Media

Media

Conference â€œMedia and elections: Democratic commitment of mediaâ€ organized by Council of Europe in Baku

26 August 2008 10:51 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that the conference is held within the framework of the joint project of the Council of Europe and European Commission â€œMoldova and South Caucasus â€“ support to free and fair electionsâ€. Parliamentarians, editors, journalists, nongovernmental organizations, analysts, foreign and local experts attend the conference. Head of Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Samad Seyidov said that one of the commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan upon accession to the Council of Europe was the democratic development of media.
â€œPresidential elections should be held in line with the most democratic and international standards, everybody â€“ civilians, media, politicians, participants of the election process should make efforts for this,â€ he said.
Member of the Central Election Commission Azer Tagiyev said the role of mass media in the development of the society was undeniable.
â€œJournalistsâ€™ activity was very important for the statehood, but they are also responsible by the law,â€ he said.
Azer Tagiyev said that Central Election Commission was preparing instructions for journalists in connection with the elections.
Veronika Kotek, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to Azerbaijan said that the right of media was one of the main principles of the state.
â€œThe authorities should always create great opportunities for media,â€ she said.
Head of â€œYeni Nesilâ€ Journalistsâ€™ Union Arif Aliyev said monitoring had been conducted in connection with coverage of the elections in the media.
Expert of the Council of Europe Pascal Mooney considers that journalists should work in the fearless atmosphere.
â€œThe activity of media attracts more attention during elections, the political developments in the country should be covered without obstacles,â€ he said.
MP Ganira Pashayeva said media bore the responsibility for holding free, democratic and fair elections.
â€œThe organizations responsible for the elections should extend cooperation with media. These organizations also bear the responsibility for spreading correct information. Impartiality is one of the main factors in the activity of media during the election campaign. Journalists should assume the responsibility of an observer, should not be rivals or partners and should promptly inform the society,â€ she said.