Russia condemns US, Western media influence in Armenia

Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Andrey Nastasin, has expressed concerns about the increasing Western influence on Armenian media.

Nastasin highlighted his apprehension regarding the recent appointment of Armen Koloyan, a former Radio Liberty employee and US citizen, as the executive director of Public Radio of Armenia, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

He stated that the growing Western influence on media resources in Armenia, as in any other country, is troubling and unlikely to bring positive outcomes.

Nastasin voiced concerns about the increasing influence of the US and Western countries on Armenian media.

He asserted that this trend aims to undermine the significance of the longstanding Russian-Armenian friendship and diminish the support that Moscow has provided to Armenia across various sectors.

Nastasin remarked, "The West's growing influence on media resources in Armenia, as elsewhere, seems designed to sway public opinion against Russia. This effort undermines the historical and supportive relationship between our nations."

He emphasized that Armenia and Russia have established robust mechanisms for media cooperation, including a specialized intergovernmental agreement, active interdepartmental dialogue, and ongoing journalist exchanges.

Nastasin also pointed out that consultations and a media forum were held between the Russian and Armenian Foreign Ministries in 2023 to enhance foreign policy communication and media relations.

"We remain committed to addressing any issues with our partners through professional and cooperative means in the future," he concluded.