23:04, 16 November 2004

Publication of opposition newspaper suspended

The publication of the Yeni Musavat, one of the leading Azerbaijan opposition newspapers, has been suspended today. The suspension is caused by financial problems, newspaper editors told the Caucasian Knot correspondent. Azerbaijan printing houses refused to publish the newspaper because of its debts. The Yeni Musavat faced with financial problems at the end of 2003, after court penalty provisions had been executed. In particular, the newspaper's bank accounts were arrested, and all receipts from sale are used to liquidate the debts. In 2000-2003, courts imposed fines on the Yeni Musavat to the sum of $160 thousand.

The editors are taking steps to find a way out of the situation, the diplomatic corps and international organizations having been informed about the suspension of publication. The Yeni Musavat has been published since 1989. Its circulation is one of the largest in Azerbaijan.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot