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Baku guarantees safety for Eurovision visitors – official

23 May 2012 10:05 (UTC+04:00)
Baku guarantees safety for Eurovision visitors – official

Azerbaijan fully guarantees safety of visitors arriving in Baku for the Eurovision 2012 song contest, presidential aide Ali Hasanov has said.

``The Azerbaijani authorities have taken all measures related to social and political security in the country,`` he told a press conference Monday, adding that Azerbaijan has ``seriously prepared for the contest in all areas``.

``We do this not only for the Eurovision song contest, but also to ensure the safety of our citizens throughout the year. For the Eurovision contest, security measures have been particularly enhanced,`` Hasanov said.

Hasanov, who heads the Presidential Administration`s social and political affairs department, said all the relevant bodies and roads in the Azerbaijani capital are fully ready for the contest.

Hasanov noted that about 20,000 guests will be in Baku for the popular European song contest.

He went on to say that information about funds allocated for the Eurovision contest is being disseminated transparently. ``About 50 million manats [around $63.7 million] have been spent on the contest.``

Hasanov added that other expenses such as the construction of Baku Crystal Hall, which will host Eurovision 2012, the reconstruction of roads and the seaside park of Baku are designed for the well-being of Azerbaijani citizens, rather than the Eurovision song contest.

Regarding the Eurovision 2012 inscription on Azerbaijani flags, Hasanov said it is unacceptable.

``It is unacceptable for the kiosks to sell flags with this inscription,`` he said. ``Speaking more specifically, this is a mistake, rather than a crime. But a criminal penalty may be imposed in the future.``

The first semi-final of the 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Tuesday, to be followed by the second semi-final on Thursday and the grand final on Saturday.

The logo for this year`s song contest is ``Fire Flower``, while the motto is ``Light Your Fire``.

Azerbaijan won the right to host the prestigious European song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell/Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany last May.

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