“The Organizing committee for the European Games accredits all journalists appealed”, said Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov, APA reports.

According to him, over 5,000 journalists have appealed for accreditation: “The government can approve or refuse any journalist’s arrival with various grounds. This is the rule of the country. For example, a journalist visiting Nagorno-Karabakh without consent of Azerbaijan is banned from entering the country. This ban will be eliminated after conflict is resolved. We provide accreditation upon the decision of government.”

The minister commented on the mostly display of national elements in the opening ceremony as the media highlighted. “Indeed, it depends on the host country. Songs by European composers was played in the ceremony as well. This is a sign of Europe-Azerbaijan relations. However, we try to demonstrate our culture taking advantage of this chance. I think that everything was balanced, and such an approach is not right”, said the minister.

Commenting on the views that leaders of European countries haven’t visited Azerbaijan, Azad Rahimov mentioned that sufficient heads of states and governments from Europe attended the ceremony: “This can only be reported by those who take biased approach towards Azerbaijan and our people. Europe was represented at a high-level in the ceremony.”

Apa.az