COUNCIL OF EUROPE SECRETARY GENERAL IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STATE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN AZERBAIJAN
02.02.2001, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer expressed today his concerns about the state of the freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.
As Mediamax was informed in the press service of the Council of Europe, Schwimmer stated this in view of the recent closure of two private regional broadcasters in Azerbaijan, Mingechevir TV and DMR TV.
CoE Secretary General stated that "these events will reduce the already meagre possibilities of the Azerbaijani people outside the capital to receive information from other sources than the State TV". Walter Schwimmer called on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow these broadcasters to continue operating. He also noted that the "TV Broadcasting Law" isn't yet adopted in Azerbaijan.
Mr Schwimmer recalled the commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan when entering the Council of Europe last week. Among those are guaranteeing freedom of expression and excluding the use of administrative measures to restrict freedom of the media.
Armenia and Azerbaijan officially entered the Council of Europe on January 25, 2001. -0-
As Mediamax was informed in the press service of the Council of Europe, Schwimmer stated this in view of the recent closure of two private regional broadcasters in Azerbaijan, Mingechevir TV and DMR TV.
CoE Secretary General stated that "these events will reduce the already meagre possibilities of the Azerbaijani people outside the capital to receive information from other sources than the State TV". Walter Schwimmer called on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow these broadcasters to continue operating. He also noted that the "TV Broadcasting Law" isn't yet adopted in Azerbaijan.
Mr Schwimmer recalled the commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan when entering the Council of Europe last week. Among those are guaranteeing freedom of expression and excluding the use of administrative measures to restrict freedom of the media.
Armenia and Azerbaijan officially entered the Council of Europe on January 25, 2001. -0-
