USA concerned over plans to shutdown foreign radio stations in Azerbaijan

"We are concerned with possible shutdown of some radio stations in Azerbaijan", said Anne Derse, commenting on the plans of the National Television and Radio Council to stop granting national frequencies to the Liberty, Voice of America and BBC radio stations.

The diplomat noted that the US government voiced intention to continue cooperating with Azerbaijan in the sphere of conduction of political reforms.

"This includes support of development of strong democratic institutions, which include strong, professional and objective mass medias. I am sure that my colleagues in the Azerbaijani government also share my opinion and we will continue a dialogue with them on the said issue", said Derse, according to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

The National Television and Radio Council has been restricting the broadcasting of foreign television and radio stations on national frequencies since 2007. Currently the country has only Turkish TRT in exchange for transmission of Azerbaijani AZTV in Turkey. The council warned in early 2008 that transmission of all foreign television and radio stations on the national frequencies of the country will be stopped in 2009. In exchange the council recommends to use possibility of cable and satellite television to watch foreign channels.