German reporter’s work hindered by Nakhichevan authoritiesJuly 9, 2011 - 18:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung German daily’s political observer Michael Ludwig was forced to discontinue a working trip to Nakhichevan, because of local authorities’ hindering his work. As the reporter stated in a conversation with Turan news agency, he meant to prepare a material about Nakhichevan’s life in blockade on the sidelines of the project covering post-Soviet space regions. Having secured an accreditation at Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the reporter headed for Nakhichevan on a familiarization tour. To make a trip to Batabat, he addressed to the executive authorities of Shakhbuz region from where he was directed to Nakhichevan Mejlis to receive permission. At the main department on Nakhichevan affairs at Foreign Ministry, the reporter was questioned as to the purpose of his trip. On the following day, the journalist submitted a program of his visits, which was approved on condition that he would be accompanied by the representative of Foreign Ministry’s regional department. The reporter resolved to discontinue his trip and return to Baku. “I’m sorry my activities were restricted. Those who interfered with my work have never heard of a free media,” the German reporter told Turan. Commenting on the restriction of the reporter’s activities, a representative of Azeri Foreign Ministry cited the journalist’s failure to provide the purpose of his visit to Nakhichevan. However, Ludwig refuted the accusations, noting that he detailed the purpose of his visit to Nakhichevan while requesting an accreditation. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |