Amb. Derse: I wish I had more time to study the language, history and culture of Azerbaijan
US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse visited
Women`s Media Watch, the Union of Women Journalists of Azerbaijan.
Head of the Union Sevinc Osmanqizi briefed the Ambassador about the
organization`s work to support free and accountable media in
Azerbaijan. AzerNEWS presents excerpts of the US Ambassador`s
Q&A session with women journalists.
Ilhame Qasimli: Madame Ambassador, first of all, we would like to hear your opinion about the situation with media freedom in Azerbaijan. And secondly, with regard to discontinuation of broadcasts of American radios of RFE/RL and VOA in Azerbaijan. How do you think the issue will be solved? Do you see Internet broadcast as a solution to the problem?
Anne Derse: Thank you. Let me step back and talk about this issue from slightly a broader context. The United States and Azerbaijan are strong friends and partners and this is something that I work at every day - to build and strengthen partnership between Azerbaijan and US. And we do this, because we believe that US and Azerbaijan share important interests, whether it is energy, security, or the war on terror. We also believe that we share important values and here I am referring to Azerbaijan`s choice and commitment since the early days of its independence - to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures and to develop as a market-based democracy. I know many people in Azerbaijan are absolutely committed to that goal and that is very important to us. The United States seeks to be a good partner and help Azerbaijan, working with colleagues in the government and the civil society, who love freedom and who want to establish freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan. This is important for us, because it is part of our national character and our national beliefs that people have their universal human rights. Let`s note that this week is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And we want to engage with partners in enhancing human rights and freedom and we believe that it is an important part of any friendship and partnership.
Being partners doesn`t mean that you always see eye-to-eye on everything. What it does mean is that when we have a difference, you sit down as friends and partners and we try to find a constructive and positive way to resolve differences. That`s why we value very much being able to have a constructive dialogue on issues that are important, but sometimes sensitive and we may have differences, for example on media freedom.
The United States believes that there is a room in Azerbaijan for considerable development of independent, ethical, free and professional media to develop as a strong institution of Azerbaijan`s democracy. We believe that in order to do their job, journalists need to be able to operate without threats of harassment, or violence, or fear of being beaten, or having another form of pressure upon them. We believe that when those instances occur, there should be investigation and prosecution of those acts of violence against journalists. Journalists should not be imprisoned for their work, or what they write. And we believe that libel should not be a crime. At the same time, we believe that journalists should adhere to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, because they have great power in a democratic society.
Media outlets need to be truly independent and that means also independently financed. Media outlets need to be run as businesses and there need to be conditions in the economy for media outlets to survive on the basis of advertising. There has to be a sustainable business model for media outlets, so that they don`t have to take money from government, or political parties, or individuals. So in terms of developing the media as a strong institution of democracy in Azerbaijan, there is work to be done with respect to economic liberalization, so that there can be a vibrant advertising sector; and there is work to be done in training business managers for newspapers, TVs and radio stations, so that they know how to run media outlets as a business.
I would like to go to the basics about what we, in our democracy, believe the role of the media is. The media serves as a check on power on behalf of the people. So there is inevitably going to be a tension between those in power and those in the media. We think that it is a healthy kind of tension. And the media plays an important role in ensuring that citizens are informed. You cant have a strong democracy without informed citizenry. The media also provides a vehicle for citizens to express their views. So you cant have a strong, thriving democracy without a strong, thriving media. Because the United States believes in democracy, we believe in strong, independent media and continue to discuss with our partners, like Azerbaijan and others to encourage and support the development of media.
You asked about the situation with RFE/RL, VOA and BBC. This is an issue that has been raised with us by the government, National TV and Radio Council (NTRC). We heard their point of view and we explained our point of view. And I am very confident that the government understands how important the contribution is that these outlets make to pluralism, to having diversity of voices, richness of ideas, helping Azerbaijani citizens to be informed. We don`t think that the option of broadcasting on Internet, cable or satellite is a viable option in Azerbaijan today, simply because the telecommunications infrastructure is still developing and only a tiny percentage of people have access to those forms of communication.
