Media review for May 5

Relations of Russia and Iran towards Azerbaijan,  possibility of relaxation of the quarantine regime, an increase of the problem loans, difficulties in creating of a free economic zones,  reaction to the upcoming parade in Karabakh – are in the center of media attention.

Yenisabah.az website publishes material about exceeding of authority by  peacekeepers. The State Border Service of Azerbaijan  to be located in the Lachin corridor. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tofik Zulfugarov accused Russia and Iran of arbitrariness towards  Azerbaijan. According to him, Iran, without the consent and official permission from Baku, sends aid to Karabakh, on the territories temporarily controlled by Russia.

In the Iranian segment of social networks, scandalous images are spread about the transfer of "aid" to Karabakh by Iran through Armenia.

Without Azerbaijan’s permission, such transfer of aid, through Armenia along the Lachin corridor is a violation of international laws, including the trilateral statement of November 10^th, 2020.

The ex-minister added that the Russian peacekeepers do not have the credentials to deliver "humanitarian aid" through Armenia to the territories of Azerbaijan temporarily controlled by them. All goods brought to Azerbaijan must be checked.

Modern.az writes about a possible relaxation  of the quarantine regime. A decrease in the incidence of coronavirus has been observed in Azerbaijan in recent days. Therefore, the author assumes the possibility of softening of the quarantine regime.

Experts believe that if we accelerate the vaccination process,  there would be  no need to tighten quarantine. It’s sufficient to take anti-epidemic measures. If 40-45% of the population is vaccinated, all bans can be lifted.

Sfera.az discusses the growth of problem loans, the volume of which increased in the first quarter of 2021. According to the Central Bank, the volume of overdue loans in December of last year amounted to 893.1 million AZN, in January - 900.4 million AZN, in February - 917.5 million AZN, and in March - 918.2 million AZN.

In March of this year, deposits of individuals decreased. In February, the deposits of citizens amounted to 8 billion 379 million AZN, and this month this figure dropped to 8 billion 147 million AZN.

 Bizimyol.az writes about the creation of a free economic zones in Azerbaijan.

The legislation in this area does not meet international standards. In the mid-90s, UN representatives on regional issues worked on the creation of a free trade zone in Azerbaijan. But real work never started because the process was sabotaged by officials pursuing their own interests.

The site "Musavat.com" writes about the upcoming state events in Shusha.

There are proposals to hold an event on May 8 in Shusha in response to the desire of Russian peacekeepers to hold a parade on May 9 in Khojaly.

The author recalls that MP Fazil Musatafa proposed holding a joint military parade of Azerbaijani and Turkish troops in Shusha city. The parade can be timed to coincide with the planned visit of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey to Shusha after Ramadan.