Azerbaijan Democracy Monitor

After Azerbaijan gained its independence in 1991, the flow of information from the country to the international community has been relatively limited and often manipulated by state-controlled, authoritarian sources. As a result of the anti-democratic actions of the government, there is a commonly held opinion in Azerbaijan that the country is isolated from the rest of the world. This presents a serious psychological obstacle to the restoration of democracy in Azerbaijan and building of a civic society. This obstacle creates anti-Western sentiments in a country, which traditionally has been the most pro-Western among Islamic nations of the Caucasus.

ANDF believes that the effective distribution of facts about the situation in Azerbaijan is the best means of integrating Azerbaijan into the world community and reinforcing the traditionally pro-Western and progressive stance of Azerbaijani society. Equally important, making this information available in English will better inform the international community about the present struggle for democracy in the country.

ANDF has begun the publication of monthly brochure, Pro-Democracy Monitor called "Azerbaijan," in a separate Azeri and English edition. These hard copy publications are addressed the lack of unbiased political and social reporting within Azerbaijan, as well as the severe shortage of English language material available to the international community. The geo-strategic, political and economic importance of Azerbaijan for the world community underscores the need for accurate and current information on the rapidly changing political scene in Azerbaijan. The development of a unified political opposition, and government attempts to undermine it, require that information reach the domestic and international community in a timely and objective fashion.

The Azerbaijan Pro-Democracy Monitor seeks to solve this lack of information by publishing a wide range of political and social commentary and information on the political situation in an Azeri and English language format, and distributing it to international organizations, domestic and international mass media, NGOs, politicians and political analysts.

Articles from the May 1999 issue include:
Abolishing The 907th Amendment Passes Through Free and Fair Elections
Notes on the UNOY 2nd Global Youth Peace Conference
Heidar Aliev Is Returning Back
Liberal Party of Azerbaijan Has Left The Sidsuh

Last updated:    June 1999

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