Press Review 05/18/2016

The socio-political situation in the country, the authorities' attitude to the PFPA, details of the meeting in Vienna, a sharp decline in exports, and the situation in the field of tourism are the leading topics of today's press.

The official newspaper Azerbaijan has published an article, which refers to faith of the people in the head of state Ilham Aliyev in connection with the April war in Karabakh. This war has become a measure of unity of the people, according to the author.

Azadlig talks about the attitude of the authorities towards the PFPA, calling it ardent, and such policies are carried out at the state level with the use of the courts, the police and the executives.

The authorities do not shun such brands as "traitor to Motherland", accusations of coup d'etat and seizing power.

Currently up to ten members of PFPA are under arrest. "If Ilham Aliyev received 97% of the vote, then why is he afraid of the ten members of the PFPA?" asks the author.

Novoye Vremya writes about the meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Vienna. Apparently, the powers have decided by all means to preserve the status quo. Vigorous statements by the co-chairs of significant progress mean that they are persuading the parties to something. However, given the diametrically opposed positions of the parties, it can be assumed that the problem will be solved at the expense of significant concessions.

What it will be is easy to assume, as the basic principles of the settlement are well known, focusing on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenians flatly refuse to recognize the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan. The most likely version is that 5 districts will be liberated with the placement of peacekeeping forces and at the same time giving the rebellious autonomy an interim status with further referendum, but our authorities have repeatedly said that a referendum on a part of the national territory is not provided for by the Constitution.

Echo: Azerbaijan is losing its position in foreign markets. As soon as the export of goods is reduced, our place is taken by other countries. To re-conquer the market, a great effort is required. At the same time the volume and range of imported products in the Azerbaijani market increase. This testifies to the fact that many small businesses have suspended their activities. Entrepreneurs operate profitably with imports, said the chairman of the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies Nariman Agayev.

In the foreign trade turnover Azerbaijan's negative balance was 144,368.84 thousand dollars. For the same period last year, the surplus in foreign trade amounted to 867,189.17 thousand dollars.

During the first 4 months of this year, Azerbaijan made trade operations with 152 countries, exporting 1,503 and importing 5,931 articles of goods.

Yeni Musavat explores the position of tourism in connection with the upcoming summer season. Prices are rising in the country, which is an obstacle to the arrival of tourists. Many people prefer to travel to Georgia, as the prices are 2-3 times cheaper there. By the way, many Azerbaijanis also prefer Georgia. For the development of this sector experts offer to grant freedom to entrepreneurs and to eliminate monopoly.