Yerevan awaits Moscow’s response on amendments to Russian channels broadcasting agreement

Armenia has once again sent Russia proposals to amend the intergovernmental agreement that regulates the broadcasting of Russian channels in the country, Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan told reporters.

The agreement was signed back in 2020. The goal was to exclude programs on the air of the two countries that represent insults to the other state and people, as well as interference in internal affairs.

“We sent the Russian side our proposals regarding changes in the interstate agreement four months ago. There was no response. A month ago we sent the same proposals and we expect to receive a response soon to understand whether our Russian partners believe these changes are possible,” he said.

The current agreement notes that the parties must refrain from insulting the other state and its people. However, there are no accountability mechanisms for failure to comply with these rules. The ministry said the new proposals are aimed at taking preventive rather than punitive measures.