European Court fines Azerbaijan Public Television

Azerbaijan Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company paid a fine to European Broadcasting Union, because it refused to participate in Junior Eurovision-2008, Fuzuli Ismayilov, chie of Department of Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company on Music, Feature and Entertaining Programs told APA.

Ismayilov mentioned that Azerbaijan participated in Eurovision Song Contest and Eurovision Dance Contest in 2008. He stated that irrespective of first participation of Azerbaijan, our country could attract the interest of world community.

"Azerbaijan wanted to attend Junior Eurovision contest, but we needed a child or a group of children, who feel free in a big stage and will be able to attract the interest of millions of people. There are such children in Azerbaijan, but they should be prepared for such a responsible performance. It depends on the related bodies more than on us. Public Tele ision and Radio Broadcasting Company is a member of European Broadcasting Union and is a first broadcaster of all Eurovision Contests. This issue is not the competence of the company," he said.

Ismayilov added that one company is not enough for the preparation of the Contest worthily.

"The candidates should be presented by the related bodies bodies. For example, Anna Sajina and Eldar Jafarov were presented by Azerbaijan Sport Dance Federation to participate in Eurovision Dance contest. Public Television has presented application and participation fee. We do not want to reject this Contest. We have not been assisted to find talented child and we have to refuse the participation. We have paid a fine to EBU," he said.

/APA/