But we have a team from the Broadcasting Board of Governors to discuss this issue with NTRC. I am confident that we will find a constructive and positive way to ensure that the radio outlets are able to continue broadcasting and continue to make great contribution that they are doing right now to the development of Azerbaijan`s media environment as a strong institution of democracy in Azerbaijan.
Ilhame Qasimli: Thank you, Madame Ambassador. Follow-up on that. NTRC`s Chairman Nurshirevan Maharramli says that the reason for discontinuation for these broadcasts is absence of international regulations or practice granting national frequencies to foreign broadcasters. What is the situation in the US? Are there any foreign broadcasters that use US`s national frequencies?
Anne Derse: Yes, we have around 70 Mexican radio stations that use our national frequencies. But even more importantly, in the United States you can listen to just about anything you want to. We have very sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure that allow us to get broadcasters from all over the world. From Al Jazeera, Russia, BBC to just about anything you want to listen to. And I think this is the real point. The real point is that in countries that are evolving as democracies, inspiring to be democracies, it is really important that people have freedom of speech and freedom of the media and access to information. The public interest and having a broad access to information and pluralism of views are what should be served. That is the goal that we should strive to achieve. I know what an important contribution these outlets make in Azerbaijan, because so many Azerbaijanis tell me that they listen to it and how important it is to them. So we will try to find a constructive way to find a positive way to ensure that these radio stations can continue to reach as wide audience in Azerbaijan as they reach today. But I will have to leave it to the experts from the BBG to figure out how exactly they can do that.
Sevinc Muradova: A new administration will come to power in January 2009. Given Senator Obama`s pro-Armenian woes in the course of the election campaign, what does the change of administration promise to Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: I am not going to pre-judge the policies of the new administration. And as a career diplomat, I will serve that administration just as loyally, as I served the Bush administration, and the Clinton administration and the Reagan administration and the Carter administration. But I will say that all Presidents look at issues from the point of view of national security. And more broadly, I am confident that the focus on this strategic part of the world will continue. Because the United States has important interests in this important part of the world and I am sure, they will be recognized by future administration, as they are now by the current one.
Of course, as Sevinc remembers well, the president-elect Obama has been to Azerbaijan. And that is a powerful experience. We had many high-level visitors from Washington, and the Vice-President Cheney, the highest ever US official to visit Azerbaijan. And everyone who comes here is hit by the reality of the importance of the region and the challenges of the region, as well as the great opportunities here.
Sevinc Muradova: I would like to ask about a sensitive issue of human rights in Azerbaijan. How do you evaluate the current situation with human rights in Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: I think, probably, the best source for overall US government views on the general situation with human rights in Azerbaijan is our anneual human right report. The US Congress requires the administration, the executive branch to prepare these reports all over the world, which I think, is an illustration of how important these issues are to the American people and the American Congress. When we prepare these reports, we talk to a wide-range of NGOs and civil society representatives and we also talk to government officials and we try to make them as objective, as possible.
Ilhame Qasimli: We are absolutely impressed that you understand everything without interpretation. Where and how did you learn Azerbaijani?
Anne Derse: [in Azerbaijani] You speak very clearly. I studied Azerbaijani for six months. It is very little.
Ilhame Qasimli: Were your teachers Iranian Azerbaijanis or emigrants from Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: My teachers Naida khanim and Leonid muellim are both from Azerbaijan. They are in Baku now.
Aynur Talibova: You said "we, Americans are lucky "language wise. What else do you feel lucky for, as an American in Azerbaijan? Everyone is talking about America after the last presidential election.
Anne Derse: You know I was very moved by the reactions of my Azerbaijani friends in reaction to the election this year. I know that every American, whether they are Republican, or Democrat or independent, or green party, feels proud for this election. If you think about it, it is the demonstration that our society is free and provides equal opportunities for people, willing to work hard and are talented and have something to contribute and demonstrate patriotism and dedication to society. Secretary Rice often recalls, that back when our country was founded, slavers still existed. That was wrong and it`s been changed. So many Azerbaijani colleagues congratulated us on our election, making that very point.
And let`s not forget from the women`s point also, that having Hillary Clinton run this year, she was the second Democrat who ran for presidency and she came very close. Sarah Palin was the first woman to run for the Republican Party. That was good too.
