He made the remarks on Friday at a roundtable on the theme “Protection of national and moral values in internet media and social networks: Media solidarity”, organized by the Press Council, AzVision.az reports. 

Press Council Chairman Aflatun Amashov said in his speech that some individuals are being insulted on social networks, noting that such campaigns are due to the forthcoming presidential election in Azerbaijan.

Ali Hasanov said that access to global information and communication networks is freely available in Azerbaijan and so will it be despite some predictions made from the other side of the ocean.

“During the period I referred to, the Azerbaijani authorities have regarded social networks as an easy way of contact with the public and the world. Today, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, various government bodies and officials have profiles on social networks. Mr. President has many times reacted to the problems raised on social networks and said that he considers the Internet as a source of information,” he said.

Hasanov noted that social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, have almost 3 million users in Azerbaijan.

“This is a huge number for a country of 10 million people. The creation of modern communication and Internet infrastructure in Azerbaijan, adjustment of the tariffs to those in other countries of the region, creation of equal opportunities for everyone in this area, provision of the pluralism of thought in the current segment are some of the factors that have had a positive impact on social networks. Nevertheless, I have to admit that the public is certainly concerned by attempts by some circles to abuse the existing opportunities despite the positive attitude Azerbaijan’s government is displaying towards social networks as well as the comprehensive conditions created for extensive use of this segment. The fact that certain foreign forces and domestic political groups are carrying out a disgusting campaign against the Azerbaijani government—and in most cases, to the state of Azerbaijan as a whole—is proof of it,” he said.

According to the presidential assistant, organizers and participants of the campaign conducted at different times target the country’s secular regime, as well as the system of ethnic and religious relations.

“Web pages intentionally created and controlled by various radical religious groups and separatist unions target a tolerant atmosphere in the country and stability, which is our greatest achievement. It’s no secret that these circles, unions, groups are influenced by some neighboring countries, especially by Armenia’s insidious centers,” he added.

Hasanov noted that the abovementioned centers launched as insidious “Azerbaijan project” immediately after the next presidential election in Azerbaijan was scheduled for April 11, 2018. 

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