Baku, May 13, 2004

We, undersigned herewith as representatives of Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations, are announcing the establishment of the Coalition "For improving transparency in extractive industries" in an effort to ensure public control over the revenues obtained through the exploitation of the country's natural resources and their effective use.

Our this initiative is based on the articles of the Azerbaijani Constitution "On sources of government" (article 1), "On natural resources" (article 14), "On freedom of information" (article 50), "On participation in state governance" (article 55) and "On the right to unite" (article 58).

Our objectives in forming the Coalition are as follows:

• organization and implementation of public control over the safe storage, complete return to the state and effective use of Azerbaijan's share of the revenues obtained from the exploitation of the country's natural resources;

• implementation of the activities aimed at informing the Azerbaijani citizens of the exploitation of the country's natural resources and of the earned revenues, including the organization and implementation of public control over such activities of state bodies and companies;

• joining the efforts of civil society institutions in the area of transparency and in this way stepping up the level of public activity;

• ensuring the representation of Azerbaijani public associations in the British government's "Transparency Initiative in Extractive Industries", which has been joined by the Azerbaijani government.

Our activity principles are:

Openness to cooperation. The Coalition is open to cooperation with any state, non-governmental organizations, mass media, international NGOs, public figures, scientists, specialists and others.

Unlimited membership. Any NGO and physical entity can become a member of the Coalition.

Transparency. The Coalition's activity will be completely transparent and open for the public.

Precision. In all its theories and decisions the Coalition will try to ensure maximum precision. Its opinions, statements and assessments will be based on accurate information and in-depth analyses.

Distance from political goals. The Coalition will not take part in any political activities.

Legality. The Coalition's activities will be within the framework of the Azerbaijani laws.

Regulation of structure and activities

The structure and the activities of the Coalition are reflected in the Regulations by which all Coalition members are governed.

Coalition members:

Last correction date of the file: 24/7/2008 - 15:21:31