Radio World, VA
July 27 2007

RFE/RL Hits Roadblock in Armenia

7.27.2007

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is upset that Armenian Public Radio
is rejecting a contract to continue carrying programs of its Armenian
Service.
Such programs have been aired on Armenia’s top radio network since
1998, the officials said, `where they have earned the trust of a
significant number of listeners.’

Discussions in Armenia ended without agreement on a contract to
replace one that ended in February.

`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,’ RFE/RL stated. `One week
later, Armenian Public Radio indicated that it planned to stop RFE/RL
broadcasts on Aug. 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,’ but those ended without agreement.

The Armenian Service has been on the air since 1953.