Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend E.Huseyli / The member of the National TV and Radio Council of Azerbaijan, Gafar Jabiyev, reported to Trend on 25 September that the technical contract on mutual broadcasting of the TV channels, which was presented by Russia to Azerbaijan, does not meet international standards.
"The contract states that all disputable issues will be resolved according to the legislation of Russia. The legislation of Azerbaijan and international law has not been stipulated as the subject of the contract," Jabiyev said.
The decision to terminate the broadcasting of the Russian TV channels ORT and RTR-Planet from 10 July was made in January. Broadcasting of RTR-Planet was extended in summer after an appeal by Russia on the proviso that Azerbaijani TV channel would be broadcast in Russia.
The working group on mutual translation has already held two meetings and coordinated the initial project on mutual broadcasting. Technical contracts have been devised to reach a common agreement. The Azerbaijani side submitted the technical contract two months ago.
The chairman of the Council of the Television and Radio Broadcasting has repeatedly stated that unless a common agreement is achieved, the broadcasting of RTR-Planeta will be ceased. Azerbaijan considers that the area of broadcasting of AzTV in Russia should be on par with the airing of RTR-Planeta in Azerbaijan.
Jabiyev said that no concrete item on broadcasting of television and radio channels on parity basis has been included in the contract. The document indicates that should the contact be ceased by the determined date, the issue should be regulated through the Russian legislation. The Council will note all missing issues in its response on the contract.
The document also notes that the discussion on mutual broadcasting should be completed by 31 December. The Council holds its previous position. The Council considers that the foreign television channels should not transmit on national frequencies of Azerbaijan. In accordance with the international standards, the foreign television channels are broadcasted through satellite. Mutual broadcasting should not exceed 2 years.