OSCE media watchdog welcomes improved climate and work in Kosovo - 'press freedom in good shape'

PRISTINA, 27 April 2006 - Concluding a two-day visit to Kosovo, Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said he had been impressed by the progress he witnessed in the province and the work done by media professionals, especially since the events of March 2004.

At a press conference the OSCE Representative said he was there to assess the situation of freedom of the media at an importance juncture when the future status of Kosovo is being determined.

"Press freedom in Kosovo is in good shape. The good spirit in the present political climate contributes to a situation where media can work with few obstacles and their rights are largely respected and guaranteed," said Mr. Haraszti.

He elaborated on the key elements of his visit: improving the guarantees for the independence of public broadcasting; ensuring a more modern framework for defamation and libel legislation; and the status of minority language media.

"The politicians I met made clear their willingness to further improve minority media," he added.

Mr. Haraszti also stressed that the situation on Kosovo had improved since the special report he commissioned on the Role of the Media in the March 2004 Events, saying: "The work done by media professionals demonstrates the greater progress being made, and is comparable to media throughout the South East European region."

The Representative on the Freedom of the Media regularly conducts assessment visits in the OSCE region. He will present his findings in a report to the OSCE Permanent Council, with an analysis of the situation and practical recommendations for improving the freedom of the press.