AZTV will have to wait until 2008 Eurovision Song Contest

In an e-mail to the broadcaster which was kindly passed on to oikotimes.com, Mr. Stockselius wrote: "To be able to participate in the ESC, the TV station needs to be an active member of the EBU. As AZTV yet is not an active member, the ESC 2007 is closed for participation. However, as I know that there are actions for AZTV to becoming a member next year, the ESC2008 might be open for participation." It had been hoped that Azerbaijan could participate if it was accepted as an active member in January.

With Azerbaijan now off of the Helsinki list, it could be slightly easier to whittle the entries down to the 40 limit. However, with the 37 competing countries from last year, plus Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Austria, and the Czech Republic the potential number stands at 42. Rumours and official statements surrounding Moldova doesn't look positive (so take it down to 41), and although the Hungarian broadcaster MTV seems keen to take part it is widely thought that at the current moment in time they do not have the finances to do to.

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