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Executive Supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand: â€œI highly appreciate Eurovision preparations in Azerbaijanâ€ â€“ INTERVIEW â€“ PHOTO

Executive Supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand: â€œI highly appreciate Eurovision preparations in Azerbaijanâ€ â€“ <font color=red>INTERVIEW â€“ PHOTO </font>

23 January 2012 16:26 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ulkar Rashidgizi â€“ APA. Executive Supervisor of Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand is in Baku to attend the ceremonies of Eurovision Insignia presentation and semifinal draws. APAâ€™s correspondent interviews with him. Jon Ola Sand said he believed Azerbaijan would be magnificent host country for the Eurovision.

- What do you expect from Eurovision 2012 in Azerbaijan? How do you imagine it?

- Azerbaijan won the Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf last year. We met the Public Televisionâ€™s managers immediately after this victory and were satisfied with the developments. I highly appreciate preparations in Azerbaijan. We talked to Public Television and Radio and there are necessary preparations. I visited Baku for several times and I see development here every time. The contestâ€™s insignia will be submitted to Baku on January 25 and Azerbaijan will officially receive the status of host country in this ceremony.

- 43 countries will join the contest in Baku this year. How do you appreciate it as an executive producer?

- I am satisfied with the participation of 43 countries. It means that Eurovision becomes stronger. The countries show interest to Azerbaijan and I am happy for that. They want to see live culture and arts of this country. I think all of us will see very beautiful show in Baku. I am glad to see the interest of the countries and their intentions to come here.

- Three venues were proposed for the Eurovision 2012. Which of these venues you like and when the arena will be confirmed?

- We will visit all of these venues during our visit to Baku. We will see the arena on January 25 and the construction work there. The decision on venue will be made soon. The selection of the venue will depend on the process.

- You have been working as the executive producer for almost two years. Is it difficult to manage so large-scale contest like Eurovision?

- Indeed, this is very difficult and responsible work to manage this project. I am working for high-level organization of this work. It is not easy to head this project. I believe Eurovision 2012 will be unforgettable. But preparations are still going on.

- You visited Azerbaijan for several times. What do you think about our country, the capital city Baku?

- I love Azerbaijan, especially Baku. Frankly speaking, I didnâ€™t know Baku so closer. Baku is a modern city and it is important because this city will host thousands of guests from different countries. I would like to visit this country again after the Eurovision contest.