Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE132209
2008-12-17 20:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON BROADCASTING

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM OSCE MD 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHC #2209 3522026
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 172019Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE IMMEDIATE 6704
INFO ORG FOR SECURITY CO OP IN EUR COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS STATE 132209 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM OSCE MD
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON BROADCASTING
LICENSE OF PRO TV CHISINAU

UNCLAS STATE 132209

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM OSCE MD
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON BROADCASTING
LICENSE OF PRO TV CHISINAU


1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at
the December 18, 2008 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.

Begin text:

Mr. Chairman,

The United States shares the concerns of OSCE Representative
on Freedom of the Media Haraszti regarding the difficulties
being encountered in the renewal of the broadcasting license
of Pro TV Chisinau.

As Moldova's last major independent television station, Pro
TV Chisinau provides an important service to the Moldovan
public, ensuring access to an alternative source of
information and regularly carrying the views of opposition
political parties and government authorities.

The closure of Pro TV Chisinau would be a significant setback
to Moldova's already limited broadcast pluralism, a loss that
would be felt particularly keenly as Moldova prepares for
spring 2009 parliamentary elections. It would also call into
question Moldova's commitment to freedom of expression.

We urge the Moldovan government to review this situation and
to renew Pro TV Chisinau's broadcasting license without
delay. This action would help foster free, independent, and
pluralistic media, which are essential to a free and open
society and an accountable system of government.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

End text.
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