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Miklos Haraszti: â€œI am concerned over the issue on discontinuation of foreign radio broadcasts discussed in Azerbaijanâ€

05 December 2008 10:19 (UTC +04:00)

APAâ€™s special correspondent reports from Helsinki Miklos Haraszti told journalists that they had discussed the issue on discontinuation of foreign radio broadcasts in Azerbaijan.
â€œI am concerned over this issue, because this decision will have a negative impact on the pluralism of thought in the country. News radio broadcasts are real media outlets giving information to the citizens. Of course radios have websites, but radio is still the main source of information, web pages are additional source. Azerbaijanâ€™s taking similar step with regard to foreign TV channels is not an argument, these are different issues. TV channels may be watched through satellite antenna. TV channels are mainly means of entertainment, news radios are quite different,â€ he said.

Miklos Haraszti said OSCE paid much attention to pluralism and freedom of speech.
â€œTherefore changes should be made to the legislation. Azerbaijani people have the right to get information through these radios. I am not concerned how the closure of foreign radio broadcasts will influence Azerbaijan-UK, or Azerbaijan-US relations. I protect the principles of OSCE. Elmar Mammadyarov promised me that he would concern himself with these issues,â€ he said.

Miklos Haraszti appreciated that imprisoned journalists Ganimat and Sakit Zahidovs had been allowed to attend their fatherâ€™s funeral.
â€œIt was a humane act. I hope this step will be followed by the release of the journalists and sad story about the journalistsâ€™ arrest in Azerbaijan will be over,â€ he said.