Statement by OSCE Mission in Kosovo on World Press Freedom Day
PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 2 May – Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Edward P. Joseph made the following statement today ahead of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May:
“As we prepare to mark World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo expresses concern over different forms of pressure on journalists performing their duties. The Mission is also concerned about alleged attempts to unduly influence the editorial policy of media in general and of the public broadcaster in particular.
“Sadly, international monitors have observed that the state of media freedom in Kosovo is regressing, which underscores the need to address this situation swiftly. The OSCE Mission is committed to co-operating with its local and international partners to prevent further deterioration of the media freedom situation, and to facilitate greater involvement of the public in work to protect media from external interference.
“Determined to encourage greater local responsibility in the media sector and recognizing certain progress, OSCE had scaled down its support in this sphere several years ago as a deliberate step toward strengthening local safeguards and civil society. The Mission is now helping these locally-owned mechanisms advance the cause of freedom of speech. ”
Note to journalists on related activities:
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission will support the following activities throughout Kosovo:
A TV debate with journalists, representatives of civil society, and political parties will be broadcast on RTK on Monday, 2 May starting at 2200 hrs.
On 3 May, OSCE will host a debate with journalists, civil society representatives, and municipal information officers from Prishtinë/Priština region in “Liburnia” Restaurant, starting at 0930 hrs.
In Pejë /Peć, debate with municipal representatives of the region and journalists in TV Dukagjini and TV Syri (3 May)
In Prizren, roundtable with municipal representatives and journalists in “Ambienti” Restaurant, starting at 1030 hrs (3 May)
In Gjilan/Gnjilane, roundtable with journalists at Restaurant “Bujana” from 1600 hrs (3 May).
In Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, roundtable with the Association of Journalists of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica (3 May) in Restaurant “Ibri” in Koshtovë/Kosutovo starting at 1200 hrs, followed by second roundtable with journalists and civil society representatives at the OSCE office in northern Mitrovica/Mitrovicë starting at 1600 hrs (4 May).