Press Review - 05/12/12

Official newspapers published an extensive article on Ramiz Mehdiyev presidential administration of  Shah Ismail Khatai, ruler of a large Azerbaijani Safavid state, which included what is now Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, a part of the Middle East and Central Asia.

Azadlig reports on the Public Chamber intention to hold a protest outside Parliament on December 10 regardless of whether city authorities will authorize the meeting.

According to the Democracy Index, compiled by the British edition of The Economist, Azerbaijan economy ranks 140th among 165 countries of the world, lagging behind many African economies.

Experts commented on the situation in Nakchivan Autonomous Republic, noting the region can face a social explosion at any time.

Activists of the international organization for the protection of freedom of expression Article-19, covered the Heydar Aliyev monument with a black cloth, and set a sign on the pedestal reading: "Abroad you are generous. In the country you imprison people for criticizing the government."

Express: paid attention to the increase in the number of deaths from carbon monoxide with the onset of cold weather, this ironically notes "the season starts with a carbon monoxide plague."

Echo: In the first 10 months of the year, road accidents in Azerbaijan killed 301 people, and injured 1,089.

Novoye Vremya, referring to U.S. and European officials, notes that "the geopolitical struggle for gas" has moved into the open.

Bizim Yol: give opinions from experts who believe that BP will be suspended from operator ship of the ACG project. They regard it as an expulsion of BP from Azerbaijan.

Yeni Musavat: Official Baku has introduced a ban on visits to Azerbaijan from some founders of the so-called "billionaires club" (Union of Azerbaijani Organizations in Russia), including Telman Ismailov, Soyun Sadigov and former Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov. 

On December 5, a protest is expected in Guba, demanding the release of those arrested in connection with the uprising in the town on March 1.

In connection with a campaign launched recently in Azerbaijan against BP, the President of BP will visit Baku in the coming days.

The paper comments on the social fairness of pensions. Thus, a police officer who has served for 25 years receives 791 manat per month, while a teacher with 50 years experience receives only 163 manat.

Baki Khabar: refers to a member of the Commission of Pardons, MP Elmira Akhundova, and reports on the preparation of an amnesty program for the New Year. -0 –