Kamil Salimov: “To deal with corruption one should use Scandinavian and South Korean methods”

Professor of Baku State University, Doctor of Law Kamil Salimov, told a VK correspondent how to cope with corruption.

- The President of Azerbaijan has admitted that the state apparatus is corrupt and the market is not free; so he ordered a special commission to take certain measures. Will these measures change the whole situation?

- The President declared his position. However, one should understand that fighting corruption means establishing a system of governmental and public control over the apparatus. That’s hard work. Corruption is not only an Azerbaijani problem; it exists in many countries of the world. The thing is how society and government fight against it.

I cannot say that nothing is being done to fight corruption in Azerbaijan. Some measures have already been taken. However, all these measures aim to deal with corruption in the sphere of the economy. They are trying to deal with corruption in such government bodies as the customs, tax-collection and financial services. It's clear that’s not enough. The whole system should be transparent.

It’s very important to establish a system in which ministries won’t be allowed to control the work of anti-corruption committees. That’s a necessary condition to fight corruption successfully.

- Why is corruption so bad in eastern countries?

- Our mentality hasn’t changed yet. Old traditions are still alive. Speaking about Azerbaijan, one should bear in mind that our democracy is too young. We need time to cope with such problems.

- How do neighbouring states deal with this problem?

- There are two ways to cope with corruption, the Scandinavian and the South Korean. The first is the mild liberal way, the second is more violent. All European countries use the Scandinavian method. Georgia uses the South Korean one. I think the best way out of the situation is to use both methods.

Interview by Ramin Naziyev, Baku. Exclusively to VK

To be continued.