PANAMA HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: QUOTES ON FREEDOM AND THE

UNCLAS PANAMA 002246 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KPAO PM POLITICS FOREIGN POLICY SUBJECT: PANAMA HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: QUOTES ON FREEDOM AND THE MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS REF: STATE 202764 (U) This cable responds to reftel tasking requesting substantive quotes on freedom and the meaning of human rights from individuals around the world. The following is a quotation provided by Panama's Ombudsman's office, which granted permission to reprint the quote. The statement was made in the context of an official communication celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 2003, that elaborated on the recent advances Panama had made in freedom of the press and which indicated that Panama still had some way to go before Panamanians could fully exercise what the Ombudsman called a "fundamental right." --"In the contemporary world, it is universally acknowledged and accepted that the right to freedom of expression and access to information plays an essential role as guarantor of democracy, stability and economic development." Juan Antonio Tejada Espino, Ombudsman, May 3, 2003. (Unofficial Embassy translation.) EATON