The Chairman of the National TV and Radio Council of Azerbaijan, Nushiravan Maharramli, informed Trend that he met with the Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Vasili Istratov. The meeting focused on the termination of the transmission of the Russian TV channels in Azerbaijan and permission to be broadcasted only through cable and satellite television. Our opinion is that these questions should be resolved through civilized way. The Ambassador wanted to get familiar with the situation with termination of the foreign TV channels' transmission in the local frequencies in Azerbaijan, and we presented our position to his attention. The fundament of the co-operation between Russia and Azerbaijan has been established by the state heads of the two countries. We do not bring harms to the interstate relations with our activities. The Russian side also understands that the TV channels all over the world, including their channels, will not be transmitted in the local frequencies permanently, Maharramli said.
He informed that the Russian Ambassador said that according to the contract concluded in 1995, Council needs to notify of this decision beforehand. I also said that we understand and will discuss it at the meeting of the Council, Maharramli said.
In addition, he said that except TRT, there is no contract with remaining two Turkish TV channels. Maharramli said that he will hold a meeting with the representative of TRT channel and will inform them on the current situation.
We had no co-operation with other TV channels on broadcast. Presently, the Council has not received any appeals from foreign TV channels. First let them appeal to us in relation with termination of their broadcasting, thereafter, well will reply them in relevant manner, Maharramli said.