Azerbaijan won't renew three licenses

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Azerbaijani broadcasting licenses for Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC will not be renewed, a government official said Tuesday.

Nushirevan Meherremli, the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting chairman, said the decision, which takes effect Thursday, had nothing to do with politics, Today.az reported.

"We strive to bring the practice in conformity to the law. We have started this process long before," Meherremli said. "

The decision also includes Europa Plus radio station, the chairman said, explaining the council has given Europa Plus a chance to bring "their activity in compliance" with Azerbaijani radio stations within two years.

The U.S. State Department said it was disappointed by Azerbaijan's decision.

"These media organizations play a crucial role in supporting democratic debate and the free exchange of ideas and information," said Gordon Duguid, acting State Department deputy spokesman. "This decision, if carried out, will represent a serious setback to freedom of speech, and retard democratic reform in Azerbaijan."

Meherremli said for "unknown reasons when we stopped transmission of Russian and Turkish TV channels no one spoke of the political substantiation of the issue."