Epress.am News from Armenia
“Azerbaijan does not need the assistance of the foreign special services, as well as Israel’s special services,” Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Social and Political Department Chief Ali Hasanov told the Baku-based Trend news agency today.
Some foreign media outlets have disseminated the information that the security of 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku will be ensured by the Israeli intelligence service MOSSAD.
Official Baku considers this information unfounded.
“Azerbaijan’s special services and law enforcement bodies will ensure security during the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest,” Hasanov said.
Azerbaijan has every opportunity to fully ensure security at the contest, Hasanov said.
“Azerbaijan’s special services are strong, and possess all necessary features of special services,” he said. “MOSSAD does not have a secret or special group in Azerbaijan. All ties, mutual relations with the countries cooperating with Azerbaijan are transparent. They are not directed against any country, especially Iran.”
The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall, which is under construction near the State Flag Square.
The Baku Crystal Hall is the arena with a capacity of up to 23,000 spectators. Approximately 16,000 people will be able to attend each of the three Eurovision Song Contest live shows in May.
The Eurovision 2012 semi-final rounds will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26.
Azerbaijan won the right to host the song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany, last May.