23:01, 12 November 2004

Council of Europe dissatisfied with process of creating public television

The Council of Europe finds it necessary that public television and radio should be created on the basis of both Azerbaijan national channels, reads a press release of the organization. Another important question is how exactly both the channels will be transformed: their programs and policy in the field of providing principles of independence, justice, and objectivity, which is essential for truly public television.

Before joining the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan undertook an obligation to transform both the channels, however the Law on Public Television passed recently in Azerbaijan does not relieve the Council of Europe's anxiety.

The Council of Europe expects the passing of a presidential decree that the public television will be crated on the basis of both the national channels. "The Council of Europe will watch this process closely and expects these principles to be applied very soon in news programs and programs about internal events," reads the press release.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot