RFE/RL ON THE VERGE OF CLOSURE

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[03:16 pm] 25 July, 2007

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and its oversight agency,
the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), expressed dismay
at Armenian Public Radio’s rejection of a new contract to continue
carrying programs of RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, RFE/RL reports.

RFE/RL Armenian programs have been aired on Armenian Public Radio
-Armenia’s top radio network — since 1998, where they have earned
the trust of a significant number of listeners. Survey data shows
that 15 percent of Armenian adults listen to RFE/RL programs each week.

Three days of discussions in Yerevan, Armenia last week between
U.S. and Armenian broadcast officials ended without agreement on a
new contract to replace one that had lapsed in February.

"Our delegation was asked to go to Yerevan to iron out some minor
technical issues and conclude a contract to extend this successful
partnership," said BBG Chairman James K. Glassman. "All these issues
were resolved.

Our delegation was told there are no deadlines, and no threat was made
to take RFE/RL programs off Public Radio. Yet the contract remains
unsigned, and our offers to make payment were refused. It seems clear
that whatever is holding up an agreement has nothing to do with legal,
contractual, or technical issues."

"We value our relationship with Armenian Public Radio," added Glassman,
"and certainly want it to continue. We look forward to signing the
contract, and making all payments stipulated in the contract, as soon
as our partners in Armenia tell us they are ready."

The Armenian parliament on July 3 did not adopt amendments to the
country’s media regulations that would have banned RFE/RL and other
foreign broadcasters from public airwaves. One week later, Armenian
Public Radio indicated that it planned to stop RFE/RL broadcasts on
August 9, citing contractual and payment issues. Last week’s visit
to Armenia by RFE/RL and BBG contracting officials was intended to
resolve these issues.

"The potential end of our very fruitful relationship with Public
Radio has no economic or other legitimate justification," said RFE/RL
President Jeffrey Gedmin.

"Armenians go to the polls in eight months to choose their next
President, and therefore it is particularly important that RFE/RL’s
broadcasts, which are widely respected for their accuracy, objectivity
and timeliness, reach the largest possible audience. Our coverage of
the May 12 parliamentary elections was singled out for praise by OSCE
observers for its balance and thoroughness."