“Obviously the Customs Union accession is a major challenge in terms of freedom of the media”,- such opinion was expressed by the President of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan, in the conversation with Aravot.am. We were interested to know whether he agrees with the opinion of the TV broadcaster of “Kentron” TV channel, Armen Dulyan, that “the media has never been so non-influential and powerless”. Mr. Navasardyan replied, “However, our media is quickly moving towards Armen Dulyan’s expressed opinion. It is not the result of its internal problems and causes, but is due to the general public-political situation.” Boris Navasardyan noted, “When the Republic of Armenia was cooperating with the EU and European institutions, and when it had taken on major responsibilities, it was hard to ignore the public opinion.
Going back to Armenia’s decision to Customs Union accession, Mr. Navasardyan said, “Now, when we are totally given to the Customs Union and to the situation and atmosphere of those countries, in which the public opinion is already being ignored, it means that we are also moving towards this situation. Mr. Navasardyan predicts that “after joining the Customs Union, even without legislative settings, the role and importance of the media would be reduced, the degree of freedom would also go down, because sine you are not important, you cannot feel free enough and confident.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
