Head of OSCE Baku office disappointed with possible halt of foreign radio stations in Azerbaijan

Head of the OSCE Baku Office Jose Louise Herrero is disappointed with the decision of the National Television and Radio Council to halt activity of foreign radio stations BBC, Liberty and Voice of America on the national frequencies of Azerbaijan.

"I am disappointed with this decision. OSCE currently continues talks with the National Council on this issue", he told reporters Wednesday, according to Novosti-Azerbaijan.

By the decision of the National Television and Radio Council of Azerbaijan the transmission of radio stations BBC, Liberty and Voice of America will be halted by the end of 2008 on the territory of Azerbaijan. Later this year all foreign radio stations will lose the frequencies on which they are transmitted in Azerbaijan. Foreign radio stations will be able to broadcast via satellite, Internet and cable net.

It should be noted that most international organizations, including OSCE, CE and others, criticize possible halt of radio stations in Azerbaijan and have appealed to the country's leadership with a request to prevent it.