REQUEST FOR AZERBAIJAN-SPECIFIC STATEMENT FOR PRESS

UNCLAS BAKU 000524

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL A/S LOWENKRON

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV KDEM KPAO AJ
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR AZERBAIJAN-SPECIFIC STATEMENT FOR PRESS
FREEDOM COMMEMORATION DAY

REF: A) BAKU 519
B) STATE 55366

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION


1. (U) This is an action request; see paras 2 and 3.


2. (SBU) Over the last year, media freedom in Azerbaijan has
deteriorated significantly, with physical attacks on several
journalists, numerous criminal libel cases launched against
independent and opposition journalists, government pressure -
including the suspension of broadcasts - against the leading
independent television and radio station ANS (which was awarded a
six-year broadcast license on April 27, ref a),and the forced
eviction of several independent and opposition news agencies from
their offices. In order to maximize attention to this vitally
important issue (ref b),the Ambassador will host a major reception
on May 3 for journalists, civil society, government officials and
diplomatic colleagues, where she will deliver an address on media
freedom. We request that the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary
for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor issue an Azerbaijan-specific
statement on media freedoms that the Ambassador could read aloud at
our May 3 press freedom commemoration, to underscore the importance
of media freedom to Azerbaijan's democratic development.


3. (U) Suggested text for Azerbaijan-specific statement follows:

There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and
active press. As a strong friend and partner of Azerbaijan, the
United States wants to work with Azerbaijan to help it achieve its
goal of developing as a strong, secular democracy. We welcome the
recent decision to issue a broadcast license to ANS Television. We
remain concerned, however, about the general state of media freedom
in Azerbaijan. The unsolved murder of Elmar Huseynov and unpunished
attacks against journalists have created a climate of intimidation.
Criminal libel suits threaten to silence independent and critical
voices. We urge the government to apprehend and prosecute those who
attack journalists, and to decriminalize libel. We urge the media
to raise professional and ethical journalistic standards. The
United States is prepared to help. In the meantime, on the occasion
of international Press Freedom Day, I salute and honor the
courageous Azerbaijani journalists who continue to report the news.
Keep up the good work.

DERSE