08:35, 1 May 2005

Refugees denied foreign assistance

Azerbaijan's Tax Ministry is trying to obstruct a micro credits programme implemented by the Norwegian Refugee Council, Steinar Gil, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway in the Republic of Azerbaijan, told journalists.

He mentioned the Norwegian Refugee Council had been implementing programmes to assist displaced persons for ten years in Azerbaijan. These programmes include the micro credits one with $7.5 million already allocated under it. However, the Tax Ministry of Azerbaijan has lately begun to demand that the Refugee Council should pay the profit tax. Gil says this demand is baseless, as the Council earns no profit and all funds paid back are again directed for micro credits. Yet the Tax Ministry has blocked the Council accounts in Sheki.

The situation does not only harm ordinary people who receive credits, but also undermines Azerbaijan's image in the eyes of investors, the ambassador observed. The micro credits programme will be suspended until the accounts are unblocked.

Torture still practiced in Azerbaijan

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent