Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr A. Ismayilova / The Unites Sates is working on the establishment of mutual understanding between Azerbaijan's government, opposition, and media, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Bryza, stated in Baku on 2 August.
Commenting on the purpose of his visit to Azerbaijan, Bryza said that the key subject discussed with Azerbaijani officials was the presidential elections of 2008. Bryza noted that freedom of press was very important from the standpoint of strengthening democracy.
In Bryza's opinion, freedom of press should develop in two following directions: the first - the press should have the right to free expression of its opinion, and the second - using high standards of professionalism, journalists should contribute to development of democracy, but should not sensationalize scandals.
"The deeds of the authorities intended to restrict the freedom of speech and the press cannot be justified," Bryza concluded.