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OSCE Display of Cynicism DisappointingIndependent journalists are indignant over the Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE delegation’s assessment of the situation concerning freedom of expression in Belarus.“Adoption of the new media law in Belarus that took into consideration suggestions of the European community became a very good sign,” BELTA state information agency cites Uta Zapf, the chair of the OSCE PA Working Group on Belarus. “I cannot say that radical changes for better are taking place in Belarus. But it is pleasant to see there is a will by authorities to reconsider legislation in the European direction. And this inspires respect,” stated Uta Zapf. Independent journalists’ reaction to the statement of the PA OSCE working group head: “I am surprised to hear such assessments,” commented Andrei Bastunets, the Deputy Chairperson of Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). “While adopting the new media law in Belarus no recommendations by European institutions were taken into consideration… The law itself remains non-democratic and if the political situation changes we will have the opportunity to ’get acquainted’ with all its repressive provisions… The law still aims to control Internet. It makes it easier to shut down a media outlet and forbid activities of foreign reporters without accreditation.” Valery Bulhakau, the editor of ARCHE magazine (one of its issues has been declared extremist): “Of course, we can see some progress in the media field, e.g. two independent newspapers are allowed to enter the state distribution system. But I doubt that the new media law will bring any progress to the media situation. So far it has only resulted in an unpleasant process of re-registration.” ”It is really disappointing to see such display of cynicism by our European partners.” Source: Charter 97 Press Center, March 13, 2009 This article appeared in Belarusian Review, Vol. 21, No. 1 --------------------------------------------- Copyright 2009 Belarusian Review All rights reserved. belarusianreview@hotmailcom
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