OSCE media freedom representative, in Cyprus, emphasizes essential role of journalists in furthering peace processes

NICOSIA, 6 February 2017 – The essential role that media can play in democratic processes and how they can contribute to building peace deserves the highest level of attention, not only in Cyprus, but throughout the OSCE region, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media said today at a seminar in Nicosia, Cyprus.

“What we see ahead of us is a unique opportunity for both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot media to play an essential role in an historic process,” the Representative said at the seminar, which focuses on the importance of the media in democratic processes around the world, including in Cyprus. 

Mijatovic is in Cyprus for a two-day visit, at the invitation of the Embassy of Sweden in Cyprus, to speak at the seminar on challenges to press freedom, as well as to exchange views with journalists, media and human rights NGOs and media experts from both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.

“Critical thinking is never more important than at crossroads in the lives of societies: in times leading up to elections, in times of reconciliation, and also in times such as the one that Cyprus is currently undergoing, with renewed efforts by both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, assisted by the United Nations, to bring the division of the island to a comprehensive and durable settlement,” the Representative said. 

“I applaud today’s efforts to provide an important platform to emphasize the role of pluralistic, quality journalism,” she added, offering her Office’s assistance in providing a forum for journalists from both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities to discuss issues of public importance.

Today’s seminar, organized by the Cyprus office of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, is sponsored by the governments of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the European Parliament Office in Nicosia.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.