During an interview with Radio Liberty, US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, who is visiting Azerbaijan, expressed opinion on the arrest of “Alumni Network” Youth Organization Coordinator, ANTV Online TV Leader Emin Milli and one of “OL” Youth Organization’s coordinators, well-known video-blogger Adnan Hajizade.
Noting that he is closely watching this issue, James Steinberg said that they continue their talks with government to identify what exactly happened.
“I think press has the biggest decisive role,” said J.Steinberg. “Information resources and debates are very important. We saw this in Iran recently. President talked clearly about the role of media, especially new media, which sets the existence of open society. Therefore we follow this issue and regularly raise this issue in front of government.”
To a question about whereabouts of negotiations on the broadcasts of Radio Liberty and VOA via FM frequency, James Steinberg said that he discussed this issue during a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. “I am for Radio Liberty’s operation and hope that we will find a way regarding this issue.”