18 February 2015, 08:58 GMT
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia's federal communications agency Roskomnadzor has signed an order on issuing a certificate of registration in Russia to US news channel CNN International, the agency's spokesman, Vadim Ampelonsky, said Thursday.
"The order is signed," Ampelonsky told RIA Novosti, adding that the certificate will soon be transferred to the US channel.
CNN stopped broadcasting on cable and satellite networks in Russia on December 31, 2014, citing the need to assess its distribution in light of recent changes in Russian media legislation.
A ban on commercials on Russian pay television came into effect on January 1, 2015, and is widely believed to be the reason behind CNN’s withdrawal.
Shortly after the announcement, Roskomnadzor said it was in talks with CNN on legal opportunities for the channel to return to Russia, noting that both parties were interested in the resumption of broadcasts.
CNN applied for a universal broadcasting license in Russia earlier in February.
