We consider such formal reply not satisfactory: Azerbaijani foreign ministry

“There may be a matter of renewal of accreditation, but it requires the television channel to take all necessary steps to enable the Azerbaijani side, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry to make sure that television channel will not repeat such kind of moves (NTV representatives visit to Nagorno Karabakh without the consent of Azerbaijan) in future.

“It is also necessary that those who made the decision in this matter should be punished because they showed disrespect for the law of the Azerbaijan Republic, which is a close ally of Turkey. Only after this the question of restoring accreditation of the Turkish TV channel may be considered upon request. The question of restoration of accreditation can not be raised until the afore-said steps are taken," he said.

Commenting on what actions management of the Turkish NTV TV channel took after their staff’s accreditation in Azerbaijan was canceled Polukhov said the following:

"We have received a faxed letter from the director of international news department of the Turkish NTV television channel which merely expressed support for sovereignity and recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. However, we consider such formal reply unsatisfactory. Just a statement of fact that the leadership of NTV television channel supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not a reason to renew the television channel’s accreditation.”

"We need to know that not only this channel, but also representatives of other world media outlets will be aware while performing certain actions which violate the laws of Azerbaijan, especially in such sensitive issues as the illegal visit to Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan's territory occupied by Armenia, reaction of the Azerbaijani side will be tough and uncompromising,” Polukhov said.

He said previously through the Azerbaijani embassy in Turkey, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry learned position of the channel.

“When the TV channel was notified that such actions violate laws of Azerbaijan, the answer was that NTV television is an independent and is engaged in independent activities. If television channel shows such a position in relation to the brotherly and friendly country for Turkey, we have no choice but to suspend cooperation with the TV channel,” Polukhov said.

/Day.Az/