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Council of Europe concerned about changes to media and NGO legislation in Azerbaijan

In a press release issued today, the Council of Europe expresses concern about some of the proposed changes to the legislation regulating non-governmental organisations and media in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Amendments as proposed, which will be reportedly submitted for parliamentary decision this Friday, may create serious obstacles for the freedom of expression and normal functioning of the civil society in the Republic of Azerbaijan. They may even lead to the closing of the Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Baku.

Published: June 16, 2009 Author: Council of Europe, CoE

-We therefore call on the authorities, continues the release, -to postpone the decision on the proposed amendments. The Council of Europe is ready to provide assistance in order to ensure that any changes will be in line with the Council of Europe standards of democracy and human rights.

Samuel Žbogar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and Chairman-in-office of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
Lluís Maria de Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Council of Europe Directorate of Communication
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int
www.coe.int

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Azerbaijan – Baku

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