OSCE Yerevan Office supports workshops to improve relations between police and journalists

VANADZOR, Armenia, 24 October 2009 - An OSCE-supported workshop to promote co-operation between police and the media was held today in Armenia's northern Lori region.

Some 40 local police officers and journalists discussed police-media relations, challenges, problems and possible solutions.

"A democratic police plays an essential role in providing a safe society, and relies on public trust. A transparent police, combined with effective communication between police and media can help build such trust," said the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos.

Workshop participants discussed journalists' access to information from the police and the importance of accurate and responsible reporting, as well as police systems for accountability, priorities in criminal investigation and sensitive cases.

"This workshop is the first time that the regional police and media representatives meet together to discuss issues of concern," said Col. Anubagh Hambaryan, Head of the Lori region's police department. "The workshop was a good opportunity for local police and journalists to consider ways to co-operate more effectively."

The non-governmental organization National Centre for Legal Research organized the workshop, which is part of a series, in co-operation with the Armenian Police and with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. The workshop series is part of the OSCE Office's work to encourage co-operation between police and media.