Ilgar Mamedov: "Azerbaijani authorities will not be able to cease transmission of Voice of America and Liberty"

"I think this announcement is just a declaration of intentions and under the US pressure the Azerbaijani authorities will have to reject their decision. But if they come to execute their threat, these radio stations will pass to short and medium waves like in the Soviet times and will continue broadcasting in Azerbaijan.

Mamedov binds the decision of the National council for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Azerbaijan to cease transmission of the Voice of America and Liberty radio with the strengthened pressure on freedom of speech continuing since 2002.

"These radio stations were the last bastions of freedom of speech in Azerbaijan and the attempt to cease their functioningwill be negatively perceived in the West, which will worsen relations of Azerbaijan with the United States, other western countries and influential international organizations", said he.