US BROADCASTING BOARD OBJECTS TO ARMENIA MEDIA RESTRICTIONS
Voice of America
March 5 2008
The U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors has objected to the Armenian
government’s blackout of independent news media under the country’s
state of emergency.
BBG Chairman James Glassman James Glassman, the chairman of the
board which supervises U.S. government-funded broadcasters including
the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said the
measures forced VOA television and RFE/RL radio programs off the air
on local affiliates in Armenia. He also noted restrictions Armenian
authorities had placed on the Internet, and said censorship and
harassment of the media are contradictory to democracy.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian imposed a 20-day state of emergency
Saturday in response to mass protests against the conduct of last
month’s presidential elections. Mr. Kocharian Wednesday said he sees
no reason to lift the state of emergency.
Armenian authorities arrested 30 opposition supporters Tuesday on
charges of provoking unrest and violent actions against police in
the demonstrations that left eight people dead.
Protesters accused the government of rigging the presidential poll to
ensure that Serzh Sarkisyan — the candidate Mr. Kocharian supported —
defeated opposition challengers. Official figures show Mr.
Sarkisyan winning 53 percent of the vote, while his nearest challenger
garnered about 22 percent.