Top official dismisses allocation of over $1bn for Eurovision
An Azerbaijani presidential administration official on Wednesday dismissed allegations that 1 billion manats ($1.28 billion) have been allocated for preparation and conduct of the Eurovision song contest in Baku in 2012.
"The figure is groundless," Ali Hasanov told local news agency Trend while commenting on relevant media reports.
"The recent media reports that several facilities will be built and prepared to hold the Eurovision-2012 contest at the state level is the result of journalistic fantasy," Hasanov said.
He said three venues are considered as the venue for this event. The suggested venues are the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Concert Complex, Tofig Bahramov Stadium and a concert hall which is currently under construction. "But, separate funding in the amount of 1 billion manats has been allocated from the state budget for neither of them for Eurovision-2012," Hasanov said.
Eurovision 2012 semifinals will be held in Azerbaijan on May 22 and 24, and the final on May 26.
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