Freedom of information discussed at OSCE-organized conference in Yerevan

YEREVAN, 28 September 2006 - The implementation of the law on freedom of information in Armenia was the theme of an OSCE-organized conference and awards ceremony held in Yerevan today.

It brought together government officials, international and non-governmental organizations, the media, as well as the Armenian Ombudsman, Armen Harutyunyan.

"Public access to information is a fundamental precondition for building a democratic and pluralistic society," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. "It also ensures every citizen's right to know and participate in the country's political and public life."

Armen Harutyunyan, added: "It is impossible to build civil society and a real democracy without a full-fledged practice of the freedom of information."

The event, organized together with the Freedom of Information Centre and the United States Agency for International Development in Armenia, was linked to the Right to Know Day, celebrated in several countries on 28 September each year. It marks the right of individual access to information held by public bodies and the benefits of transparent, accessible government.

Following the conference, the annual freedom of information awards were handed out to the Kotayk Governor's Office and the official web-site of the Armenian Prosecutor's Office, Vanadzor Office of Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, to citizen Artak Zeinalian and to Hripsime Jebejyan, a journalist working for the Aravot daily.

"During my journalistic career I have always tried to make sure my own right to information is protected, and that officials do not violate this law," said Hripsime Jebejyan.

The OSCE Office assists Armenia in improving implementation of the freedom of information law by organizing training courses for journalists, State officials and the general public.