AMBASSADOR SPEAKS TO RFE/RL HEAD ON NEW YEREVAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 000811

SIPDIS

PRAGUE PASS TO RFE/RL JEFF GEDMIN/JULIA RAGONA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/02/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KPAO BBG RFE RL AM
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SPEAKS TO RFE/RL HEAD ON NEW YEREVAN
BUREAU CHIEF

REF: A. YEREVAN 779 B. YEREVAN 758 C. YEREVAN 753

Classified By: AMB Marie L.Yovanovitch, reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (C) Summary. Ambassador Yovanovitch expressed her concern
to RFE/RL Director Jeffrey Gedmin regarding the recent
appointment of Aghasi Yenokyan as Yerevan Bureau Chief of
RFE/RL. Gedmin acknowledged that the selection of Yenokyan
might present challenges, but said that Yenkoyan deserved a
chance to prove himself. If he did not live up to RFE/RL
standards, RFE/RL would take the necessary steps. Gedmin
made several constructive suggestions to allay GOAM concerns
and we will follow up with both the GOAM and RFE/RL. Post
nonetheless anticipates that this issue may soon present
difficulties not only in our bilateral relationship, but for
RFE/RL. End Summary.


2. (C) Ambassador Yovanovitch reached RFE/RL Director Jeffrey
Gedmin on October 1 regarding the recent appointment of
Aghasi Yenokyan as Bureau Chief of Radio Liberty in Yerevan.
She reiterated concerns expressed in her recent letter to
Gedmin (see ref A),especially the problem with perception of
bias that is arising because of Yenokyan's past membership in
the Impeachment Bloc opposition Party, and his identification
by the public and the GOAM with the anti-government movement.


3. (C) Gedmin took the point, but said he felt obligated to
honor Yenokyan,s contract and give the new bureau chief a
fair chance to prove himself on the job. He noted that
Yenokyan must adhere to RFE/RL's standards of accuracy and
objectivity. If he fails to meet those standards, Gedmin
assured the Ambassador that RFE/RL would correct the matter.
The Ambassador noted that, because of Yenokyan's background,
the bar would be higher than usual for Yenokyan and how the
government and the public perceive his performance. Gedmin
asked that post encourage Armenian authorities to document
carefully, in writing and in context, specific examples that
support their concerns about bias in RFE/RL programs.


4. (C) Gedmin asked if there was a constructive way to engage
in "confidence building" measure with the GOAM in a proactive
manner, for example, giving the Foreign Minister some time on
the air. He also suggested inviting a government official to
Prague to discuss the matter. Gedmin floated the possibility
of RFE/RL establishing an ombudsman, an individual of
integrity acceptable to all parties, to address concerns by
the government or other Armenians about Radio Liberty
programming. The Ambassador agreed that this would be a
promising gesture to reassure local authorities. The
Ambassador suggested that it might be useful to travel to
Yerevan and meet with government officials as well.
Ambassador said that the Embassy would follow up with both
the GOAM and RFE/RL.


5. (C) Comment: We understand RFE/RL's reluctance to reverse
a personnel decision that has already been made and the need
to give the new bureau chief a chance to prove himself
through performance. We also appreciate Doctor Gedmin's
willingness to think creatively about constructive steps to
mitigate this serious appearance problem, now that RFE/RL
finds itself committed to this course. We will work with the
GOAM and RFE/RL to explore these ideas. While we hope for
the best, our experience suggests that this decision will
likely kick off a new barrage of government complaints about
Radio Liberty's alleged bias. We continue to stand ready to
defend RFE/RL against unfounded attacks, but we expect the
Yenokyan decision will present difficulties not just for the
U.S. - but for RFE/RL.
YOVANOVITCH