ANS Head: "Not granting license to ANS is disrespect for us"

"Then all TV channels, even those operating in the regions were issued a license. But ANS still does not have it. We consider it disrespect for us," Vahid Mustafayev, ANS Group of Companies president told.

He said National Television and Radio Council chief said that the company did not violate any norms and promised to grant ANS a license some months ago, APA reports.

"But they delay the process groundlessly. When we appealed to the Council last time they make up new obstacles. They said ANS will not be granted a license until it stops the broadcasting of VIA (Voice of America), Radio Liberty and BBC. We do not broadcast VOA, but its two programs prepared for ANS. As regards the BBC, it is broadcasted by most TV channels and radios. The Council raised this problem after ANS has appealed for license. They warned us and fined. How can they fine the channel which has not license," he said.

Mustafayev also touched upon the inspections by Tax Ministry and said that it is normal. But he expressed his dissatisfaction with the results and said the company will appeal to court.

"Ernst and Young International Auditor Service and Azerbaijan State Auditor House are in favor of ANS. We hope some officials cannot harm ANS reputation," the company president said.

Vahid Mustafayev spoke about his business activity in VMF and said this coincides with his activity in ASN.

"We have no corruption in our business. Nobody funded ANS since it was established. We started from nothing. Now they want to close ANS. We are broadcasting 15 years and experienced problems several times. The government could close ANS only once, in 1994, but for two days. Heydar Aliyev was the only man who realized our role in information policy. He offered to restore the channel's activity. He highly appreciated our professionalism in this sphere. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also has positive opinion of ANS," he said.

Mustafayev also mentioned that the company will celebrate its 15th anniversary on November 26 this year.