President Aliyev voted the friend of journalists

The "Friend of Journalists" title founded by the Azerbaijan committee for journalistic rights "Ruh" was awarded in a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel of Baku Friday, after President Aliyev was voted the overall winner in a survey among 62 respondents.

The poll was conducted among editors, heads of three TV companies and six journalistic associations. "Ruh" chairman Aflatun Amashov said that President Aliyev had won among 63 candidates.

According to him, last year was contradictory for Azeri journalism, as 4 publications were closed. But, there was progress with the passage of the media law, freezing of newspaper arrears, abolishment of VAT for newsprint, etc.

Taking the award, President Aliyev said it was a special honor for him, as it showed journalists liked him. The President assured pressmen that he had always been and would be their friend. Recalling the meeting with media, President Aliyev said he had invited all the press, including opposition-minded media outlets, but some of them hadn't come. "We live in a common society and should be in good relations with each other", the President said, calling for an open dialogue. He pledged to consider allocation of favorable loans for media.

Attending the awarding ceremony were speaker Alasgarov, foreign minister Guliyev, chief of the president's Office socio-political department Ali Hasanov, US ambassador Ross Wilson and others.

This is the first time that the Azeri President has won a journalistic award, which he described as unexpected.

Previous winners of the award were former minister for publication and information Sirus Tabrizli, leader of the Musavat party Isa Gambar and chairman of the PFPA reform wing Ali Karimli.