US opposed to proposal on alternate radio broadcasts
The spokesman for the US embassy in Baku has
rejected the government`s suggestion to shift broadcasts of foreign
radio stations in Azerbaijan to sources other than FM
frequencies.
"In our opinion, transferring the broadcasts to short wave, Internet and satellite channels would considerably restrict public access to information," Terry Davidson told reporters.
Davidson said the Internet and satellite channels are inaccessible for many in Azerbaijan. He further insisted that, given the low quality of the Internet in the country, it was pivotal to resume FM broadcasts.
Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC were removed from the nation`s airwaves on January 1 due to an Azerbaijani law stipulating that the FM frequencies are reserved for Azerbaijani radio broadcasts. The three foreign radio stations are presently available only on satellite, cable or Internet networks.
The embassy spokesman did not comment on a recent statement by Ali Hasanov, the head of the President`s Office socio-political department, who said government authorities were prepared to again air foreign radio stations via short and medium-range frequencies. However, it appears the U.S. does not consider this to be a solution to the problem.
Davidson dismissed recent newspaper reports concerning US Ambassador Anne Derse`s being called to Washington to discuss the radio broadcasts issue. "The ambassador`s visit is a regular vacation and she will be in Baku as early as next week."
In the meantime, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has expressed disappointment with the ending of foreign radio broadcasts in Azerbaijan.
"We find it highly regrettable that the Azerbaijani National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) recently decided not to renew the licenses of several foreign broadcasters," Lluis Maria De Puig, PACE President and Miguel Angel Moratinos, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers said in a joint statement. "This can only create obstacles to pluralism of information in this country to the detriment of the interests of the Azerbaijani population."
The statement also noted that when the country joined the Council of Europe in 2001, Azerbaijan undertook to guarantee the freedom of expression and independence of the media, which are essential preconditions for the functioning of a democratic society. It voiced hope that the decision will be reconsidered and that steps can be taken to quickly rectify this situation. The CE is ready to continue providing assistance to Azerbaijani authorities to this end, it added.
"In our opinion, transferring the broadcasts to short wave, Internet and satellite channels would considerably restrict public access to information," Terry Davidson told reporters.
Davidson said the Internet and satellite channels are inaccessible for many in Azerbaijan. He further insisted that, given the low quality of the Internet in the country, it was pivotal to resume FM broadcasts.
Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC were removed from the nation`s airwaves on January 1 due to an Azerbaijani law stipulating that the FM frequencies are reserved for Azerbaijani radio broadcasts. The three foreign radio stations are presently available only on satellite, cable or Internet networks.
The embassy spokesman did not comment on a recent statement by Ali Hasanov, the head of the President`s Office socio-political department, who said government authorities were prepared to again air foreign radio stations via short and medium-range frequencies. However, it appears the U.S. does not consider this to be a solution to the problem.
Davidson dismissed recent newspaper reports concerning US Ambassador Anne Derse`s being called to Washington to discuss the radio broadcasts issue. "The ambassador`s visit is a regular vacation and she will be in Baku as early as next week."
In the meantime, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has expressed disappointment with the ending of foreign radio broadcasts in Azerbaijan.
"We find it highly regrettable that the Azerbaijani National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) recently decided not to renew the licenses of several foreign broadcasters," Lluis Maria De Puig, PACE President and Miguel Angel Moratinos, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers said in a joint statement. "This can only create obstacles to pluralism of information in this country to the detriment of the interests of the Azerbaijani population."
The statement also noted that when the country joined the Council of Europe in 2001, Azerbaijan undertook to guarantee the freedom of expression and independence of the media, which are essential preconditions for the functioning of a democratic society. It voiced hope that the decision will be reconsidered and that steps can be taken to quickly rectify this situation. The CE is ready to continue providing assistance to Azerbaijani authorities to this end, it added.
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