Ali Hasanov: "Azerbaijani media operates in conditions of complete democracy and political pluralism"

- How do you value the socio-political situation in Azerbaijan in 2007?

- Stable socio-political situation and dynamic development were observed in Azerbaijan last year. The government strengthened its position in the country and abroad, public administration was improved and became more transparent.

Improvement was also observed in the activity of the key institutions of the political system in the country. Establishment of new political parties was also recorded. There was improvement in the field of Azerbaijani mass media. New televisions and other media outlets were established. Atmosphere of political pluralism extended and met modern requirements. The relations between the authorities and opposition were normal enough last year, Azerbaijani people supported the policy pursued by the authorities. This was the main driving force of the reforms in economic, social and moral spheres.

National and religious situation was stable enough. Tolerant atmosphere of Azerbaijan extended, there were no serious problems in the relations among religions and nations. On the whole, 2007 was a successful year for Azerbaijan.

-Is it possible to say that socio-political situation will be tenser this year, taking into account the forthcoming presidential elections?

- We do not think that 2008 will be tense for Azerbaijan. Simply, it will be a dynamic year in the socio-political life of the society. In connection with the presidential elections more dynamic processes are expected to take place in political and social life. We assess it normally. Activeness of the society rises in every country during the year of election. We also expect activeness in 2008. But we are pessimistic about the forecasts that the situation will be tense in 2008.

- The number of mass protest actions are expected to increase due to the presidential elections to be held in the country this year…

All local executive power structures have already allocated proper places in open air and closed condition for holding these or other actions and meeting of candidates with voters. All terms and conditions will be fulfilled for holding pre- election campaign.

- How do the authorities prepare for the election?

- We prepare for election in several directions directions. First, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev continues his activity on his committments taken before the electors in 2003.He implements important state programs on internal and external development of Azerbaijan. On the other hand, we are engaged in modernization of election procedures of the forthcoming elections, holding election preparations in poll stations and election procedures according to demands of legislation. Local and central executive powers carry out proper administrative issues on the administration of the country.

- How do you appreciate the state of media in Azerbaijan in 2007?

We can say that state of media in Azerbaijan was normal last year. We think that, country media did not face with any serious crisis, did not stop its activities and there was not any pressure against them. Only “Realniy Azerbaijan” newspaper stopped its activity and there were a lot of explanations on it. There is development in a number of newspapers and in their quality, As to courts between journalists and separate persons, we think that it is normal. We regret that several reporters were arrested. But basing on the principles of humanism, the Azerbaijani President demonstrated government’s position on the freedom of media and pardoned some of them. Considering it all, 2007 can be considered normal as to the development of media in Azerbaijan.

-The State Program on support to the development of media is expected to be confirmed this year...

- The conception envisaging state support to NGOs was signed last year. This issue is already about to be realized. Such project is also intended to be prepared on media. The leadership of Press Council and working group has been empowered to carry out this work. State representatives also participate in that group. We think that the program is ready and the head of the state will be informed about it after it is debated and further steps be defined.

- How do you think, will this program cause positive changes in the situation with media?

- Yes. We adopt this program for broadening the environment of free media in Azerbaijan, strengthening its material and technical basis. This program will be adopted to reduce dependence of media on political bodies and on separate people.

- How do you assess rise of prices of state newspapers?

- State newspapers were the last media outlets which increased prices. I think that it is also a normal case in the society where wages were raised.

- What will occur in the situation with Azerbaijani media in 2008?

- Azerbaijani media operates in conditions of complete democracy and political pluralism. Our media will also be able to function in such conditions this year. Those whose activity correspond to the rules, the development tendency of the society and the demands of modern journalism, will further develop. And those who will abuse his pen, insult people’s honor and dignity, they will be brought to responsibility.