ANC faction leader Levon Zurabyan offered the European Union to support Armenia to have an independent media. Mr. Zurabyan said about it during the National Assembly Standing Committee on April 17, the “Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga”, which was attended by the Head of the EU Delegation Ambassador Traian Hristea. He quoted a passage from the report of the EU, stating that:
-“Press freedom is still unsatisfactory, as there is no progress towards electronic media pluralism”.
Aravot.am`s Television and Radio Commission (NTRC ) member asked Armen Mkrtchyan what he thought of the statement of Mr. Zurabyan.
-“There are reports of European institutions, by which they notice increase each year in the field of democracy and freedom of speech in Armenia. In the regional context, rather, taking into account the recent events in Georgia, TV-related, in this regard we have advantages over them”. Unfortunately Zurabyan`s idea does not correspond to the reality: due to lack of time he does not possess the information “-said Armen Mkrtchyan.
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To “Aravot.am-‘s observation about the idea that quoted Mr. Zurabyan, the Committee member said.
-“He simply mentioned a fact that, maybe, we have not yet reached the level of Luxembourg or Great Britain, of course, we still have a little way to go”.
According to the committee member all the TV channels are independent.
-“In the Republic of Armenia all the television stations are private and naturally independent, except for the public, which is also independent in other categories. At last we know that there is a clear conclusion of the Republic of Armenia shareholders with foreign capital, and it’s not just about our country. Because we work with our colleagues there are problems with the shares around the world. 50 + 1 has to be national; it must be registered at least in this way. Frankly speaking of his (he means Zurabyan) proposals it must be noted that they are a bit ridiculous, even if the partners are more or less familiar with both international obligations and international treaties. Our law is the European platform and our legislation totally corresponds to European standards. “Desire” is a good thing, to be honest; we would like to have a higher rate every year”.
To ”Aravot.am” observation that Levon Zurabyan suggested EU to support the creation of an independent television station by means of cooperating with the government, which suggests that Mr. Zurabyan Is aware of the 50 + 1 local shares interrelation, the Committee member said.
-“I have great respect for your newspaper, and in general for your journalists but let ANC member interpret Levon Zurabyan`s statements”.
To another “Aravot.am” observation by which we referred to Mr. Mkrtchyan in order to know his point of view concerning Zurabyan`s statement of “having free medias”, Armen Mkrtchyan said.
-“Does he know the interrelation of 50 + 1? In order to avoid misunderstanding let ANC member comment what they want. As a member of the Committee, I would say there is a law which allows to held competitions every 10 years. If the law allows and that is in accordance with let them apply to any TV, of course. Everyone is free and independent, as the founders cannot be parties, etc.”
Referring to Mr. Zurbyan note that television is the most influential media and all the Medias are under the strict supervision of the President, while Committee member states that all Medias are free and independent Mr. Mkrtchyan said.
-“I am a public worker and I am guided by the law. I claim that his words should be explained by his party’s spokesman, he may have a lot to say.”
Nelly BABAYAN
