OSCE Presence Head delivers review of Albanian media legislation to Prime Minister Nano
Support for the development of free and independent media is an important aspect of the work of the OSCE Presence. (OSCE/Lubomir Kotek) Photo details
TIRANA, 27 October 2004 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Pavel Vacek, today delivered a set of five expert reviews of Albanian media legislation to Prime Minister Fatos Nano.
The purpose of the reviews is to establish to what extent the Albanian media legislation complies with European standards and to offer recommendations in areas where further compliance might be needed. This follows the Prime Minister's June 2004 invitation for co-operation in improving the legal framework on the media in Albania.
The reviews, commissioned by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, and prepared by independent media experts, include analysis and comments on the Law on Public and Private Radio and Television in the Republic of Albania, the Charter of Albanian Radio and Television, defamation legislation, the Law on the Right to Information on Official Documents and the draft Law on Freedom of the Press.
In a letter to Prime Minister Nano, Haraszti commended him for his goal of improving Albania's legislative framework to provide a sound basis for the journalistic community as well as for a truly free and independent media landscape.
"It is my hope that these reviews will assist in this task," said Miklos Haraszti. "My Office as well as the OSCE Presence in Albania, would be both ready and delighted to assist and support your country in this process and provide you with any further expertise needed."
"Support for the development of free and independent media is an important aspect of the work of the OSCE Presence," said Ambassador Vacek. "The Presence will continue to assist the government in initiatives aimed at further developing the legal framework for the Albanian media."
The reviews are available on the Presence's website or from its Public Affairs and Media Office.
The purpose of the reviews is to establish to what extent the Albanian media legislation complies with European standards and to offer recommendations in areas where further compliance might be needed. This follows the Prime Minister's June 2004 invitation for co-operation in improving the legal framework on the media in Albania.
The reviews, commissioned by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, and prepared by independent media experts, include analysis and comments on the Law on Public and Private Radio and Television in the Republic of Albania, the Charter of Albanian Radio and Television, defamation legislation, the Law on the Right to Information on Official Documents and the draft Law on Freedom of the Press.
In a letter to Prime Minister Nano, Haraszti commended him for his goal of improving Albania's legislative framework to provide a sound basis for the journalistic community as well as for a truly free and independent media landscape.
"It is my hope that these reviews will assist in this task," said Miklos Haraszti. "My Office as well as the OSCE Presence in Albania, would be both ready and delighted to assist and support your country in this process and provide you with any further expertise needed."
"Support for the development of free and independent media is an important aspect of the work of the OSCE Presence," said Ambassador Vacek. "The Presence will continue to assist the government in initiatives aimed at further developing the legal framework for the Albanian media."
The reviews are available on the Presence's website or from its Public Affairs and Media Office.