13:10, 1 July 2008

US Ambassador calls Azerbaijani authorities to defend journalists

Ambassador of the USA Ann Dersey has called the authorities of Azerbaijan to strictly punish the persons guilty of violence against journalists.

"Without free media, there's no genuine freedom. A journalist, while carrying out his or her professional work, should not be exposed to threats, violence and other undesirable phenomena," Ambassador Ann Dersey has stated today when speaking about the American-Azerbaijani dialogue on democracy held on June 27.

According to the Ambassador, the journalist should not "spend his or her time at courts and arrested for his or her publications." She has emphasized the need to cancel criminal punishments for defamation.

She has assured that the States have once again brought to the knowledge of the Azerbaijani party that "the best partners of the USA are those partners who share common values with America."

As she said, the USA are ready to support Azerbaijan on the way, chosen by the country.

Author: Faik Medzhid, CK correspondent