OSCE media freedom representative, meeting with Cyprus journalists, emphasizes dialogue as means to bridge divides

VIENNA, 8 March 2017 – Highlighting the essential role that co-operation of journalists can play in advancing democratic processes, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE media freedom representative, opened the first roundtable discussion between Cypriot journalists in Vienna yesterday. 

“Following our initial discussion in Cyprus in February, I was very pleased to welcome journalists from both communities to my Office,” Mijatović said. “The meeting helped us identify the main challenges that journalists and bloggers currently face on the island, and it served as a platform to discuss how the OSCE can assist in strengthening journalism.”    

Prominent representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists attended the meeting under the auspices of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The event was a follow-up to the recent visit of the Representative to Cyprus a month ago.

Participants discussed ways in which jointly agreed ethical standards, based on accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability can strengthen press freedom and improve the public’s access to pluralistic information; how self-regulation can help promote media quality while preserving editorial freedom; and how they can help build trust and credibility in the media by improving quality standards in media outlets.   

“I trust that following this gathering, several additional meetings will take place with the goal of involving all stakeholders in the discussions on the role of quality journalism in informing the public in this crucial period in Cyprus,” the Representative said.

“My Office is ready to continue providing a platform for this important process and thereby assist Cyprus in strengthening free expression and media freedom.”

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.