Azerbaijan, Baku, May 15 / Trend K. Zarbaliyeva /
After Azerbaijan holds Eurovision 2012 song contest in a safe atmosphere, consistent with international standards, the country will easily introduce itself as part of the world, a developed advanced country, Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Social and Political Department Chief Ali Hasanov told Trend today.
"Azerbaijan has taken its utmost and managed to do all arrangements in time to host Eurovision song contest in Baku," he said. "The country, public television and the European Broadcasting Union complied with all obligations they have undertaken as it was stated in the autumn of 2011 to set an example for organizing the contest. At present, the venue of the contest, Baku's hotels, and the entire infrastructure are ready to receive guests, journalists, spectators, fans of music."
"At present, Azerbaijan is literally a master of its word," he said.
"Azerbaijan is chairing at the UN Security Council," he stressed. "Azerbaijan holds one of the leading positions in the energy policy of the region and the world. Azerbaijan continues contributing to the world culture, and cultural heritage. Unfortunately, some circles, including the Armenian diaspora and foreign media outlets, some foreign NGOs, public and political figures under its influence, conducted and continue conducting a slanderous campaign against our country using the fact that Azerbaijan is in the spotlight."
"Spreading various provocative materials, fabrications, having a negative impact on Azerbaijan's image, misrepresenting the situation with human rights, freedom of speech and press, these forces try to represent the country in the world as an undemocratic country," he said.
"Their efforts did not bring and could not bring any results," he added. "At present, tourists and visitors coming to Azerbaijan will be able to personally make sure that the Azerbaijani society is tolerant. Political pluralism, human rights have been fully ensured in Azerbaijan. The rules of civil society do not lag behind European ones. After they see Azerbaijan's magnificent culture, the hospitality of our people, a tolerant society and other valuables, they, of course, will see that the provocative anti-Azerbaijani publications have been deliberately invented."
"Azerbaijan has never considered the Eurovision song contest as an end in itself," he stressed.
"We have considered this as a mean to inform the world about the values of country and the Azerbaijani society, its culture, economic, political and social life," he said. "Azerbaijani young representatives won the contest and brought this contest to our country. We are proud of them. We are sorry that abusing it, certain circles in Azerbaijan and outside want to carry out the provocation against Azerbaijan, the homeland of these young people. These actions will be futile."
The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the Baku Crystal Hall near State Flag Square. The semi-finals will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26. The logo for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is 'Fire Flower', while the motto is Light your fire.
Azerbaijan won the right to host the prestigious European song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany last May.