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“A1+” DEMANDS COMPENSATION FROM KOCHARIAN AND AMALIAN

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“We are content with the verdict of the European Court of Human Rights in the sense it proves we are right, a fact we have been trying to prove the Armenian authorities for 6 years. I think the decision will give us an opportunity to participate in the tenders on equal terms, without discrimination,” declared Director of “A1+” Mesrop Movsessian at a press conference in the “De facto” Club.

“Why did Court arrive at the verdict at this point in time? Was it a political decision against the Republic of Armenia?”

“The claim of “A1+” had been in the European Court for 6 years and the verdict cannot be considered a speedy one. Nevertheless, I can recognize a political decision against Armenia in the verdict.”

Concerning the PACE Resolution which states that “A1+” must be granted a broadcasting license without further delay, Mr. Movsessian said: “The Armenian delegation stated at the PACE session that all the frequencies are occupied in Armenia. It is untrue. You can easily check it by sending a letter to Geneva with the request to provide the list of frequencies provided to Armenia. In the globe of 60 frequencies there are only 15 channels. So, there must be some unoccupied frequencies.”

Mesrop Movsessian also had to comment on Armen Rustamian’s statement made in Strasbourg, which ran: “How can we deprive one channel of its license and give it to another?”

“It was exactly what the authorities did in 2002. They took the license of “A1+” and granted it to another channel. And now Mr. Rustamian fears I might take the license of the channel that belongs to the party he represents. Anyway, I would be very glad if “A1+” took part in the tenders and received a license without exerting pressure on any other channel. The globe is rather large and the channels can function without causing trouble to one another,” Movsessian assured.

“Does the verdict of the European Court presuppose “A1+” back on TV particularly taking into consideration the press conference of Deputy Defense Minister Gevorg Kostanian?”

“I am no longer surprised at any statement made by Armenian officials. I have to repeat my words: “The leopard cannot change his spots”. Instead of obeying the Constitution our authorities are trying to adjust it to themselves. They’d better change their brains instead of changing the Law.”

For more colorful description of the reality Mesrop Movsessian had to remind people of the fantastic film “Planet of the Apes”, in which the chimpanzees, which were guided exclusively by instincts, were the leaders. “Today the Armenian authorities reign the country utterly guided by instincts, which are full of brutality and intolerance. I find it difficult to foresee what instinct will guide our authorities tomorrow. ”

The Director of “A1+” also spoke over the accusations addressed to him. He was blamed for applying outer force against his country by turning to the European Court.

“When you are looking for something in your house and you can’t find it you buy it in a store. We were not able to find justice in the judicial body of Armenia and had to turn to the European Court after 8 unsuccessful trials”, clarified Mr. Movsessian.

Mesrop Movsessian also had to answer another accusation addressed to him. He was blamed for destructing the RA state budget by demanding compensation in the European Court.

Note that under Article 41 (just satisfaction) of the Convention, the European Court awarded the applicant company (A1+) 20,000 euros (EUR) in respect of non-pecuniary damage and EUR 10,000 for costs and expenses, which the Armenian Government is committed to pay to the English lawyers.

“The compensation is secondary for my company and me. We had raised a claim of USD 1.350.000 considering the losses our company had suffered for 6 years. But the European Court received various requests from the Armenian Government stating they were unable to pay such great compensation so that the Court had to assess only our non-pecuniary damage. I do not demand the compensation from the State Budget. I demand it from Robert Kocharian, Grigor Amalian and others who made the country suffer from their unlawful deeds. Certain people must be punished, those who have violated the Law and ruined the country’s reputation. The Constitution will not take effect in Armenia until the transgressors are imposed the necessary punishment.

Mesrop Movsessian assured the journalists he was determined to continue the struggle initiated in 2002. “The easiest solution is to leave everything and go away. But after “A1+” was refused license the staff declared they were eager to work even if I did not. In such circumstances my giving up the struggle would be nonsense. I assure you all the problems will be solved quite soon”, Mesrop Movsessian concluded.