CRITICISM OF PRESS SITUATION IN AZERBAIJAN ‘UNFOUNDED’
Chief of Azerbaijan`s Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev denounced US President George Bush`s criticism of freedom of press in the country as being unfounded.
Speaking Saturday to journalists in Baku, Mehdiyev said the press situation in Azerbaijan is “normal, good”, and that “there are no limitations on media outlets in the country”.
He also criticized recent Azerbaijan-related statements by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“According to the US Secretary of State`s statement”, Mehdiyev said, “Armenia and Georgia have successfully solved all their problems, including those related to socio-political situation, while Azerbaijan is falling further behind the region”.
“If to use Condoleezza Rice`s line of reasoning, the February-March events in Armenia must be repeated in Azerbaijan so that she can express a positive view about our country. I consider this an unfounded statement”, he told the journalists.
Ramiz Mehdiyev said each time Azerbaijan is preparing for elections, international organizations try to put pressure on the country.
“They have certain goals in doing it. However, led by its president, Azerbaijan is moving along its path”, he stressed.
The Chief of the Presidential Administration once again reiterated that forthcoming presidential elections in the country will be transparent, free and democratic.
Mehdiyev, however, did not rule out the possibility of emerging of some forces “whose aim will be disrupting the election process and making a revolution”.
“However, Azerbaijan is a strong state, and no one can prevent the development process in the country”, he said.
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