Statement in Response to the Report of Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

10 March, 2016

Mr. Chairman,

We would like to join other delegations in warmly welcoming Ms. Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and express our gratitude for her comprehensive report.

Dear Ms. Mijatovic,

I would like to stress Armenia’s support to the Office, which is an important and invaluable tool for promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of media in the OSCE area. The Office under Your able leadership was at the forefront of the efforts in ensuring safety of journalists. We commend the activities of RFOM in highlighting the challenges in this sphere, in particular harassment, intimidation, detention and killing of journalists. Your uncompromising stance against impunity of grave crimes against journalists is highly appreciated. .

Another important area of activities of your Office, which I would like to touch upon, is promotion of cooperation and confidence building among journalists. The regular South Caucasus media freedom conferences, organized by the Office, provided a forum for dialogue for the journalists from our region.

We value the constructive dialogue with the Office of the RFOM, which certainly helped us in further implementation of the OSCE human dimension commitments and addressing the outstanding issues such as regulation of financial fees. The Decision of the Constitutional Court of Armenia on introducing a guidline for determining financial fees, which makes important references to the expert opinion of RFOM, proved to be an essential framework for realizing benefits of libel decriminalization.

The right of investigative journalists to guide confidential sources of information had been reinforced in Armenia thanks to the efforts of RFOM. We are hopeful that our common success laid foundation of important precedents

Along with many other participating states we have not been deprived of the attention of your Office which was reflected in your reports. We are ready to continue to address your inquires and concerns while relying on the expertise and advise of your Office.

Ms. Mijatovic,

Your personal contribution to the activities of the Office is invaluable. We highly appreciate your professionalism, dedication and courage in guiding the Office. We wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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