Azernews.Az

US Ambassador Anne Derse has called for urgently tackling problems faced by Azerbaijani journalists.
In her congratulatory message on July 22, the Day of Journalists, Derse said the media was a key link between the government and civil society. She said a number of outstanding problems in Azerbaijan in this area should find their solution as soon as possible.
The ambassador said her country has always been opposed to the arrests of journalists over their work and pressure on the media. "We are expecting Azerbaijan to take steps aimed to resolve the problems faced by the media."
Derse expressed hope that the jailed journalists would be set free soon. "The United States calls on Azerbaijani authorities to solve the problem of jailed media representatives."
The envoy said the release of journalists could serve as a powerful invective to democratic development in the country. She said Washington supports a fully free and professional media abiding by ethical norms and pledged her government`s further assistance in achieving this goal.
"We have always had in mind that joint steps will be taken by the authorities and the media as well as civil society and the media, and the situation will improve. As a result, the media will step on the path of development as a very strong democratic institution, which will give an impetus to Azerbaijan`s developing democracy. Naturally, when talking about these positive steps, we imply that freeing the jailed journalists could be one of them."
Azadlig newspaper editor Ganimat Zahid, an employee of the publication Mirza Sakit and the editor of Realny Azerbaijan and Gundalik Azerbaijan newspapers Eynulla Fatullayev remain in prison. The authorities reject allegations that the journalists were jailed over their writings.