OSCE Centre supports competitive free media in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, 20 July 2007 - Licensing for electronic media was the focus of discussions at an international conference, organized by the OSCE Centre, that ended in Dushanbe today.

The two-day event promoted the development of a pluralistic and competitive TV and radio system in Tajikistan. It was held for the first time in Tajikistan on an international level with the participation of Russian, Kazakh and Kyrgyz experts.

"Freedom of the media is one of the main criteria for the democratic development of any country. This criteria is especially important for young developing democracies like the Republic of Tajikistan," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Centre.

State Adviser Karamatullo Olimov added: "The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is working to improve the operation of electronic media in Tajikistan. It is also working to make television and radio more available and attractive to the population."

More than 60 participants, including international and national media experts, State officials, journalists and representatives from media NGOs reviewed the licensing requirements and procedures for electronic media.

The OSCE Centre organized the conference together with the Internews Network, the Tajik Union of Journalists, the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan, the Open Society Institute and other media NGOs.