Russian state TV declines to broadcast interview with former U.S. defense secretary because of Washington's Syria allegations

The Russian state television network Pervyi Kanal has canceled its broadcast of Vladimir Pozner’s interview with former U.S. Defense Secretary William Perry. According to a now-deleted announcement published on Pozner’s website (still accessible in Google’s cache), the segment was supposed to air on April 9.

According to Pozner, the station’s editors decided that his interview with Perry would “seem out of step” in the context of the latest developments in Syria. He says it will air later, but didn't specify when.

This week, Western leaders have accused Syrian troops of using chemical weapons against civilians in Douma, and said that the Russian government bears responsibility for supporting the Assad regime. Syria and Russia vehemently deny these allegations.

William Perry served as U.S. defense secretary from 1994 to 1997, under President Bill Clinton.