Tensions Surge in Azerbaijan: A Delicate Dance with Western Institutions

Bakı/24.11.23/Turan:  The ebb and flow of tensions between Azerbaijan and Western institutions have once again surged, manifesting in a crescendo of articles in state media directed against foreign funds and Western countries. The recent intensification of this trend prompts questions about the government's use of assistance from these organizations and the conspicuous absence of acknowledgment in state media.

Natig Jafarli, a member of the Political Committee of the REAL Party, delves into this intricate web of relations in the program "Difficult Question." According to Jafarli, this recurrent wave of tensions is neither novel nor unexpected. It reflects a historical pattern that surfaces whenever political and foreign policy challenges strain Azerbaijan's relations with Western institutions and countries.

The most potent manifestation of this trend, Jafarli asserts, unfolded between 2013 and 2016 when Azerbaijan weathered a formidable onslaught. This period witnessed dozens of politically motivated arrests, marking a turbulent chapter in the country's recent history. Subsequently, a relative calm prevailed, but the tightening of the Law "On Non-governmental Organizations" ensued, a move that, paradoxically, proved detrimental to the authorities.

The tightening of NGO regulations, Jafarli contends, had unintended consequences. When NGOs functioned unhindered, they contributed significantly to the economy by generating jobs for approximately 24 thousand people. These organizations also carried tax liabilities and maintained settlement accounts in Azerbaijani banks. This symbiotic relationship, Jafarli argues, was advantageous for the authorities.

However, with the tightening of the law, the authorities now find themselves grappling with the unintended fallout. The increased restrictions make it more challenging for the government to monitor and control NGOs, leaving them in the dark about the sources and utilization of grants. This, according to Jafarli, has shifted the dynamic, working against the interests of those in power.

As the current wave unfolds, Jafarli predicts a short-lived surge in tensions. Nevertheless, he underscores the broader repercussions of these periodic bouts, emphasizing the lasting damage inflicted on civilized society, journalism, civil society, political parties, and individuals striving to contribute positively to society.

The delicate dance between Azerbaijan and Western institutions continues, leaving observers and citizens alike to navigate the complexities of a relationship marked by periodic tensions, rhetorical salvos, and the enduring quest for a balance between state control and the vitality of civil society.