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Azerbaijanâ€™s Minister of Foreign Affairs sends letter to U.S. Helsinki Commission leadership

29 January 2009 17:16 (UTC +04:00)

In his letter addressed to commission leadershipâ€”Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Florida), Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland) and Rep. Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey)â€”Minister Mammadyarov made clear that the decision of the National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) on the discontinuation of broadcasts of foreign radio companies via national frequencies seeks to implement the 2002 â€œLaw on Television and Radio Broadcasting,â€ legislation that was previously examined by experts from the Council of Europe.

Minister Mammadyarov further elaborated on the implementation of this law: â€œDespite this law going into immediate effect, the NTRC began its gradual implementation over the course of several years recognizing the need for flexibility and allowing the local population to be more acquainted with the different access forms to the foreign media outlets. As of 2006, the NTRC began follow strictly this law starting with Russia and Turkish TV channels, as well as French radio. The countries concerned showed respect to the national legislation and internal affairs of Azerbaijan despite the complexity of the issue.â€

Minister Mammadyarov stressed that the law must be applied fairly and evenly to all foreign broadcasters, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, and the British Broadcasting Corporation. He also highlighted the fact that the NTRCâ€™s implementation of sovereign law is in line with the practice of other advanced democracies, including France, Great Britain and Germany.

For the purpose of clarifying any misunderstanding on the current status of foreign broadcasts in Azerbaijan, Minister Mammadyarov specifically emphasized that the implementation of law covers only Azerbaijanâ€™s limited national frequencies. Foreign broadcasters, he noted, are welcome to continue their programs through other numerous means, including cable, satellite, Internet and shortwave.

Minister Mammadyarov also mentioned that: â€œThe contribution these broadcasters have made to the development of democracy and media pluralism is highly appreciated. At the same time, Mr. Chairman, I am sure the respect of sovereign law is of great importanceâ€.