Federal Lezghi
National and Cultural Autonomy

"I’m deeply troubled by the recent actions against RFE/RL and its personnel by the government of Azerbaijan... Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, and for generations RFE/RL has been a source of reliable, unbiased news and information across Europe. With the RFE/RL Baku bureau sealed shut by government officials, that source has been silenced and that freedom is under assault," he noted. 

"Azerbaijan is a strategically important country bordering Russia and Iran and a key provider of energy resources. Continuing these actions will serve only to undermine democracy in Azerbaijan. I urge leaders in Baku to allow RFE/RL to resume its work and to stop harassment of RFE/RL employees,” reads the statement.