AGO GROUP CONCERNED ABOUT RFE/RL
Support A1+!“We highlight three major issues - independent judicial system, mass media and elections,” said Per Sjögren, the Swedish Ambassador to the Council of Europe, the head of the Ago Group delegation of the CoE Foreign Ministers’ Committee. The Ambassador is concerned over RFE/RL’s fortune as the draft amendments to the “Law on Television and Radio” proposed by the RA Government may ban the radio station’s further activity.
“Freedom of expression is a CoE priority. The Council of Europe regards freedom of speech as one of the fundamental freedoms and rights. Mass media must be independent of the state. We have thoroughly analyzed the current scene in Armenia. These controversial amendments halt RFE/RL’s transmission on Public Radio. This may have serious outcome, said Per Sjögren.
According to him the amendments contravene public interests, diversity and endanger the activity of free mass media in Armenia.
During the press conference Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian promised to inform the relevant bodies about Per Sjögren’s concern.
Per Sjögren also dwelt on the elections and voiced hope that the progress registered after the May 12 parliamentary elections would be ongoing.
