Baku, Azerbaijan, May 22
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
The activities of the International Eurasia Press Fund and its office are the real answer to the accusations of some international organizations saying that the civil society institutions are "oppressed" in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani president's aide for public and political affairs, Ali Hasanov said May 22.
The top official made the remarks at the opening of the International Eurasia Press Fund building.
"Azerbaijani authorities regard the civil society institutions as partners and as a result of this policy, the International Eurasia Press Fund has achieved such success," Hasanov added.
He said that there are several such successful organizations as the International Eurasia Press Fund in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations, media agencies effectively operate in various international organizations, said Hasanov.
He added that today, effective cooperation is carried out with the European Union and the European Parliament and the support to the civil society institutions is one of the areas of this cooperation.
The International Eurasia Press Fund is a classical example of NGOs in Azerbaijan and it has been effectively operating in the country for over 20 years, he said.
Today, 3,500 organizations such as the International Eurasia Press Fund operate in Azerbaijan and contribute to the civil society building in the country, according to Hasanov.
"The policy of civil society building, the foundation of which was laid by Heydar Aliyev, is today irrevocably continued by President Ilham Aliyev," said Ali Hasanov.
The opening ceremony of main office of the International Eurasia Press Fund was held in Baku on May 22.
The ceremony was attended by the officials, MPs, diplomats, heads of media structures and public representatives.