Azerbaijan Television and Radio Programming Closed Stock Company (AZTV) has officially warned Voice of America that as of December 31 it will cease the broadcasts of the VOA program News Flash on AZTV.

This letter was addressed by AZTV to VOA’s Broadcasting Management Council.

Turan News Agency disseminated this information, citing a source in Azerbaijan’s government.  The letter notes that the reason that the News Flash program is being ceased is because the broadcasting of such programs contradicts Azeri legislation.
Recall that on 31 October 2008 National Television and Radio Council Chairman Nushiravan Maharramli announced that by the end of the year the broadcasts of BBC, Voice of America and Radio Liberty will be ceased in Azerbaijan.