The fine set for Armenia for refusal to participate in Eurovision 2012 is 50% of the participation fee of the Eurovision Song Contest, said Eurovision representative. 

In response to Armenian News-NEWS.am questions, Communication Coordinator for the Eurovision Family of Events Jarmo Siim said in addition to that Armenia also has to pay the whole participation fee for this year which is due to the fact they pulled out at a very late stage. 

“Penalties are not an exception, they have been given out before during the 57 years of the Eurovision Song Contest,” Siim said in an e-mail letter. 

He added that the fines are also set in the Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, thus the Armenian side was aware of the possible consequences. Armenia would have avoided the fine if it would have done that by the deadlines set in the Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Asked whether something may prevent Armenia from participation in the next year’s song contest, Siim said, “There is no reason why AMPTV [Armenian Public Television] would be not let participate in the next edition of Europe’s favourite TV show if they pay the fine and broadcast this year’s contest and follow the Rules of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.”