Statement On the World Press Freedom Day delivered by Ambassador Arman Kirakossian at the 1099th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

05 May, 2016

Mr. Chairman,

We join the delegations in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Safety of journalists is essential in ensuring freedom of expression, which is directly linked with the security in the OSCE region.

It is certainly not coincidental that the countries with worse record on freedom of expression, resort and justify the use of force in the OSCE region. It is self-evident that preparation to war entails silencing the independent voices and establishing total control over mass media. In this regard the assault on freedom of media should be taken as early warning sign with security implications.

Armenia raised on many occasions necessity to combat impunity of those who perpetrated killing of the prominent journalists at the level of the Permanent Council.

As far as our national practices is concerned, we are pleased to report that ongoing cooperation with RFOM plays important role in our efforts to ensure safety of journalists under all circumstances. It was through the cooperation with this OSCE institution that Armenia was able to address consequences of the decriminalization of libel as well protecting confidentiality of journalistic sources without compromising with the freedom of expression.

The latest actions and decisions of the Armenian courts and law enforcement agencies aimed at holding accountable those who obstruct work of journalists will hopefully play an important role of prevention.

We agree that further steps should be taken to better protect journalists in the OSCE area and we are ready to further shape positive agenda to this end with all our partners.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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