PRESS RELEASE
Radio Sevan
Karakol Al-Druze, Beirut
Contact: Michael Vayejian
Tel: 961 1 37 30 04
info@radiosevan.com

May 16, 2008

Radio Sevan Targetted during Recent clashes in Beirut

One week ago, the newly inaugurated `Radio Sevan’ broadcasting station
was set on fire, at the Beirut MAR ELIAS neighborhood.

In this respect, we deeply thank all the organizations establishments
and individuals, who felt, regretted, sympathized, and expressed their
moral support.

Nevertheless, at this stage, it is necessary to make certain adjusting
verifications related to this regretful evidence in order to clarify
once and for all the picture of this regretful incident and overcome
the confusion.

A) On 08/05/2008 at about 5:00 PM the Director of `Radio Sevan’ was
duly notified by the Security Sources that HEZBOLLAH armed elements
were planning to invade the locals of Radio Sevan broadcasting
station.

Upon the decision reached by the administrator, the personnel members
came out of the station, without even taking their personal belongings
with them.

B) A few hours later, a rocket was fired towards `Radio Sevan’ by
HEZBOLLAH armed elements who invaded the premises and set fire to the
station.

According to the conclusion reached by specialists, the fire had
started from the far-edge room, and then progressed towards the
entrance.

The neighboring `Radio Orient’ broadcasting radio station, annexed to
`Radio Sevan’ was not subjected to the same assault. Their damages
were by far lesser than those of `Radio Sevan’.

Consequently, we can easily conclude that, the main target of the
attack was `Radio Sevan’.

C) `Radio Sevan’ is not located within the Building of the Central
News Media Reporting Offices of the `Moustaqbal’ Movement (Future
Movement led by the son of assassinated PM Rafiq Hariri).

D) `Radio Sevan’ is not located in the same Building as the Central
News Media Reporting Offices of the `Moustaqbal’ (Future) Movement as
some media had misinformed.

E) `Radio Sevan’ is an Armenian Station.

Within the context of the Lebanese Law, the station follows its
projected policy line, and its own principles, within which the most
fundamental aim is the defense of the most basic rights.

`Radio Sevan’ believes in the freedom of speech, transparency,
democracy, freedom of opinion, and tolerance.

Furthermore, it believes in the coexistence of communities, and in the
National solidarity, based on the mutual respect.

Those, who projected and ordered this regretful event, very clearly,
are miles away from the above principles.

E) It was possible to save only few types of equipment from the
devastated and burned offices of `Radio Sevan’.

All the remaining machines, equipment and furniture became totally
useless.

F) `Radio Sevan’ has already resumed its activities, and very shortly
shall return to the Armenian public, with its projects programs.

Once again, we express our thanks, to all those individuals who called
by phone, E-mail, fax and through the Media and News Press channels to
condemn this action and showed support to `Radio Sevan’.