Statement by OSCE Kosovo Mission Head on situation with broadcast media regulator

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 26 December 2013 – The Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger welcomed today the decision by the Assembly of Kosovo to dismiss two members of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Board.

The Assembly found two members of the Board in breach of law for their prior and current involvement in political life.

“I hope the decision will help improve the situation in the broadcast media regulator, which now needs to complete the Board with new members as soon as possible, in order to be able to deal with pressing issues such as digitalization, regulation of license fee and cable operators,” said Schlumberger. “I hope the Assembly of Kosovo will act swiftly by appointing eligible, independent, and professional members to the IMC Board.”

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with democracy building and human rights protection and promotion, including media development.