Statement from NDI on fabrications in Azerbaijani press

A number of articles based on fabrications and malicious propaganda continue to appear in the Azerbaijani press concerning the activities of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the purpose of its programs. These reports are completely baseless.

“Repeating a series of falsehoods over and over again does not make them true,” said NDI President Kenneth Wollack.

NDI and its local partners have helped civil society organizations, young future leaders, and other citizens cooperate peacefully and constructively with local governments to improve their communities. They have promoted dialogue to improve local infrastructure, such as roads, lights, utilities, and parks, and provided opportunities for citizens in the form of classes, book clubs, social awareness campaigns, and environmental projects. The Institute has also supported the efforts of Azerbaijani citizens to protect the integrity of their political processes through nonpartisan domestic election monitoring, consistent with the principles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). NDI has been transparent about these activities with Azerbaijani authorities. In fact, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has nominated many young people to participate in NDI programs.

All funds received by the NDI office in Baku and its representatives have been used for these purposes and no others.

NDI is registered with the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan. Consistent with that registration, NDI has submitted all financial statements, as required by law, to the Ministry of Finance. NDI is in full compliance with local laws, including those that apply to financial disclosure.

Published April 3, 2013