The authorities give start to dialogue with civil society

On Monday Presidential Administration officially   has given  the start  to  the  dialogue between the government and Azerbaijan’s civil society. Ali Hasanov, head of the socio-political department of the presidential administration, said that the meeting is the result of the mutual desire of the parties.

He immediately outlined the contours of the conversation that took place behind closed doors, involving about 50 representatives of NGOs. Hasanov made it clear that the state wishes to remove obstacles to the activities of non-governmental sector, to do them full part of the socio-political system, and therefore he would like to hear concerns and suggestions  from the horse's mouth.

The representatives of NGOs participants  also proposed: to remove obstacles to the state registration of NGOs, free grants from the VAT, and  to reduce tax burden of non-governmental sector, to remove restrictions on activities in the regions, to strengthen state support of non-governmental organizations, to create a public board under the President for more effective interaction between the authorities and NGOs, to stop the persecution of civil society activists, and to release from prison  the representatives of non-governmental organizations, media and other offer.

Hasanov, closely monitored the speeches for more than a half hour,  and his final speech, said that only  86  received proposals  will  be the basis of analysis of the situation to further decision-making.

He  said that the government is interested in continuing the dialogue with non-governmental organizations,  and   the society to  participate in the process of state building. Hasanov said want the  power does not want - the NGOs  should not be  supporters in the political struggle between the government and opposition.

  Representative of administration  also said that the government is interested in dialogue and building relationships with all of spectra of civil society, NGOs, political parties and the media. Hasanov said that without a strong civil society authorities can slide into authoritarianism. He  also noted that the state is interested in its development, but under control.

In contrast to his speech at a meeting with representatives of civil society on May 31, when he  subjected to obstruction international agencies and  political parties cooperating with them, NGOs and the media, this time his tone was different. He even recognized the right to  hold the  campaign “Song for Democracy”  dedicated to the “Eurovision 2012”  song contest. 

"This is the first meeting with the participation of leading representatives of civil society, and we will analyze the current performance and proposals, Hasanov said.  The next meeting, based on an analysis of today's debate, will be held in September. "-0 –