“It is time for the adoption of the bill “About defamation.” “But our committee has received two bills, it is possible to discuss these bills and get a perfect document ready.” – The chairperson in the Culture Committee of the Parliament Nizami Jafarov told the Trend News. In the opinion of him, the discussions over the natter solely in the committee level are not enough. “In my opinion, there is a necessity for more detailed discussions in the public level. After the adoption of the bill in the parliament, one of the principal conditions is to determine a mechanism for realizing the foreseen regulations.” – Mr. Jafarov stressed out.

6 journalist organizations- the Azerbaijani Commonwealth of Journalists, the Foundation of Najaf Vazirov, the Center of Journalism and Development, the Union of Journalists “Yeni Nasil” (new generation), Azerbaijan Media Centre and the League of Democratic Journalists had applied to the parliament in May of this year in relation to the adoption of the bill “About defamation”. Hereafter, approximately 400 mass media representatives and the members of organizations of journalism joined this address, as well. The bill has undergone an examination by experts of the OSCE.

The chairperson of the committee said that, by only discussing the bills, it is possible to bring it to a perfect level. “I even don`t except preparation of the third bill by the committee regarding the defamation” recalled the deputy. Mr. Jafarov said that representatives of international organizations who were interested in the preparation and adoption of the bill would be invited

About 4000 mass media outlets have been registered. At present, approximately 600 of them function. About 400 newspapers and journals are published, eight country wide, 14 regional, 13 cable TV function in Azerbaijan. Approximately 50 electronic mass media and 20 information agencies exist in Azerbaijan. The rest is internet resources.