCE Office in Baku issues statement - <span style="color: red;">UPDATED

14 March 2013 08:19 (UTC +04:00)

The Office told APA that some media outlets of Azerbaijan have issued false reports about the OSCE Office in Baku.

“We announce that currently, no inspections are being carried out at the OSCE Office in Baku. The Office is continuing its activity, including implementation of projects, cooperation with government agencies and civil society organizations.”

On the other hand, we regret that media outlets spread such reports without learning the position of the OSCE Office in Baku. We would like to mention that it contradicts the journalism ethics,” the statement says.

"Yeni Musavat" newspaper reported quoting the sources close to the Azerbaijani government that OSCE Headquarters in Vienna has started inspections at OSCE Office in Baku, the office employees’ correspondence and their contacts are being investigated under the instructions of OSCE Headquarters, Ambassador Koray Targay is expected to be recalled untimely and the government is dissatisfied with the activity of Baku Office.

“Bizim Yol” newspaper reported quoting diplomatic sources that an issue raised by the Azerbaijani government will be seriously discussed during OSCE Secretary General Lambert Zannier’s visit to Baku on March 15.

“The source said that Baku wants complete restriction of the OSCE’s activity in Azerbaijan or closure of the diplomatic mission. The government expressed concern over “harmful” activity of the international organization citing to the reports made by OSCE observers on the election and joint projects with different opposition parties. According to the source, the government demands OSCE to coordinate all the projects with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. Otherwise, they will not be allowed. Baku’s demand will be reportedly discussed at OSCE Permanent Council. If the Council passes a decision to fully restrict the activity of Baku Office, the mission will enhance its activity in Tbilisi. According to the source, OSCE Secretary General will try to persuade Azerbaijani officials during the meetings in Baku, otherwise it will result in the country’s confrontation with the international organization,” the newspaper writes.