OSCE media watchdog welcomes improved climate and work in Kosovo * ‘press
freedom in good shape’
PRISTINA, 27 April 2006 * Concluding a two-day visit to Kosovo, Miklos
Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said he had been
impressed by the progress he witnessed in the province and the work done by
media professionals, especially since the events of March 2004.
At a press conference the OSCE Representative said he was there to assess
the situation of freedom of the media at an importance juncture when the
future status of Kosovo is being determined.
“Press freedom in Kosovo is in good shape. The good spirit in the present
political climate contributes to a situation where media can work with few
obstacles and their rights are largely respected and guaranteed,” said Mr.
Haraszti.
He elaborated on the key elements of his visit: improving the guarantees for
the independence of public broadcasting; ensuring a more modern framework
for defamation and libel legislation; and the status of minority media.
“The politicians I met made clear their willingness to further improve
minority media,” he added.
Mr. Haraszti also stressed that the situation on Kosovo had improved since
the special report he commissioned on the Role of the Media in the March
2004 Events, saying: “The work done by media professionals demonstrates the
greater progress being made, and is comparable to media throughout the South
East European region.”
The Representative on the Freedom of the Media regularly conducts assessment
visits in the OSCE region. He will present his findings in a report to the
OSCE Permanent Council, with an analysis of the situation and practical
recommendations for improving the freedom of the press.
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Sven LINDHOLM
Mission Spokesperson
OSCE Mission in Kosovo
Tel: +381 38 500 162 ext.1260
Mob: +377 44 500 254
Serbian News Network - SNN
[email protected]
http://www.antic.org/
