US embassy official notes freedom of speech problems in Azerbaijan

ANS TV, Baku
4 Jul 07

Jonathan Henick, head of the public relations office of the US embassy
in Azerbaijan, has said that there are problems in the sphere of
freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. "We are trying to solve these problems
in our discussions with the Azerbaijani government and independent
press," Henick said in an interview with the "Point of View" programme
on Azerbaijan’s ANS TV.

He said that libel should be decriminalized and journalists should not
be imprisoned for expressing their views.

Touching on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent proposal on the
joint use of the Qabala radar station in Azerbaijan, Henick said that
Washington welcomes Putin’s proposal as it shows that Russia takes
Iran’s threat seriously and is ready for cooperation with the USA.

Henick also said that the United States will continue its efforts to
solve the Karabakh problem between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although no
agreement has been reached yet, we will continue our efforts, he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress