Foreign ambassadors support the civil society of Azerbaijan

A Civil Society Forum with the participation of the heads of NGOs, community leaders and representatives of diplomatic missions took place on Thursday at the International Press Center.

Despite the invitation, representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies have not yet taken part in the Forum.

Forum participants called on the head of state not to sign a package of amendments to the laws adopted by the Parliament on December 17, 2013, on restricting the activities of NGOs.

Presiding at the Forum, Gubad Ibadoglu said, "We believe that these changes in laws severely restrict the activities of NGOs."

Forum participants noted that changes in Parliament without discussion with civil society is unacceptable.

U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar said that his government supports civil society in Azerbaijan. Government must guarantee human rights, promotion of democracy, freedom of expression and assembly. "Civil society plays an important role in protecting the dignity and human rights.  Freedom of assembly and media are important for democracy. Civil society monitors the work of the government, fighting corruption, and plays an important role in the state system," said Morningstar.

The ambassador also said that changes to existing laws complicate the activities of both local and foreign NGOs.

Head of EU mission in Azerbaijan, Malena Mard, said that the role of civil society in developing countries is very important. She considers important a dialogue between the authorities and civil society, and the role of civil society in strengthening democracy is indispensable.

Unfortunately, sometimes civil society is perceived only as voice of criticism, said Malena Mard. Foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organizations expressed their willingness to assist civil society in Azerbaijan.

The British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Irfan Siddig, expressed hope that the government of Azerbaijan will go to dialogue with civil society and expressed regret that the authorities intend to restrict the activities of NGOs.

The forum adopted an appeal to President Ilham Aliyev with an appeal not to sign changes, restricting the activities of NGOs.

Amendments were made on December 17, 2013, to the laws "On state registration of legal entities and state register", "On NGOs (public associations and funds)" and "On Grants" in the Code of Administrative Offences. Eight supplements and up to 50 changes have been made.  -03C-