OSCE media freedom representative acknowledges Kyrgyzstan's commitment to freedom of media, urges immediate compliance
VIENNA, 19 April 2009 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, welcomed today the first steps made by Kyrgyzstan's provisional government to restore media freedom and emphasized the need for further media reforms.
According to Mijatovic, urgent steps included the need to improve media legislation, restore the independence of public-service broadcasting and ensure media pluralism and transparency of media ownership.
"Making public assurances that media freedom is one of the main prerequisites of a stable democracy and the willingness to move ahead in complying with the OSCE media freedom commitments are crucial, although not sufficient, steps,", said Mijatovic, referring to the statement made by the provisional government on 16 April.
"I very much welcome the fact that the Kyrgyz language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty radio and television programmes are finally back on air after having been suspended since October 2008. At the same time, disturbing reports have recently been received about alleged attempts to exercise a priori censorship of media content, and regarding a raid of the offices of the 24kg online news agency."
"Media freedom standards have to be complied with even in times of crisis. My Office will continue to closely follow the media freedom situation and stands ready to provide support, as offered by the OSCE Chairmanship, by assisting Kyrgyzstan in its efforts to restore the respect for freedom of expression and free media," added Mijatovic.