Watchdog

While Freedom House classifies 13 of RFE/RL's broadcast countries as "not free," and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) puts three of RFE/RL’s broadcast countries squarely in the worst category, RFE/RL journalists are still on the ground, determined to report the news.

To mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, RFE/RL journalists working in some of the most restrictive and dangerous environments for media in the world sound off on what press freedom means to them.

-- Emily Thompson

BAKU -- EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fuele says Azerbaijan must continue to meet its commitments on advancing democracy and human rights.

Speaking at the Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy on May 3, Fuele expressed hope that Azerbaijan's October presidential election will be held fairly in accordance with Baku's commitments to the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Council of Europe.

He added that the EU-Azerbaijani partnership in energy, culture, and education had "big potential" for further development.

Earlier on May 3, Fuele met with the leader of the opposition Musavat (Equality) Party, Isa Qambar.

The EU commissioner also met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on May 2.

Azerbaijan's presidential website says the two discussed energy-related issues and cooperation in efforts against terrorism.

With reporting by Azertag.gov.az and Interfax