At the event where representatives of Government, companies and NGOs participated discussions were held on existing problems and perspectives

A round-table has been held with participation of members of EITI International Board and Memorandum parties-representatives of government, companies and NGOs on 15 October at Landmark Hotel, Baku. The first speech was made by Chair of Government Commission on EITI and executive director of SOFAZ Shahmar Movsumov, he spoke about achieved successes on EITI in Azerbaijan. Chair of Commission mentioned that Azerbaijan is the first country which disclosed a report, and spoke about current situation of proceeding process of EITI. He noted that, Azerbaijan is still keeping its leadership as the first full-right member of EITI.
Shahmar Movsumov informed participants about holding tense discussions related to creation multi-stakeholder group and consequently gained agreement according to this issue among Memorandum parties. He also mentioned that, the achieved successes are the result of joint labor of each three parties.
Chair of International EITI Board Peter Aigen attended the event and disclosed his thoughts connected with ongoing processes in Azerbaijan. Mr. Aigen said that he could sound positive thoughts about Azerbaijan and notified his pleasure regarding to rapid growth in the country: “Successes here make us happy. Yes, Azerbaijan is a leader of the initiative. Nevertheless, the further progress is needed too”. He also mentioned that he applauds the agreement related to creation MSG.
Member of EITI International Board from Azerbaijan Civil Society Ingilab Ahmedov in his speech estimated Azerbaijan’s becoming full-right member to the initiative as success and along with this notified some remaining trouble points.
I.Ahmedov spoke about companies’ not inclining to accountability because of their commercial interests and some negative cases. Also mentioning issue on MSG, he estimated having consensus condition within this body as one of the main terms: “We want to keep our status”.
Later EITI Coalition Council Coordinator Gubad Ibadoglu spoke about activity of Coalition at the round-table. He noted that number of Coalition member NGOs approaches to 140, also spoke about done works and implemented projects till the present: “We are working not only within the country, also at regional and international level” said Gubad Ibadoglu and disclosed his thoughts about creation of MSG: “Much to regret, creation of MSG has not been completed in the time. But as a result of tense discussions we achieved agreement even late”.
Gubad Ibadoglu suggested defining some concrete terms for full-right member countries as candidate countries and brought expectations from EITI Board, Azerbaijan Government and companies to the participants’ notice. He also notified discontent related to displayed opinion of SOCAR connected with transition to disaggregated reporting.
Regional Director of Revenue Watch Institute Galib Efendiyev proposed provision of participation of representatives from international organizations, appropriate embassies as observer at the meetings of MSG.
EITI Coalition Council members also attended the meeting and shared opinions related to the subject. Council member Oktay Gulaliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan’s being a leader country in EITI process and standing on the top places at the list of corrupted countries is a paradox also added that no documents were signed on creation of MSG and that Working Plan is not ready. He also noted that, MSG’s being under control of Government Commission is a one of the troubling issues. “We should not go back to 4 years before instead of development” said Oktay Gulaliyev and shared his opinions with participants on disaggregated reporting and improving report forms.
Another Coalition Council representative Ilham Huseynli built his speech on idea as special significance of role of civil society in EITI process. Ilham Huseynli also estimated MSG’s being under control of Government Commission and Commission chair’s leading meetings of MSG as a negative case. Council member touched issues as EITI principles and directions included in initiative’s frame and added that broadening focus of EITI is important: “It would be better to provide oversight not only on revenues but on expenses too”.
Chief of EITI Board Secretariat Jonas Moberg, representatives of companies, international organizations, Government Commission on EITI also made a speech at the event and disclosed their thoughts about underlined issues.
At the end Chair of EITI Board Peter Aigen notified attitude to sounded ideas while the meeting. Mr. Aigen specially emphasized power of civil society in Azerbaijan.

EITI Coalition Information Service
P.S. You can see photos taken from the round-table from the link below
http://diuc.wordpress.com/
14:34 / 26.10.2009

Last correction date of the file: 27/1/2010 - 0:7:16

Other language version of the file: /az/