GOVERNMENT SUGGESTS AMENDMENTS STRIPING RFE/RL OF AIR IN ARMENIA
Panorama.am
17:29 28/06/2007
The Armenian parliament extraordinary session is discussing a
package of bills suggesting changes and additions to the Law on
State Dues and the Law on Radio and TV. Submitted by the government,
the package assumes that Armenian TV and radio charge extra state due
for programs broadcast by the national offices or services of foreign
media outlets. Some experts say the bill will endanger freedom of
speech in our country, particularly that of RFE/RL. Internews has
raised concern saying the bill "may cause unforeseen consequences."
Mesrop Harutunyan, an expert of Yerevan Press Club, told Panorama.am:
"This is a political decision" also saying it has been taken at the
House of the Armenian President. According to the expert, some have
been saying from the President’s House since last year RFE/RL is
not objective, therefore, the package "aims to halt RFE/RL programs
in Armenia."