Kosovo media commissioner issues statement regarding erroneous media report
PRISTINA, 7 February 2000 - The following statement was issued by OSCE Director of Media Affairs, Douglas Davidson, who is also the temporary media commissioner in Kosovo.
The January 31 Tanjug report charging OSCE with obstructing the work of TV SAS is highly erroneous.
In December 1999, the OSCE and UNMIK assisted TV SAS in moving its equipment from the Media House into the Centre for Peace and Tolerance in Pristina. At that time, TV SAS signed an agreement to apply for a broadcast licence (and to comply with its terms and conditions if it received one) within seven days. It did not, however, do so.
On 25 January 2000, TV SAS requested the forms to apply for such licence. We have not yet received its completed application. Neither have we received the letter of protest alluded to in the Tanjug report.
The OSCE remains committed to the development of an independent media that supports democratic values, including diversity and tolerance in Kosovo. If TV SAS meets the terms and conditions for a temporary broadcast licence, then it there is no reason to doubt that it will receive one. Like all other stations, however, it will also be subject to a forthcoming Broadcasting Code of Practice if and when it does commence broadcasting.
MEDIA CONTACT: Roland Bless, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: (+381 38) 500 162, ext. 118, or mobile (+389) 70 250 576, or e-mail: press@omik.org