Arvizu: “The Pyramid”, law must be respected

Same as three weeks ago at Top Channel headquarters in “The Pyramid”, ambassador Arvizu visited the premises where some of Top Channel’s main spectacles and shows are hosted: “E diell”, “Portokalli” and also “Top Story”, where he was invited for his first interview for an Albanian media, now turned into a tradition for the American ambassadors of the last decade.

During the interview, the ambassador held a strong declaration regarding “The Pyramid” and Top-Channel’s problems with the government, saying that law should be respected.

“I appreciate the tour you offered me. I know that Top Channel works inside there and that you have offered the same tour to my colleagues and other diplomats. You own many sources and I believe that you have a good law team that is protecting Top-Channel’s legal interest. But I want to say this, staying in line with my declaration on Voice of America. I want to say that you and the Albanian media have a very significant role and a very important function. I am not saying that democracy comes only from this multitude of opinions, but I think that this is contributing on the tendency to openly transmit ideas, and people should fight for the right of being free to express their ideas. It is very important to protect this”, Arvizu said.

The US ambassador valued Top Channel and its high audience compared to other media. He also emphasized the great role of the media in a democratic society for encouraging free speech.

Tch: “Your presence beside Mr. Basha should be considered as you are taking sides on a very important race for the Municipality of Tirana?”

Arvizu: “I think that he made a mistake attending today the interview at Blendi Fevziu. I told Fevziu that it would be better to make the interview on another day. I am sure that we are having more views today, compared to the other program that is being broadcasted at the same time”.

US Ambassador’s visit at Top Channel was the second in one month. The first was held at the International Center of Culture, opening the way to a series of visits from main ambassadors accredited in Tirana at the “Top Media” premises, with “The Pyramid” and its problematic at the center of mutual concerns.

Top Channel