Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 10 / Trend , J.Babayeva/
Azerbaijani Parliamentary Vice Speaker Bahar Muradova said prohibiting foreign radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies was the correct decision.
"The decision to ban foreign radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies should not be discussed. Azerbaijan has not stopped broadcasting foreign radio stations, period. Their broadcasting has been brought into line with legislation. Everyone must accept the National Television and Radio Council's (NTRC) decision," Muradova said at a parliamentary meeting on Feb. 10.
On Jan. 1, BBC, Radio Liberty and Voice of America (VOA) stopped broadcasting on national frequencies after the NTRC decision. The Law on Television Broadcasting says foreign stations can only broadcast on satellite, Internet and cable networks.
U.S. Broadcasting Council officials are holding discussions in Baku to resume broadcasting Radio Liberty and VOA on Azerbaijani national frequencies.
The U.S. State Department, Council of Europe, OSCE Baku and other international organizations expressed their concern about the decision to ban foreign radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies, and asked the council to reconsider its decision.
Muradova said the issue has become a topical issue and is quite ironic.
"The rule of law is the most important factor in Azerbaijan," Muradova added.
After a presidential decree in 2005, the NTRC has been commissioned to license TV and radio channels.
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