Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Media freedom is a core value for the European Union and it condemns all restrictions of the media not only in other countries but also in Europe, head of the EU office in Baku Roland Kobia said on Tuesday.

Addressing the two-day international conference "Media environment in Azerbaijan: existing situation and new challenges" in Baku, Kobia said he has witnessed a lot of positive steps from Azerbaijan's government in this area. However, he noted, there is no plurality of opinions on the state television.

Kobia also said Azerbaijan will host an important internet governance forum in November. "This event shows the willingness of the country to discuss these important issues," he said.

According to Kobia, the forum will be an opportunity for Azerbaijan to demonstrate the development of the capital Baku, as well as the country's actual ambitions.

He added that it will be a "golden opportunity" for Azerbaijan to show what the situation in the country is and to demonstrate its determination to resolve outstanding issues in the areas which require solutions.

"The forum will also be an opportunity for all participants to see the country's clear willingness to offer pure media pluralism," Kobia said.

European Commission Vice President responsible for the Digital Agenda for Europe, Neelie Kroes, is scheduled to attend the Internet Governance Forum in Baku. The forum will discuss internet regulation, the existing state of internet media and its prospects.

International Federation of Journalists Deputy Secretary General Oliver Money-Kyrle noted that media development is one of the main elements of democracy.

Vugar Aliyev, head of sector at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration's social and political affairs department, said Azerbaijani media should aspire "to meet the expectations of society".

"After gaining independence, Azerbaijan set its development through a democratic path as the main goal," Aliyev said.

"Azerbaijan has already turned itself into a certain factor, the central country of the South Caucasus," he said. "Today our media must try to justify the expectations and challenges of our society with its freedom and pluralism."

Aliyev noted that the Azerbaijani government talks directly to journalists and listens to their suggestions on a daily basis. Therefore, Azerbaijan's main purpose is to form an independent, professional, free media that can make Azerbaijan's voice heard in the world.

"Such pressing issues as organising free media, journalist safety, ethical initiatives and the development of journalists' trade unions are being discussed at the conference, "Aliyev said.

He stressed that the legislation on the media activity in Azerbaijan is liberal enough and meets European standards. The main task is to use the achieved success in practice.

"Today the society is facing new challenges," Aliyev added. "Social Internet media is competing with traditional media."

Azerbaijani Press Council chairman Aflatun Amashov, Executive Director of the foundation for state assistance to the media, Vugar Safarli, and others spoke at the conference.