YEREVAN, JULY 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The package of bills of the government, which envisages to make amendments and addenda in the RA valid Laws on "Television and Radio," and "State Duty," was discussed by the second reading of the RA National Assembly in the July 2 special sitting. The ballot, to all appearances, will be held on July 3. On the above-mentioned legislative initiative the activities of other launching organizations are prohibited on the frequencies used by the Public Radio and Television company. In addition to this, a state duty of 60 thousand drams (about 176 U.S. dollars) is defined for each broadcast of radio and television programs of other launching organizations on the frequencies used by the patent radio and television company in the Republic of Armenia, in difference to the 70 thousand drams defined by the first reading. In comparison with the package of the bills adopted by the first reading, it is additionally set in the law on "Radio and Television" that the launching organization is entitled to broadcast television and radio programs. It should also be mentioned that the positions of opponents and those who were for the adoption of the bills remained the same. The political coalition gave assurance that the suggested amendments are directed at the regulation of the public radio and television sphere and cannot concern the Armenian service of the Azatutiun (Liberty) radio station, which is broadcasting its programs on the frequencies of the Public Radio company, as the latter is not a patent launching organization. The opponents, that is to say Zharangutiun (Heritage) and Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) factions, are convinced that the legislative initiative of the government is, evidently, threatening the further activities of the Azatutiun radio station in Armenia.

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