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Head of Eurovision-2012 Working Group Adil Karimli: â€œEuropean audience and the guests will like the Eurovision 2012 Song Contest in Bakuâ€

25 January 2012 10:00 (UTC +04:00)

- How are the preparations for magnificent â€œEurovision-2012â€ Song Contest in Azerbaijan?

- Our country has been preparing for this contest for a long time and we positively assess the preparatory work. The representatives of the European Broadcasting Union have repeatedly visited Baku and watched and discussed the various sides of the preparatory work, made a plan. We could advance the process for the common plan for more than 2 weeks and the work is carried out faster. The serious work is on the show of creative team and scene. The motto and logo developed on the basis of our concept is already ready. It will be made public in the next few days. In my opinion, it is a very successful concept. The introduction of the show is ready. At the same time the works are carried out on the scenario. The show consists of separate parts the introduction, opening show and intermediate parts. In general, if we have a look at the preparation process in our city that one works with spirit in the separate spheres. Everybody wants to contribute to this work. Of course, we see the interest of Eurovision fan-clubs and youth. Both in their daily activities, and social networks, separate discussions we feel the great support from the citizens. Thatâ€™s why we thank everyone. The preparatory process is very successful and we believe that entire European audience and guests will like the Eurovision-2012 Song Contest in Baku.

- Are we late in the issue on venue of Eurovision-2012 Song Contest or not?

- If we look at the previous experience, we are not late. All the works were done in time, even in advance. One of the three venues will be selected in the next few days. We believe that the representatives of the European Broadcasting Union will select the best place for this contest. We will try to prepare the TV show in the selected place which will cause the interest of everyone.

-The numbers of participant countries in the worthy contest which will be held in Azerbaijan were announced and it is very good that the record will be renewed from the number of participant countries in Baku. Is Azerbaijan ready to receive the many guests from 43 countries and how will you solve the accommodation issues?

-Ministry of Culture and Tourism repeatedly announced on receiving the guests and accommodation. Our city has all infrastructures for receiving the guests and accommodation them. Existence of the record number participant countries are in interest of Azerbaijan, our city, our culture and our music. Everyone wishes to participate in Eurovision song contest and to share their culture, music and values with us. Of course, it is very good. In generally participation of such number countries it is the third time in Eurovision history. We are very glad for returning of Italy, Hungary, Austria and also Montenegro which hasnâ€™t participated in the contest in last 3 years. We want to welcome the guests, the delegations, cultural employees, musicians properly and that they become satisfied with the show and our hospitability. There is no doubt. The preparatory work, both our culture and hospitability give everyone chance to be satisfied with the Land of Fires.

-The representatives of Brainpool GmbH company, which will deal with the design of the contest, arrived in Baku last week. What did they recommend and which of the three places is considered most favorable to host the contest?

-This decision will not be passed by the Brainpool, the decision will be passed by the representatives of the European Broadcasting Union and Consulting Group. Baku Crystal Hall is considered most favorable for the beauty of its place, technical infrastructure. The creative delegation wishes Eurovision-2012 to be held there. The ongoing processes will show everything. The experts like Baku Crystal Hall more, it has large opportunities. This is considered the most successful variant among the three.

-We know that the city hosting Eurovision is decorated for the contest. The city is decorated with posters, banners, vehicles are decorated for the contest. When will this process begin in Baku?

-We have got a plan for this process. Preparations are being made for the realization of the plan. Eurovision atmosphere will be felt in every street, park, public places, we and our guests will like the atmosphere of holiday.

-Shuttle buses are being brought to the country for the delegations. What about the preparation of various accessories for Eurovision-2012?

-We are doing our best so that our preparations are better than those made in the previous host countries. Of course, the experience we gained in the previous years enables this. In every song contest, in which we participated, we had the opportunity to see the positive and negative sides of the preparations in the host country. Of course, we would like positive sides to prevail. The more comfortable conditions are created for the delegations, the better will be their performances. We are doing our best for this. It is planned to bring shuttle buses, launch direct bus routes for the delegations.

- Other issue under discussion is Azerbaijanâ€™s Eurovision expenditures. Both international and local press show fantastic figures.

- Traditionally host country makes public the expenditures after the contest. We always as a participant country made our budget public and ensured the projectâ€™s transparency. This year we will announce the budget as a host country. Depending on the scale and quality of the shows organized by the host countries the budget doesnâ€™t change significantly. Eurovision has a general budget. Less expenditures will have an effect of the showâ€™s quality, but we donâ€™t need to squander and to stint as well. If we intend to host the contest well and to organize a show surprising European audience we must not stint. Last year Dusseldorf spent 47 million euro to organize the Eurovision contest and it amounts about to AZN 50 million. The claims about billions are groundless. The budget resources cover stage building, organizing show, purchasing sound equipments, decoration of the city, transport means and others.

- Armenia is among the 43 countries, representatives of which will come to Azerbaijan. In previous years, Armenia used different provocations against Azerbaijan during the Eurovision Song Contest. Even in Norway, the Armenian representative took the stage of Telenor Arena with the so-called â€œNagorno Karabakh Republicâ€ flag. How will the provocations of Armenians be prevented?

- Our activity doesnâ€™t cover the prevention of such provocations, it covers the security of participants and the guests not depending which country they represent and to create good conditions for them. Regarding the activity of the representatives of different countries, if there is some infringement of Eurovision rules, the European Broadcasting Union takes necessary measures to prevent it. EBU will pass an objective and fair decision about those who will not observe its rules.

- Will the world media cover the insignia presentation ceremony in Baku on January 25?

- Certainly all European audience will watch this ceremony. Many people show interest to it and we welcome everyone who wants to come. Many foreign TV channels applied for coverage. The ceremony will be available for all viewers on the Eurovisionâ€™s official website.

- EBU leadership will attend the ceremony on January 25. Is the Eurovision 2012 venue expected to be confirmed on the eve of this event?

- We are expected the venue will be confirmed soon. There are three venues on the agenda. These places will be examined again. One of them will be confirmed during the final examination.