MP from opposition: Armenian President's son-in-law is interested in lifting the ban from alcohol and tobacco commercials on TV and radio

On March 11 the Armenian Parliament continued the debates on the bill on amendments to the laws "On Television and Radio" and "On Advertising". The bill implies lifting the ban from the alcohol and tobacco commercials on the television and radio. The bill permits these commercials on TV and radio from 10 pm till 6 am.  

The document has been submitted by a number of MPs from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. It has received the negative conclusion of the Government. 

The bill has also been strongly criticized by the opposition MPs. Secretary of the Armenian National Congress Faction Aram Manukyan said that television advertising is monopolized by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's son-in-law Mikayel Minasyan, who is currently Armenia's Ambassador to Vatican.  "Everyone knows that and it is clear that he is interested in lifting the ban from the alcohol and tobacco commercials on TV and radio", he said. The oppositionist called on his colleagues from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia to vote according to their conscience.