US ambassador to Azerbaijan: "We have suggested an intergovernmental agreement to Azerbaijan for broadcasting of foreign radio stations"

"Representatives of our Broadcasting Bureau stated the intention to prepare their proposals on the contract and hold talks in this direction. We have already made our proposal and are now waiting for response and hope to reach progress in the issue in the nearest future", said she.

The US ambassador noted that the Azerbaijani laws allow foreign broadcasters use national frequencies but only in case there is a due intergovernmental agreement.

"We consider that the Azerbaijani legislation allows broadcasting of such radio stations but we would like to do it in the framework of partnership between the two states. There is a precedent for it in the region, both Liberty Radio and Voice of America are functioning in other countries of the region", said Derse.

She announced that the decision to halt broadcast of foreign radio stations on the frequencies of Azerbaijan caused disappointment and negative attitude both in the state structures and the US congress. She said she came to this opinion during the meetings in these structures.

"We understand that supremacy of law is most important and the United States always adhere to supremacy of law. Yet this decision is frustrating as it was adopted on the background of the US proposal to assist in the legal and technical solution to this problem", said the US ambassador.

She considers that these radio stations had contributed to the development of Azerbaijani media and most Azerbaijani citizens were listening to these radio stations.

The ambassador noted that these radio stations worked both with representatives of opposition and powers, as well as independent experts and such activity variegated the functioning of Azerbaijani mass medias.

"The activity of the radio stations served to public interests and this moment is most important for new US administration. I think the restoration of the activity of radio stations is an important issue today. This would be a positive sign for the new US administration", said Derse.

/Day.Az/