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Dunja Mijatovic: â€œThe main work will start after the adoption of law on defamationâ€

13 May 2011 09:46 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Victoria Dementieva â€“ APA. â€œA number of successes were achieved in mass media sector in Azerbaijan for the last few years. I can note the holding of discussions on the adoption of law on defamation. At my meetings in Baku I was assured that the work on the adoption of this law is being continued. But I consider that the main work will start after the adoption of this lawâ€, said OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic at the press conference on the result of her visit to Azerbaijan.

Commenting on her meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Mijatovic said that the assessments by the head of state satisfied her: â€œThe President assured me that internet will remain free in Azerbaijan. It satisfied me a lot, unfortunately, it is impossible to see it in all OSCE member countries. The meeting with the Azerbaijani President had very constructive atmosphere. Several issues, including imprisonment of Eynulla Fatullayev and other activists were mentioned at the meeting. I was assured that this issue will be settled in the nearest futureâ€.

Underlining the positive points, Mijatovic said the government should take certain measures for forming more pluralist media. â€œThe journalists should have a chance to write on any topic without fear. It concerns all countries, including Azerbaijan. We mentioned the arrests during actions in Baku in our official meetings. We noted that the government must be crucially tolerant toward this issue. I will continue to focus attention on this issueâ€.

The OSCE official emphasized the necessity of turning the National Television and Radio Council into more independent organization. â€œI would like to make some recommendations as a result of my visit and I will send them to the government of Azerbaijan soon. I will continue to follow the state of media in your countryâ€.

Dunja Mijatovic said she met with the government officials, representatives of the non-governmental organizations and as well as Eynulla Fatullayev in jail. â€œDuring the official meetings, they assured me that Eynulla Fatullayevâ€™s security is a prior issueâ€.