OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON BROADCASTING

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. RICE