OSCE Office condemns closure of private TV broadcaster in Azerbaijan

BAKU, 24 November 2006 - The OSCE Office in Baku today expressed concern and surprise at the closure of Azerbaijan's first private TV and radio broadcaster, ANS.

The National TV and Radio Council (NTRC) of Azerbaijan today adopted a decision not to extend the licence for ANS TV and ANS Ch.M radio.

Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku said: "We are deeply concerned about the closure of a private television and radio broadcaster, which has always been considered by international observers as the most objective in the country - as has clearly been indicated also in the OSCE Election Observation Reports.

"I'm perplexed as to why the decision, which was issued in the absence of any definitive reasoning, should come into force immediately. The usual recourse to appeal seems to have been overlooked," he added.

The Council said it based its decision on "the regular violation of the provisions of the legislation, disregarding regular official warnings and fine sanctions made by the TV and Radio Council and demonstrating an insincere attitude towards comments and warnings given by the Council about infractions."

ANS TV and ANS Ch.M radio stopped broadcasting at 3 p.m. (1100GMT) today. The NTRC, in its decision, also terminated the company's satellite transmissions. ANS TV and Radio had been waiting for the renewal of its licence since 2003.