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OSCE Mission, eight embassies express concern with media situation in Serbia, call for respect for media freedom
BELGRADE 21 December 2007
BELGRADE, 21 December 2007 - The OSCE Mission to Serbia and eight embassies supporting its media-related work - Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States - expressed their concern today over recent threats to journalists and the use of hate speech against some elements of the media in Serbia.
They issued the following statement:
"A free, independent and responsible media are a precondition for a free and democratic election process. It is necessary to create a climate enabling fair, objective and accurate reporting, particularly during the campaigning for the January presidential elections. Media access for all political actors should be ensured, and language that supports a culture of dialogue during the electoral debates and that is respectful of all citizens of Serbia is equally important.
"The latest threats against some media outlets may be perceived as a violation of democratic values and freedom of speech in the country. It is critical that media freedoms are upheld and journalists are able to report without fear."
They issued the following statement:
"A free, independent and responsible media are a precondition for a free and democratic election process. It is necessary to create a climate enabling fair, objective and accurate reporting, particularly during the campaigning for the January presidential elections. Media access for all political actors should be ensured, and language that supports a culture of dialogue during the electoral debates and that is respectful of all citizens of Serbia is equally important.
"The latest threats against some media outlets may be perceived as a violation of democratic values and freedom of speech in the country. It is critical that media freedoms are upheld and journalists are able to report without fear."