Eurovision asks Azerbaijan to simplify visa rules

The Eurovision Song Contest management has asked the Azerbaijani authorities to simplify visa regulations in the run-up to next year's contest in Baku, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reported.

Eurovision Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand was speaking to RFE/RL in an exclusive interview on September 1, as the contest's governing body, the so-called Reference Group, met in Baku for the first time.

"It's paramount for us that during Eurovision weeks people be able to come to Azerbaijan; the contestants, the delegations, journalists be able to come in and work freely," Sand said. "It is very important for us. We have asked the government to simplify the visa rules. It should be easy to come and work here."

Last October, the Azerbaijani authorities toughened visa regulations for foreigners. Until then, it was possible to obtain a visa on arrival at Baku airport.

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Baku in May 2012 after Azerbaijan's Ell & Nikki duo won this year's contest in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Sand said the contest's governing body this week held talks with Ictimai (Public) TV, the co-organizers of the contest, and added they had very good meetings with first lady Mehriban Aliyeva, who heads Azerbaijan's Eurovision Organization Committee, and with the minister of youth and sports, Azad Rahimov, to discuss preparations.

Sand said Eurovision is a huge chance for every broadcaster, and he has no doubts that Azerbaijan will organize a good contest.

Sand said the precise venue for the competition has not yet been decided. "We have several options; we've been shown several options. All are on the table, and we have not decided yet. It's too early to take a decision," he said.

Dozens of residents have recently been relocated from the area near Flag Square, where locals say a Eurovision arena is being built.