Sevda Gulahmadova: During Soviet period, there were certain stereotypes about Americans and American society. Did you have any stereotypes about Azerbaijan that proved to be wrong since you arrived here?
Anne Derse: I didn`t have any specific stereotypes. I had some important knowledge about Azerbaijan`s role as an important energy producer and supplier. I knew about the Nagorny Karabakh problem and how serious and painful that issue is for Azerbaijanis. But I cant say I had any particular stereotypes. I knew that Azerbaijan got independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which is a unique history.
I think what was a very pleasant surprise and something that is not widely appreciated in the world about Azerbaijan is just how rich your culture and history are, how much there is to learn about it. I have been in many countries that, for one reason or other, think that their history have been the crossroads for culture and civilization. But really, Azerbaijan is a place where you have got so many different important cultural and historical strains meeting, which creates a unique environment. So that was a surprise, but a very pleasant and positive one. I just wish I had more time to spend studying the language, more about the history and culture of this place, as well as working on important issues that we have between the US and Azerbaijan.
Arzu Qaziyeva: I`ve got a personal question. We know that you are a mother of four children, an achievement on its own. What is the secret for being so heavily engaged in politics and career and balancing it with family?
Anne Derse: It is not easy. Very demanding, very challenging, but also extremely rewarding. The secret is simple. It is having a very strong supportive husband. I`ve been extraordinarily blessed in my life, because I have a husband, who is a very strong, confident man and he is not challenged, or threatened by being together with a woman who wants to have a career and raise children. So he has been my first and best supporter, and then our families were very helpful and supportive. But let`s be honest. If you are raising kids and are having a career, that`s all you have time for. So all the years our children were little, going to school and were growing up, literally, all my husband and I did, was work and take care of kids. We didn`t have much of a private life or personal interests for many years. So when the last of our children went to college, we suddenly found ourselves home alone. It was fun to rediscover what it meant to be a couple.
We are very proud of all our children. Our older daughter established her own business in Philippines; twins- boy and girl. My son is completing training to be a military officer. His twin sister works with USAID. And our youngest daughter is 21. She is studying Arabic and government at Georgetown University. We are very proud of them. But it was a hard work. Thank you for asking that question, I love to talk about my family.
Ilhame Qasimli: Madame Ambassador, first of all, we would like to hear your opinion about the situation with media freedom in Azerbaijan. And secondly, with regard to discontinuation of broadcasts of American radios of RFE/RL and VOA in Azerbaijan. How do you think the issue will be solved? Do you see Internet broadcast as a solution to the problem?
Anne Derse: Thank you. Let me step back and talk about this issue from slightly a broader context. The United States and Azerbaijan are strong friends and partners and this is something that I work at every day - to build and strengthen partnership between Azerbaijan and US. And we do this, because we believe that US and Azerbaijan share important interests, whether it is energy, security, or the war on terror. We also believe that we share important values and here I am referring to Azerbaijan`s choice and commitment since the early days of its independence - to integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures and to develop as a market-based democracy. I know many people in Azerbaijan are absolutely committed to that goal and that is very important to us. The United States seeks to be a good partner and help Azerbaijan, working with colleagues in the government and the civil society, who love freedom and who want to establish freedom and human rights in Azerbaijan. This is important for us, because it is part of our national character and our national beliefs that people have their universal human rights. Let`s note that this week is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And we want to engage with partners in enhancing human rights and freedom and we believe that it is an important part of any friendship and partnership.
Being partners doesn`t mean that you always see eye-to-eye on everything. What it does mean is that when we have a difference, you sit down as friends and partners and we try to find a constructive and positive way to resolve differences. That`s why we value very much being able to have a constructive dialogue on issues that are important, but sometimes sensitive and we may have differences, for example on media freedom.
The United States believes that there is a room in Azerbaijan for considerable development of independent, ethical, free and professional media to develop as a strong institution of Azerbaijan`s democracy. We believe that in order to do their job, journalists need to be able to operate without threats of harassment, or violence, or fear of being beaten, or having another form of pressure upon them. We believe that when those instances occur, there should be investigation and prosecution of those acts of violence against journalists. Journalists should not be imprisoned for their work, or what they write. And we believe that libel should not be a crime. At the same time, we believe that journalists should adhere to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, because they have great power in a democratic society.
