YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on November 26 OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the visit of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media to Armenia and his participation in the international conference dedicated to the 15 years of activities of the Office of the Human Rights Defender. PM Pashinyan reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Armenia to protect human rights, including freedom of speech and emphasized that media freedom in Armenia is currently on an unprecedented level, which is proved also by the assessments of international organizations. Nikol Pashinyan referred to freedom of speech in the internet and noted that today Armenia ranks 8^th in the world. According to the PM, this speaks about the faithfulness of the Government of Armenia towards democratic values, where freedom of speech and press are of key importance.

Harlem Désir highlighted the cooperation with the Government of Armenia and highly assessed the level of freedom of speech and press in Armenia, welcoming the efforts of the Armenian Government for ensuring that.

The interlocutors referred to the challenges facing the freedom of speech and exchanged views on countermeasures against fake news, disinformation and hate speech.  PM Pashinyan talked about mutual visits of Armenian and Azerbaijani journalists that took place last week, noting that it can promote the establishment of atmosphere of trust and decrease hate speech. Harlem Désir welcomed the initiative and highlighted its continuity.

PM Pashinyan highlighted the cooperation with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for recording progress in Armenia in the sphere of freedom of speech and media. Harlem Désir noted that the OSCE is ready to continue partnership by initiatives of exchange of experience, trainings and consulting.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan