Baku Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
There was slight improvement in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. While some religious groups reported delays in and denials of registration, several churches have indicated that they either received or expect to receive their registration, they are able to import religious literature, and they meet without government interference. However, local authorities occasionally monitor religious services, and officials at times harassed nontraditional religious groups. The generally amicable relationship among religions in society contributed to religious freedom; however, there is popular prejudice against Muslims who convert to non-Muslim faiths and hostility towards groups that proselytize, particularly Evangelical Christian and missionary groups. The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government i ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
The law prohibits foreigners from proselytizing, and the Government enforced this provision. In April Baku police arrested Nina Koptseva, a Russian citizen and member of the evangelical Christian Greater Grace Church, along with two others on a busy Baku street. Koptseva was charged with propagating Christianity and deported to Russia; she and the church deny the charge. The Jehovah's Witnesses have had difficulties in holding large meetings in Baku. In September they planned a convention for 500 people, and obtained official permission. Circumstances required them to change their venue; as a result, they received a letter from the SCWRA saying that they had broken the law by changing their plans without notifying SCWRA and by allowing unaccompanied minors to attend. ... [Read More]
Travel to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine
Deputy Secretary Armitage first traveled to Kiev, Ukraine and then continued on to Yerevan, Armenia and Baku, Azerbaijan. During this trip, he met with senior host government officials, as well as with other political leaders and groups that promote democracy and civil society. [Read More]
Azerbaijan International Adoption
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
U.S. Department of State -- Key Officers - Azerbaijan
Return to Main Page | Return to Previous Page | Printable Version Azerbaijan BAKU (E) Address: 83 Azadlig Prospect, Aserbaijan, 37007; Phone: (9)(9412)4980335; Fax: (9)(9412)4656671; Workweek: M-F, 9:00 - 18:00, variable; Website: http://baku.usembassy.gov OfficerNameAMB Reno L. Harnish III [Read More]
Azerbaijan
During the year, a total of three POWs were released, one from Azerbaijan and two from Armenia.The law prohibits forced exile, and the Government did not employ it. e. Denial of a Fair and Public Trial The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary; however, in practice, judges did not function independently of the executive branch, and the judiciary was widely believed to be corrupt and inefficient. Judges preside over and direct trials. The President appoints Supreme and Constitutional Court judges, whom Parliament confirms. The President appoints lower-level judges without confirmation. Qualifying exams for judges were administered periodically as part of a judicial reform effort; however, credible allegations persisted that judgeships were bought and sold. Low salaries for judges and lawyers increased the incentives for bribe taking and ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Azerbaijan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Azerbaijan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83; tel. (9-9412) 498-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 490-66-71; email: ConsularBaku@state.gov; web site: http://www.usembassybaku.org. ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan (10/04)
Azerbaijan has concluded 21 production-sharing agreements with various oil companies. Eastern Caspian producers in Kazakhstan also have expressed interest in accessing this pipeline to transport a portion of their production. Partner sanctions of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil export pipeline was completed in August 2002 and construction awards were announced. Construction began in the second quarter of 2003, with completion projected by the end of 2004. A Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas export pipeline was sanctioned in February 2003. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Several Western airlines operate services to and from Baku, though these services change frequently, and current schedules should be checked before making travel plans. Lufthansa: Frankfurt-Baku-Frankfurt — three times a week. British Mediterranean: London (Heathrow)-Baku-London(Heathrow) — six times a week. Turkish Airlines: Istanbul-Baku-Istanbul — five times a week. ... The cultural richness and natural beauty of Azerbaijan are not limited to Baku. Weekend excursions provide an interesting get-away from the Baku city life. Quba, Gandja, and Lenkoran are cities that represent three distinct regions of Azerbaijan. Quba is situated 2½ hours north of Baku. It is a wooded, hilly area with pleasant scenery and wildlife. The city of Gandja (Kirovobad in Soviet times) is about 500 kilometers west of Baku. Many Azerbaijanis maintain summer homes in the mountains south of Gandja. The city of Lenkoran lies near the Iranian border on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It and the area around it are filled with cypress trees, vineyards, orange groves and tea plantations. Other popular weekend excursions include the villages of Lahich and Sheki in northern Azerbaijan. EntertainmentLast Updated: 11/25/2003 3:17 PM ... [Read More]
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