Media outlets need to be truly independent and that means also independently financed. Media outlets need to be run as businesses and there need to be conditions in the economy for media outlets to survive on the basis of advertising. There has to be a sustainable business model for media outlets, so that they don`t have to take money from government, or political parties, or individuals. So in terms of developing the media as a strong institution of democracy in Azerbaijan, there is work to be done with respect to economic liberalization, so that there can be a vibrant advertising sector; and there is work to be done in training business managers for newspapers, TVs and radio stations, so that they know how to run media outlets as a business.
I would like to go to the basics about what we, in our democracy, believe the role of the media is. The media serves as a check on power on behalf of the people. So there is inevitably going to be a tension between those in power and those in the media. We think that it is a healthy kind of tension. And the media plays an important role in ensuring that citizens are informed. You cant have a strong democracy without informed citizenry. The media also provides a vehicle for citizens to express their views. So you cant have a strong, thriving democracy without a strong, thriving media. Because the United States believes in democracy, we believe in strong, independent media and continue to discuss with our partners, like Azerbaijan and others to encourage and support the development of media.
You asked about the situation with RFE/RL, VOA and BBC. This is an issue that has been raised with us by the government, National TV and Radio Council (NTRC). We heard their point of view and we explained our point of view. And I am very confident that the government understands how important the contribution is that these outlets make to pluralism, to having diversity of voices, richness of ideas, helping Azerbaijani citizens to be informed. We don`t think that the option of broadcasting on Internet, cable or satellite is a viable option in Azerbaijan today, simply because the telecommunications infrastructure is still developing and only a tiny percentage of people have access to those forms of communication.
But we have a team from the Broadcasting Board of Governors to discuss this issue with NTRC. I am confident that we will find a constructive and positive way to ensure that the radio outlets are able to continue broadcasting and continue to make great contribution that they are doing right now to the development of Azerbaijan`s media environment as a strong institution of democracy in Azerbaijan.
Ilhame Qasimli: Thank you, Madame Ambassador. Follow-up on that. NTRC`s Chairman Nurshirevan Maharramli says that the reason for discontinuation for these broadcasts is absence of international regulations or practice granting national frequencies to foreign broadcasters. What is the situation in the US? Are there any foreign broadcasters that use US`s national frequencies?
Anne Derse: Yes, we have around 70 Mexican radio stations that use our national frequencies. But even more importantly, in the United States you can listen to just about anything you want to. We have very sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure that allow us to get broadcasters from all over the world. From Al Jazeera, Russia, BBC to just about anything you want to listen to. And I think this is the real point. The real point is that in countries that are evolving as democracies, inspiring to be democracies, it is really important that people have freedom of speech and freedom of the media and access to information. The public interest and having a broad access to information and pluralism of views are what should be served. That is the goal that we should strive to achieve. I know what an important contribution these outlets make in Azerbaijan, because so many Azerbaijanis tell me that they listen to it and how important it is to them. So we will try to find a constructive way to find a positive way to ensure that these radio stations can continue to reach as wide audience in Azerbaijan as they reach today. But I will have to leave it to the experts from the BBG to figure out how exactly they can do that.
Sevinc Muradova: A new administration will come to power in January 2009. Given Senator Obama`s pro-Armenian woes in the course of the election campaign, what does the change of administration promise to Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: I am not going to pre-judge the policies of the new administration. And as a career diplomat, I will serve that administration just as loyally, as I served the Bush administration, and the Clinton administration and the Reagan administration and the Carter administration. But I will say that all Presidents look at issues from the point of view of national security. And more broadly, I am confident that the focus on this strategic part of the world will continue. Because the United States has important interests in this important part of the world and I am sure, they will be recognized by future administration, as they are now by the current one.
Of course, as Sevinc remembers well, the president-elect Obama has been to Azerbaijan. And that is a powerful experience. We had many high-level visitors from Washington, and the Vice-President Cheney, the highest ever US official to visit Azerbaijan. And everyone who comes here is hit by the reality of the importance of the region and the challenges of the region, as well as the great opportunities here.
