Consultations will be held in the near future in Moscow, as the bilateral interstate agreement implies, during which the Armenian side will present its proposals on solutions. This was stated by the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, speaking with reporters in the National Assembly—and referring to the activities of Russian TV channels that are broadcast in Armenia.
“The solutions derive from the entire logic of the agreement, as well as from the state interests of Armenia, to ensure TV content with appropriate content which does not imply interference in Armenia’s internal affairs, insults to the symbols of Armenia, the state, as well as to the emotions and dignity of the Armenian people,” said Hayrapetyan.
Regarding the remark that there was already such a discussion, after which it was announced that Armenia did not present facts, the minister said: “You are right, it’s about the December consultations. I must say that the solutions that are included in the package of proposals of the Armenian side also imply the previous attempts as a result of which not only there was no change in terms of content, but the frequency of similar programs [on Russian television] has become regular in recent times.
This means that the tools in the agreement that were put in place to supposedly monitor or prevent similar programs are essentially not working. And taking this into account as well, the Armenian side has worded its ideas regarding solutions. Had they worked, there would have been no need to ask your question. We are aware of this, and we keep this in mind and we will present [it] as an argument in the work with our Russian partners.”
To the question as to whether there are deadlines for when these negotiations will start, the minister answered: “Yes, there is a specific day, but I will not announce it now.”
And when asked whether the matter of removing those Russian TV channels from the public multiplex of Armenia will be discussed in those negotiations, Hayrapetyan responded: “Due to political correctness, I will refrain from the details of our proposals and solutions. I can only assure that the matter of the dignity of the Armenian people and Armenia is embedded in the core of every decision or position adopted by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry.”