FORUM OF AZERBAIJANI INTELLIGENTSIA CALLS UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO HOLD REFORMS

The Hyatt Regency Hotel refused to host the Forum of Azerbaijani Intelligentsia (FAI), despite originally signing a contract.
"The hotel released information about postponement of the event saying that it is not for political reasons. We told the hotel management that we are ready to hold the event if those technical problems are solved, or we are ready to hold it in another hall of the hotel. We are waiting a reply from them," said organization co-founder Eldar Namazov
"We are not a political party. The intelligentsia express their position on issues which damage the image of Azerbaijan. In yesterday's event, we should have spoken about the youth problems. We are surprised by the non-civil approaches to our goodwill event. It can be clearly seen that there are state authorities who don't want to be criticized," said an organization member, Jamil Hasanli, during a press conference held at the Azerbaijan National Committee of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly.
"The hotel released information about postponement of the event saying that it is not for political reasons. We told the hotel management that is ready to hold the event if those tehcnical problems are eliminated, or we are ready to hold it in another hall of the hotel. We are waiting a reply from them," said organization co-founder Eldar Namazov.




During the press conference participants touched upon many issues including the Nagorno- Karabagh conflict and activities of the Minsk Group, increasing corruption, the difficult human rights situation, monopolies on importing goods, and other challenging issues.
They also emphazised the necessity for release of prisoners of conscience, Islamists, and Nemat Panahli.
The Forum intelligentsia criticized the head of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, and the administration in general, as standing in the way of democratic reform.
"The only way to democracy is free elections. No one except the ruling party has been able to e elected to Parliament," said Jamil Hasanli. "As long as Ramiz Mehdiyev is head of the Presidential Administration, there will be no reforms. This administration is against holding reforms.
"The Administration follow only their own interests. Although 20 years have passed since Azerbaijan became independent, the people in power haven't changed. For change to occur, society needs to be free from fear. The ability for criticism and public control must be strengthened," said another member, Rustam Ibrahimbayov.
Academician Rafig Aliyev mentioned how new technologies have rekindled hope for political change: "We want to hear the voices of the people. Now the world has changed. A new generation has been formed where people can speak through social networking websites."

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