Miklos Haraszti
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Vienna

Dear Mr. Haraszti,

Allow me to wish you a happy and productive new year.

We are in receipt of your letter of December 20 wherein you voice your concerns regarding two issues.

Let me respond by saying we too are committed to fair elections and the media’s role in ensuring this.

Regarding the attack against the Chorrord Ishkhanutyun newspaper, we deplore such actions and will continue to pursue the matter to find those responsible for the explosion. In the meantime, the newspaper does continue to publish.

Regarding the case of Gala TV, the authorities will certainly not make arbitrary decisions. Gala,  too, continues to broadcast while the issue of their unpaid taxes is being reviewed by the courts. There is also their responsibility to pay for the placement of their antenna on the tower owned by the municipality. In all cases, I can assure you that everything wil be done within the confines of the law.

Sincerely,

Vartan Oskanian