Azernews.Az

BAKU – Representatives of the Eurovision song contest visiting Baku have asked the government to simplify visa regulations ahead of next year's competition in the Azerbaijani capital.

Eurovision Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand told Radio Liberty that visa rules are a top priority for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ahead of the contest, which will take place in late May.

"It's paramount for us that during Eurovision weeks, people be able to come to Azerbaijan; the contestants, the delegations, journalists be able to come in and work freely," Sand said. "It is very important for us. We have asked the government to simplify the visa rules. It should be easy to come and work here."

Last October, the Azerbaijani authorities toughened visa regulations for foreigners. Until then, it was possible to obtain a visa on arrival at Baku airport.

Azerbaijani duo Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) with their pop-ballad "Running Scared" won the Eurovision contest this year in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Sand said the contest's governing body this week had very good meetings with First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, who heads Azerbaijan's Eurovision Organization Committee, and with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Azad Rahimov, to discuss preparations.

Sand said the precise venue for the competition has not yet been decided. "We have several options; we've been shown several options. All are on the table, and we have not decided yet. It's too early to take a decision," he said.

Dozens of residents have recently been relocated from the area near Flag Square, where locals say a Eurovision arena is being built.

The final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place on May 26, following two semifinals on May 22 and 24. Some 40 countries are expected to participate, several of which have already started their search for their national entry.

Eurovision has a rich tradition and heritage, dating back to 1956. It is one of the few truly pan-European television programs transmitted live via the Eurovision satellite network, in prime time on free-to-air television, as well as online. The three shows attract a total of over 100 million viewers throughout Europe and beyond.