Azernews.Az

The resumption of broadcasts from foreign radio stations in Azerbaijan would be "a good signal" for the new government in the United States and eliminate the ongoing controversy caused by their recently being blocked, US Ambassador Anne Derse told the press Monday.
Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC were removed from national airwaves on January 1 as Azerbaijan`s law states that FM frequencies be reserved exclusively for national broadcasts. The three radio stations are presently available only on satellite, cable or internet networks.
Derse said she had heard the news while in Washington and was very disappointed with the unexpected decision.
"The United States was in talks with the Azerbaijani government and was stating its readiness to assist in solving the technical and legal issues involved," the ambassador said. "Nonetheless, the authorities deprived foreign radio stations of the FM frequency. This news did not go down well with most circles in Washington."
Derse voiced hope, however, that the problem would find a positive solution. She stressed that reaching an inter-governmental agreement to that end was possible.
"Based on what we gather from the Azerbaijani government`s statements, national laws allow for FM broadcasts on the basis of an inter-governmental agreement, and this is what we suggested. Our broadcasting council has said it was interested in launching talks on reaching such an agreement, hence, naturally, we can start negotiating with Azerbaijan soon."

Nationwide poll
Touching on the March 18 nationwide poll on eliminating a two-term limit for the president through constitutional changes, Derse said introducing the amendments was the sole right of Azerbaijani citizens.
"The people are to decide on their own whether or not these changes should be made. I am not inclined to say anything about the premise of the changes. But this process, in itself, is crucial for international partners who are interested in Azerbaijan`s democratic development," Derse said.
She added that there was a need for debate to inform the public about the changes proposed to the constitution.
"The proponents and opponents should back up their arguments while the people are to make their choice. It is also important that citizens be allowed to assemble freely and to express their views," Derse said.
The Azerbaijani president is elected for five years. Changes to the country`s constitution may be enacted only by holding a referendum.