The Armenian Side Has Never Given Such Signals to Russian Partners, Hayrapetyan

The Republic of Armenia does not seek to terminate the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Mass Communications between the Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation." This was stated today by the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, while summarizing his first 100 days in office.

According to him, the Armenian side has never given such signals to its Russian counterparts. The ministry does not wish to close the airwaves for partner country broadcasting channels based on personal attitudes towards certain individuals.

According to the minister, the issue is that clear rules of etiquette must be established, which the relevant authorities of both countries would adhere to. The agreement specifically states that the parties must refrain from offensive statements directed at another state and its people. Meanwhile, there is no mechanism for accountability if the rules of the game are not followed.

The Armenian side expects that all possible disagreements will be resolved through consultations and dialogue. "I have said that if our arguments are not accepted, we may consider the suspension of the agreement, but we do not strive for that from the outset. If we were looking to do so for any reason, we would not offer to improve that agreement," the minister stated.

He noted that three Russian television channels are broadcast on the network of the Public Television of Armenia. The agreement on mass communications signed in 2020 states that broadcasting may occur on a reciprocal basis; however, the Public Television of Armenia is not broadcast in the Russian Federation.

According to the minister, the Russian partners have stated that this is not possible for technical reasons.