Azerbaijan, Baku / corr. Trend E.Huseynly / The US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne E. Derse, briefed the media on 11 April that Washington is concerned by the situation of the media in Azerbaijan.
According to her, the undisclosed murder of the Editor-in-Chief of Monitor Magazine, Elmar Huseynov, problems concerning ANS TV and the eviction of the media organization from their office in Khagani 33, is disturbing for the Government of Azerbaijan. Derse stressed that there is an antagonist attitude towards the independent and pro-opposition newspapers in Azerbaijan.
"Groundless and planned attacks take place against journalists. The US Government is prepared to assist Azerbaijan to develop its press and increase its efforts to develop the professionalism of journalists," Derse said.
The US Ambassador stated that, as in other societies, Azerbaijan has some irresponsible journalists and believes that each journalist should follow the ethics standards and impartiality. The Ambassador believes that as the professionalism of Azerbaijan increases, the free media will also develop.