EBU sanctions Armenia for Eurovision withdrawal

May 3, 2012 - 10:51 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has sanctioned Armenia for its decision to withdraw from the Eurovision 2012 International Song Contest due to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan in May.

Russian news agency ITAR TASS quotes EBU Media Director Annika Nyberg Frankenhaeuser as saying that the decision was made by their TV committee and reference group.

According to her, Armenia is required to pay the participation fee, as well as a fine amounting to 50% of the fee.

Frankenhaeuser further said that the Public Television will have to air the show “live, with no interruptions”, otherwise Armenia will be banned from 2013 Eurovision.

This decision did not take into account the motives behind Armenia’s refusal to take part in the contest, EBU representative stated. She explained that a participant country is not allowed to quit contest after the deadline specified in their regulations.

On February 24, Armenian singers refused to participate in Baku-hosted Eurovision 2012 song contest, following the February 23 death of an Armenian soldier in Azeri sniper attack. On March 7, Armenian Public Television officially informed the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of Armenia’s withdrawal from the contest.

Armenia’s move “does not comply with EBU rules”, EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre told a press conference on May 2.