July 11, 2007 - 19:17 AMT
Azerbaijan stops broadcasting Russia's First Channel
On Wednesday night Azerbaijan stopped broadcasting of Russia's First Channel. The decision was made by the Azeri National Council on Television & Radio (NCTR). At the same time, the Council "taking into account the high level of the Azeri-Russian relations" has prolonged the broadcast license of RTR-Planeta for a month.
NCTR member Nushirevan Magerramli said "if during a month the Russian side doesn't create conditions for broadcasting AzTV Azeri channel in Russia, the NCTR will reconsider ceasing of RTR-Planeta broadcast, Lenta.ru reports.
Earlier, the Azeri authorities said they will not prolong broadcast license of Russian channels explaining such position by a wish to encourage local television. However, the Russian side managed to sign an agreement on continuation of RTR-Planeta broadcast in exchange for broadcast of AzTV in Russia.