OSCE MEDIA FREEDOM REPRESENTATIVE MEETS ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

The Financial
May 19 2010
Georgia

The FINANCIAL — YEREVAN. Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on
Freedom of the Media, discussed Armenia’s ongoing media reforms,
including a transformation from an analogue to a digital broadcasting
system in a meeting today with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

"It is essential that the digital switchover is carried out in a
transparent manner and that the tendering procedures are made public
well in advance to ensure broadcast pluralism," Mijatovic said. She
asked the authorities to guarantee that the broadcast reform is
carried out with the active involvement of the public.

"The digital strategy of Armenia will define the broadcasting
landscape for many years to come. It is essential that the legislation
to be adopted grants access to diverse information and high quality
programmes," she said.

"I am pleased by the readiness of the authorities to consider the
OSCE’s assessment of the recently introduced amendments to the draft
Law on TV and Radio Broadcasting before its final adoption. I
encourage all stakeholders to use this opportunity to present their
views and recommendations," she added.

Mijatovic also met National Assembly Deputy Chairman Samvel Nikoyan,
Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman
Kirakosyan and the President of the National Commission for TV and
Radio, Grigor Amalyan.

"During the two-day visit, Mijatovic participated in a public
discussion on Armenia’s digital switchover, chaired by the Head of the
OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos. The event brought
together government officials, parliamentarians, as well as
broadcasters, non-governmental organizations and international human
rights organizations," OSCE informed.

"Digital convergence is a major technological development that has a
strong impact on the media in the country," Kapinos said. "Thus it is
very important that the digital switchover policies to be adopted by
the Government will promote and safeguard media pluralism in Armenia."

Regarding further media legislation developments, the Representative
commended the Armenian authorities on their steps to decriminalize
defamation, and expressed hope that the OSCE’s recommendations will be
reflected in the relevant legislation, to be adopted in the near
future.

Mijatovic concluded her visit by offering her Office’s assistance in
providing further expertise on Armenia’s legislation covering all
areas of media reform, to bring it in line with international
standards and good practices.