Sevinc Muradova: I would like to ask about a sensitive issue of human rights in Azerbaijan. How do you evaluate the current situation with human rights in Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: I think, probably, the best source for overall US government views on the general situation with human rights in Azerbaijan is our anneual human right report. The US Congress requires the administration, the executive branch to prepare these reports all over the world, which I think, is an illustration of how important these issues are to the American people and the American Congress. When we prepare these reports, we talk to a wide-range of NGOs and civil society representatives and we also talk to government officials and we try to make them as objective, as possible.
Ilhame Qasimli: We are absolutely impressed that you understand everything without interpretation. Where and how did you learn Azerbaijani?
Anne Derse: [in Azerbaijani] You speak very clearly. I studied Azerbaijani for six months. It is very little.
Ilhame Qasimli: Were your teachers Iranian Azerbaijanis or emigrants from Azerbaijan?
Anne Derse: My teachers Naida khanim and Leonid muellim are both from Azerbaijan. They are in Baku now.
Aynur Talibova: You said "we, Americans are lucky "language wise. What else do you feel lucky for, as an American in Azerbaijan? Everyone is talking about America after the last presidential election.
Anne Derse: You know I was very moved by the reactions of my Azerbaijani friends in reaction to the election this year. I know that every American, whether they are Republican, or Democrat or independent, or green party, feels proud for this election. If you think about it, it is the demonstration that our society is free and provides equal opportunities for people, willing to work hard and are talented and have something to contribute and demonstrate patriotism and dedication to society. Secretary Rice often recalls, that back when our country was founded, slavers still existed. That was wrong and it`s been changed. So many Azerbaijani colleagues congratulated us on our election, making that very point.
And let`s not forget from the women`s point also, that having Hillary Clinton run this year, she was the second Democrat who ran for presidency and she came very close. Sarah Palin was the first woman to run for the Republican Party. That was good too.
Sevda Gulahmadova: During Soviet period, there were certain stereotypes about Americans and American society. Did you have any stereotypes about Azerbaijan that proved to be wrong since you arrived here?
Anne Derse: I didn`t have any specific stereotypes. I had some important knowledge about Azerbaijan`s role as an important energy producer and supplier. I knew about the Nagorny Karabakh problem and how serious and painful that issue is for Azerbaijanis. But I cant say I had any particular stereotypes. I knew that Azerbaijan got independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which is a unique history.
I think what was a very pleasant surprise and something that is not widely appreciated in the world about Azerbaijan is just how rich your culture and history are, how much there is to learn about it. I have been in many countries that, for one reason or other, think that their history have been the crossroads for culture and civilization. But really, Azerbaijan is a place where you have got so many different important cultural and historical strains meeting, which creates a unique environment. So that was a surprise, but a very pleasant and positive one. I just wish I had more time to spend studying the language, more about the history and culture of this place, as well as working on important issues that we have between the US and Azerbaijan.
Arzu Qaziyeva: I`ve got a personal question. We know that you are a mother of four children, an achievement on its own. What is the secret for being so heavily engaged in politics and career and balancing it with family?
Anne Derse: It is not easy. Very demanding, very challenging, but also extremely rewarding. The secret is simple. It is having a very strong supportive husband. I`ve been extraordinarily blessed in my life, because I have a husband, who is a very strong, confident man and he is not challenged, or threatened by being together with a woman who wants to have a career and raise children. So he has been my first and best supporter, and then our families were very helpful and supportive. But let`s be honest. If you are raising kids and are having a career, that`s all you have time for. So all the years our children were little, going to school and were growing up, literally, all my husband and I did, was work and take care of kids. We didn`t have much of a private life or personal interests for many years. So when the last of our children went to college, we suddenly found ourselves home alone. It was fun to rediscover what it meant to be a couple.
We are very proud of all our children. Our older daughter established her own business in Philippines; twins- boy and girl. My son is completing training to be a military officer. His twin sister works with USAID. And our youngest daughter is 21. She is studying Arabic and government at Georgetown University. We are very proud of them. But it was a hard work. Thank you for asking that question, I love to talk about my family.