Armenia's Foreign Ministry Files Protest Note to Russian Counterparts: Mikayel Hayrapetyan

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has today sent a protest note to its Russian counterparts regarding violations of Article 5 of the agreement on cooperation in the field of mass communication between the governments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia. This was stated by Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry Mikayel Hayrapetyan during a Q&A session with the government in the National Assembly, in response to questions from MP Armen Khachatryan of the 'Civil Contract' faction.

The MP pointed out that offensive expressions continue to be aired on Russian state television channels, despite the agreement stipulating that such texts and expressions regarding states, nations, and national values must be excluded. “Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has sent a protest note to the Russian counterparts,” said Hayrapetyan.

According to him, on February 26, they received a letter from the Commission for Television and Radio, documenting these violations. He noted that consultations were held at the Ministry of High-Tech Industry on February 27, which concluded that violations had indeed occurred.

Hayrapetyan emphasized that the issue is sensitive and everything must be done to prevent its politicization. He also added that he sent a letter to his Russian counterpart, the Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation Maksut Shadayev, suggesting immediate consultations either in Moscow or Yerevan.

“If we proceed from the assumption that the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation are committed to this agreement, but nonetheless violations continue, then a legitimate question arises regarding whether there is a need to revise or amend the principles and compliance laid out in that document,” said Hayrapetyan.

He indicated that, from the Armenian side's perspective, the document needs revision. “We need to conduct consultations in the professional field and work constructively with our partners. On the other hand, we note that Armenia cannot tolerate content that may undermine the dignity of our state and people,” the Minister stated.

Hayrapetyan added that the Armenian side has its own ideas for resolving the issue and is hopeful that the Russian counterparts will positively respond to the proposal for consultations and improving the document in the near future.