Press Review 03/30/2016

The Azadlig publishes an interview with the political scientist Hikmet Hajizadeh on the problem of political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Releasing a group of political prisoners was an attempt of the authorities to correct their tarnished image. It was under pressure from the West, the analyst believes.

The remaining political prisoners should be also released and it is necessary to stop the repression against relatives of political refugees. In addition, several believers, whose guilt is unclear, are also in jail.

The Novoye Vremya discusses the topic of frequent suicides. In recent days, they took place in Baku, Tovuz and Shamakhi.

The author considers wrong the position of officials who claim that suicide is a worldwide problem. Massive dismissals, credit card debts, unemployment, and pressure from the banks are the main causes of suicide.

The Yeni Musavat writes about the document prepared by the International Discussion Club Valdai, close to the Russian President. The document is called International Threats - 2016.

It argues that there is a threat to Azerbaijan in connection with the Karabakh conflict. In case of war, Russia will be on the side of Armenia and the interests of Baku and Moscow will face, the document says.

This publication is not accidental on the eve of a trip of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents to Washington D.C. and after the end of the Azerbaijani-Turkish military exercises.

Moscow is also concerned about Baku's role in providing Europe with gas.

The Bizim Yol writes about the abuse of communication systems in Baku due to heavy rains. Authorities spend billions, but the communication system is in a deplorable state. Architects believe that another reason for this situation is the disparity between the standards and the streets of the capital.

According to the standards, the central part of a road should be slightly higher so that rainwater drains into the central sewer.

The drainage and sewerage system of Baku does not work at 90%. The author argues that the millions allocated for this purpose have not solved the problem.

Only 10-15% of the roads of the capital have a rainwater drainage system. Where, then, are the funds allocated?