On April 4 Yerevan Press Club made a statement in defense of Russian NTV Company:
"Journalists have a special viewpoint regarding the situation in NTV Company. Whatever good intentions are declared by the authorities, “protecting” the rights and economic interests of shareholders and investors, everything in reality focuses on taming the Word believed by millions of people. This happens not only in Russia but in all post-Soviet countries. For this reason journalists cannot step aside when an attempt is made to shut up their colleagues.
Yerevan Press Club expresses its solidarity with the journalist crew of NTV – a quality TV Company that enjoys respect among Armenian viewers, too.
We call upon every one involved in decision making to have common sense.
We hope that this conflict, doing no honor to the State, will be ended with no damage made to the freedom of expression.
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB
Yerevan, April 4, 2001"
