A conference, entitled “Freedom of Expression and Democracy in the Digital Age: Opportunities, Rights, Responsibilities,” kicked off Thursday in the Serbian capital city Belgrade. 

On behalf of Armenia, the chairing country at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan delivered welcoming remarks.

“Several priorities and objectives were specified for the duration of Armenia’s chairmanship, and those challenges which Council of Europe member states face, were put at the heart of these priorities and objectives.

“The freedom of speech and of the press is among the most important pillars of democracy. In the modern world, the press plays an invaluable role in public life,” Tovmasyan said, in particular.