Miklos Haraszti appointed OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for second term

VIENNA, 8 March 2007 - Miklos Haraszti was appointed OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media for a second three-year term today.

Haraszti, a Hungarian writer and former dissident, was born in 1945. He studied at Budapest University. In 1976 he was one of the founders of the Hungarian Democratic Opposition Movement, and in the 1980s edited the underground periodical Beszelo. In the early 1990s he became a member of the Hungarian Parliament. He is the author of several books.

The task of the Representative on Freedom of the Media is to observe relevant media developments in the 56 OSCE participating States, advocate and promote full compliance with OSCE principles and commitments in respect of freedom of expression and free media. He routinely consults with the Chairman-in-Office and reports on a regular basis to the Permanent Council, recommending further action where appropriate.

The Representative on Freedom of the Media is appointed in accordance with OSCE procedures by the Ministerial Council upon the recommendation of the Chairman-in-Office after consultation with the participating States.

The first OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve of Germany, held the position from January 1998 until December 2003.