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GIVE A1+ AND RFE/RL FREEDOM

Politics

The press conference of René van der Linden, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and Armenian parliamentarians began with 1.5- hour delay.

René van der Linden found the May 12 parliamentary elections in Armenia a step forward and voiced hope that the authorities would address the shortcomings during the next elections.

The PACE President reminded that the Council of Europe highlights impartial judicial system and independent mass media. He suggested taking into consideration the viewpoint of the Venice Experts’ Commission while discussing the draft laws banning Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s transmission. Surely, elections should be free and fair, said Mr René van der Linden.

René van der Linden focused on the availability of mass media for election participants.

He said that after his visit to Azerbaijan he can say which side is more constructive.

The PACE President didn’t conceal that the international community won’t recognize the July 19 presidential elections in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. At the same time he pointed out that his stance isn’t aimed at hindering the elections.

The Council of Europe is not a conflicting side, therefore the structure has unbiased approach to the issue, he said.

According to René van der Linden the CoE has great expectations from Armenia in regard to the CoE commitments.

To A1+’s question concerning the fate of RFE/RL and A1+, Mr René van der Linden said, “Today we have discussed the issues of RFE/RL and A1+ . Both of them must have full position in the media. I hope they should be treated in the same way as other mass media. The CoE will watch the matter,” said René van der Linden.