OSCE media freedom representative meets Armenian Foreign Minister

YEREVAN, 22 October 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today met with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, to discuss co-operation and media freedom developments.

“I welcome the readiness of Armenian authorities to continue the constructive dialogue with my Office,” Mijatović said.

She noted the positive developments in the field of safety of journalists in Armenia in recent years and also commented on legislation reform efforts: “I encourage the authorities of Armenia to keep advancing the media-related legislation in line with the OSCE commitments.”

“It is time to introduce the promised amendments in the broadcasting legislation in order to ensure pluralism in this sphere,” Mijatović said, offering her Office's support in reforming the media-related legislation, including the on-going digitalization of terrestrial television.

Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan was also present at the meeting.

During her visit to Yerevan, Mijatović also attended a high-level conference on combating racism, xenophobia and intolerance in Europe, organized by the Armenian authorities and Council of Europe. Mijatović delivered a keynote speech at a session on combating hate speech on the social networks and media.