Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Some political parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) use the funding received from abroad for other purposes.

Siyavush Novruzov, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party and Chairman of the committee on public associations and religious organizations, made the remark while addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Parliament on June 13.

The meeting participants were discussing the Law "On the Legalization of Monetary Funds or Other Property Acquired by Criminal Means and the Fight against the Financing of Terrorism."

Novruzov noted that the issues of funding of political parties, as well as NGOs should be reviewed.

“Some non-governmental organizations and political parties do not submit reports on financial revenues to the relevant structures. We have improved the legislation on political parties and NGOs funding. A number of European institutions, local organizations tried to direct it to a different point, but time has shown that we took the right step,” he said.

Novruzov also reminded that NGOs should submit reports to the Ministry of Justice and political parties to the Central Election Commission.

"Recently, a deputy of one of the political parties visited the foreign country 41 times within a year and brought to the country funds in various currencies. This can not serve a healthy purpose. If this party is doing the right job, then why is it not financed in Azerbaijan? We need to reconsider this issue. If some structure violates the charter and the received finances serve other purposes then we must take action. For us, the safety of citizens is above all. We need to toughen this issue. In its financial report, the party shows a poor activity, but in the asset it has cars, bodyguards and personnel. The financial source of this organization should be found and presented to the public, "Novruzov said.

Over 40 political parties operate in Azerbaijan. In order to get registered, a party needs at least the membership of 1,000 citizens of Azerbaijan.

Currently, there are more than 3,000 NGOs registered in the country, and an estimated 300 unregistered groups carrying out activities.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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