A1+ must win
"I hope that A1+ will win provided that the tender is transparent and the company presents a competitive proposal," U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch told A1+.
After a two-year break a tender for TV frequencies will be held in Armenia this July. In 2008 tenders were suspended for two years by a parliamentary decision as lawmakers cited the need for allowing a transition to digital broadcasting in the country.
Journalistic and human rights organizations of Armenia do not exclude that it was yet another excuse for not returning embattled A1+ to the air.
"The USA is hopeful that starting July frequency licenses will be granted on equal terms," said the Ambassador.
Armenian Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan agrees that A1+'s return to the air is a must today.
Talking to A1+ Harutyunyan said he wished to see A1+ back to the air.
"I really wish the company to win the tender. They should judge by mechanisms. I think that A1+ has no rival in the sphere today. So far, companies with weaker techniques have been granted licenses, which testifies to the commission's subjective approach," said the Ombudsman.
Asked whether A1+ can expect a fair tender in the given conditions, Mr. Harutyunyan said, "A1+ must win if we are seriously concerned about the country's future. The company's victory will balance pluralism and social justice in Armenia."
The ombudsman is preparing a report on the freedom of speech in Armenia which will also cover the issue of A1+.
