International Bank Of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
The Government tightly controlled official radio and television, the source of information for much of the population because newspapers too expensive for most persons. Television and radio stations require a license to operate, and the Government used this requirement to prevent several independent stations from broadcasting. Since 1993 no truly independent broadcaster has received a frequency from the State Commission on Radio and Television frequencies and the Ministry of Communications. There are a limited number of private television stations, whose broadcasts can be received only in Baku or in local areas outside the capital. Only one of the private stations is not directly under the control of a government official, and it is believed widely that this station also has compromised its independence. Independent radio, preferred by the overwhelming majority of listeners, largely is oriented to entertainment, but one independent station broadcasts on political topics. Opposition par ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: IMF, World Bank Meetings Produce Support for CIS-7 Initiative
The CIS-7 countries need to implement policy and institutional reform more consistently and resolutely, within the framework of fully participatory poverty reduction strategies. They should strengthen the capacity of their governments, build greater public accountability, and strive to reduce corruption. The CIS-7 countries should ensure macroeconomic stability, promote the transparency of public finances, strengthen tax collection, and adopt appropriate policies (including improved debt management) to ensure that debt levels are sustainable. In addition, they need to implement growth-promoting structural reforms including energy sector reform (through unbundling, setting tariffs that reflect costs, and eliminating arrears and noncash settlements), maintaining open trade regimes, and creating a favorable investment climate, especially to encourage growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises. They should also target resources to priority social services and safety nets, including by e ... [Read More]
U.S. Assistance to Azerbaijan – Fiscal Year 2004
U.S. law enforcement assistance programs help to enhance training capacity of Azerbaijani law enforcement officers and to provide counter-narcotics training and equipment. The U.S. also implements a forensics training and laboratory project and a criminal record management system project. A U.S. Department of Justice prosecuting attorney serves as resident legal advisor, and the addition of a law enforcement advisor in Baku provides support for criminal justice reforms, assistance in the development of counter-terrorism and terrorist financing legislation, support of anti-corruption efforts, development of anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) legislation, and training of police, prosecutors, and NGOs that handle TIP cases. This program also provides training of law enforcement and judicial personnel in modern investigative and prosecutorial procedures. ... [Read More]
V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G
Cyprus is a destination country for women trafficked from Eastern and Central Europe for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Traffickers who forced women into prostitution continued to fraudulently recruit victims for work as dancers in cabarets and nightclubs on short-term "artiste" visas, for work in pubs and bars on employment visas, or for illegal work on tourist or student visas. There was increasing evidence of Chinese women being trafficked for sexual exploitation in Cyprus. The Government of Cyprus does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Cyprus made some progress in its anti-trafficking efforts over the past year. The new police anti-trafficking unit produced successful results and showed vigilance in combating the problem. Government recognition of the problem improve ... [Read More]
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
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]
Consular Information Sheets
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ... [Read More]
Consular Information Sheets
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ... [Read More]
DOS/International Information Programs: Public Diplomacy Calendar
11 Currently Underway Mar. 25-Sept. 25 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan 11 July 6 - 8 G-8 Summit, Gleneagles, Scotland 11111 This Week 11 July 8 - 13 ... [Read More]
Azerbaijan (10/04)
More than 30,000 people were killed in the fighting from 1992 to 1994. In May 1992, Armenian and Karabakhi forces seized Susha (the historical, Azerbaijani-populated capital of Nagorno-Karabakh ) and Lachin (thereby linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia). By October 1993, Armenian and Karabakhi forces had succeeded in occupying almost all of Nagorno-Karabakh, Lachin, and large areas in southwestern Azerbaijan. As Armenian and Karabakhi forces advanced, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani refugees fled to other parts of Azerbaijan. In 1993, the UN Security Council adopted resolutions calling for the cessation of hostilities, unimpeded access for international humanitarian relief efforts, and the eventual deployment of a peacekeeping force in the region. The UN also called for immediate withdrawal of all ethnic Armenian forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Fighting continued, however, until May 1994 when Russia brokered a cease-fire. ... [Read More]
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