“A1+” WAS CEASED FOR POLITICAL REASONS
Support A1+!The march held today for “A1+” defense turned into a meeting in Matenadaran. It was announced beforehand that it would be apolitical but political speeches were made. Members of journalistic organizations, representatives of independent Mass Media, attorneys, political figures, from People’s Party of Armenia, Republic Party and Armenian National Movement partook in the meeting.
Vardan Vardanyan, “Ayb-Fe” Weekly Editor-in-Chief headed the meeting. He announced that the TV area is under control. ”By the way, Robert Kocharyan made an attempt to make “A1+” controllable inviting us to his residence. But as it is known, we didn’t go, so “A1+” is banned from broadcasting now”.
”Republic” Party leader Aram Sargssyan said: ”A1+” was deprived of broadcasting chance before the elections. “A1+” is forbidden to resume broadcasting because the present Authorities expect for new elections anytime.
He announced that democracy is the only value of Armenia and “A1+” TV Company is the best proof for democracy and speech freedom.
Sargssyan described the present television field: ”Some TV Companies inform that everything is O.K. and the state prospers. But it is not so”.
Aram Sargssyan announced that he doesn’t respect the state and political figures who say they underline “A1+” existence but do nothing to return TV Company to former activity.
Talking about conduct of tender, Aram Sargssyan proved through some comparison that “A1+” cessation and hampering it to come back to television area was of political reasons. At the end of his speech Sargssyan said: ”People will win and “A1+” will again be on air”.
PPA secretary Stepan Zakaryan announced that his rights had been violated and he had no chance to receive unbiased information after “A1+” had been barred from broadcasting.
