Azeri authorities toughen visa regime for foreign journalists

PanARMENIAN.Net - A number of foreign journalists applying to Azerbaijani Embassies abroad for visa, came to face unexpected difficulties, such as toughening of visa regime.

Journalists are requested to submit materials they wrote about Azerbaijan, and, in case materials carry negative information, are interrogated as to the reason behind negative feedback. In case of criticism, directed against Azerbaijan, visa is refused, or provided with difficulty, a well-known western journalist, who wished to keep his name incognito, told Turan news agency.

As he noted, Azeri authorities made a list of international structures and organisations, which they refuse interviews or meetings, citing negative information their reports or statements contain. Should the situation continue, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and presidential staff representatives will have to give interviews to AZTV only.