MOSCOW. Oct 24 (Interfax) - Russia's minister of communications and mass media accused the Ukrainian government on Friday of unfair discrimination against Russian language television channels and radio services in Ukraine.

"We propose putting an end to politicizing and artificially exacerbating the issue of Russian language television and radio broadcasting in Ukraine," Igor Shchyogolev told reporters in comments on a statement by the Ukrainian National Council for Television and Radio that Russian language television channels will be taken off air with effect from November 1.

"The problem can be solved if there is goodwill and a desire to reach agreement. Only one thing is needed for this - an end to discrimination against Russian channels," Shchyogolev said.

"We know quite well that neither the BBC nor the CNN nor Euronews - which, by the way, broadcasts in Russian as well - have any restrictions put on them. This dishonesty on the part of the Ukrainian regulators is simply striking," he said.

"We call for ending the blackmailing of honest cable operators, for giving up any attempts to coercively interfere in broadcasting matters, and for sitting at the negotiating table. Television and radio broadcasters and politicians are involved in a humanitarian function, their task is to enlighten and inform people. Those who are against this are enemies of their own people," the minister said.