OSCE Magazine focuses on freedom of the media, achievements in Croatia
VIENNA, 17 June 2008 - The OSCE's ability to adapt to new needs and circumstances while remaining true to its mission is reflected in two milestones featured in the latest OSCE Magazine: the tenth anniversary of the world's only intergovernmental press freedom "watchdog", and the launching of leaner operations in Croatia.
In a lead interview, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, dwells on the unprecedented challenges that the digital age poses to the traditional concept of freedom of expression.
The Magazine highlights practical ways in which Haraszti assists participating States to foster an unfettered operating environment for the media: training journalists and government press officers in former Soviet countries to interact constructively for the sake of a well-informed citizenry, and promoting good governance practices concerning the Internet.
"Moving on" has always been the guiding philosophy of the OSCE in Croatia, from the establishment of a significant post-conflict presence in the country in 1996 to the creation of the small Office in Zagreb in early 2008. U.S. diplomat Todd Becker and Croatian staff member Momir Vukmirovic describe the central role played by the Mission and its field offices in helping the country edge closer to membership of the European Union.
Other articles focus on the OSCE's first-ever "Quintet" of Chairmanships - Spain, Finland, Greece, Kazakhstan and Lithuania - an arrangement that has opened up promising prospects for longer-term planning.
The Magazine also previews an exciting initiative that looks to the future with optimism: a Model OSCE Conference, the role-playing event for young people from all over the OSCE area, scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 July.
The OSCE Magazine, published in English and Russian, can be accessed at OSCE Magazine March-April 2008
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Online editions in French and Spanish editions will also be available.