YEREVAN, OCTOBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. A discussion of problems on speech freedom, human rights and fight against corruption in Armenia was organized by "Cooperation for Open Society" initiative on October 9. In the words of the chairman of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardian, it is beyond doubt that the latest amendments in the Law on Television and Radio were made in order to deprive some television companies of the opportunity to participate in competitions for licences on the use of television frequencies. He reminded that the requests of two television companies, A1+ and Noyan Tapan, to be provided broadcast licences were rejected 12 and 6 times respectively. B. Navasardian said that the hasty adoption of these amendments was done with the special aim: to avoid undesirable discussions in society. In his opinion, under current conditions any open discussion is dangerous for the authorities. The head of Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center Amalia Kostanian stated that in Armenia the fight against corruption has declarative and imitation rather than real character. According to her, the authorities mainly condemn those who committed minor acts of corruption, at the same time no sanctions are used against those engaged in serious corruption. A. Kostanian highlighted the so-called political corruption when force and money rather than law and rights reign in an electoral process. To recap, a month ago the RA National Assembly adopted the amendments to the RA Law on Television and Radio, by which no competitions for licences on the use of television frequences will be held until July 20, 2010 - taking into consideration the necessity of transition to the digital broadcast system. Prior to that, in June, the European Court of Human Rights sustained the suit of A1+ company. At the June session the PACE called on the Armenian authorities to ensure an open, fair and transparent licencing process and provide A1+ with an opportunity to take part in competitions.

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