OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports media forum on fighting terrorism

BISHKEK, 22 May 2007 - Discussing threats and challenges of security in modern society is the aim of an OSCE-supported international media forum, which starts in Bishkek today.

"Fighting terrorism cannot be an area in which the principles of rule of law and the respect of human rights exceptionally become invalid," said Ambassador Markus Muller, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

"It can only be successful if based on a comprehensive and intelligent concept integrating preventive, technical, organizational, legal and operational elements of day-to-day risk management."

Around 100 participants from Central Asia, Russia and Europe gathered at the two-day event to address the role of the media in combating security threats, such as terrorism and extremism. In addition, participants are expected to meet students in journalism from the University of Bishkek.

Modern threats to world security require a co-ordinated approach by all States, international bodies and civil society. The role of the media in addressing these issues has come to the fore in the discussions on security.

"There is no clear permanent definition of terrorism, which is mainly an issue of political perception," said Andre Loersch, media consultant of Media4Democracy, a Swiss-based network. "Therefore, there is a danger that the vague notion of terrorism serves as an excuse to restrict freedom of the media."

The international media forum was opened by Kyrgyz State Secretary Adaham Madumarov, who said: "In a modern world, when we face threats of terrorism, drugs trafficking, and extremism, and when there is a battle for the minds of people, the increasing role of the media is particularly important."

"In a modern world, when we face threats of terrorism, drugs trafficking, and extremism, and when there is a battle for the minds of people, the increasing role of the mass media is particularly important," Kyrgyz State Secretary Adaham Madumarov said while opening the international media forum.

The forum, organized by the Kyrgyz President's Administration, was attended by representatives of the Kyrgyz Government and international organizations, political analysts, media experts and other high-level guests, including Nikolay Bordyuzha, the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).