Freedom of the media in Armenia discussed in Astana
Within the framework of the OSCE Summit, Serzh Sargsyan continued his bilateral meetings with the heads of states and delegations and representatives of international organizations participating in the summit.
Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with President of Hungary Pál Schmitt and OSCE Freedom of Media Representative Dunya Miyatovich.
The Armenian and Hungarian presidents underlined the warm and friendly bilateral relations which have been further reinforced through the creation of an Armenian-Hungarian Friendship Group in the Hungarian parliament. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the Hungarian authorities and the people of Hungary for their warm and friendly attitude toward the Armenian community and for creating favorable conditions for community life.
Serzh Sargsyan and Pál Schmitt also touched upon cooperation within international organizations and Armenia-European Union relations, taking into account that Hungary will take over the EU presidency next year. President Schmitt underlined the need for active collaboration within the framework of the EU "Eastern Partnership".
Serzh Sargsyan and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunya Miyatovich touched upon the activities of OSCE structures in Armenia and attached importance to the structures' activities from the angle of further reinforcement of democracy, support in implementing reforms and the protection of fundamental human rights. Dunya Miyatovich noted that the OSCE is closely collaborating with the Armenian government and non-governmental organizations to make reforms in the legislation on mass media. Miyatovich considered the steps taken to decriminalize insults and defamations in Armenia as an important fact promoting the freedom of media and according to her this can set a good example for other OSCE-member countries.
