OSCE Centre promotes public discussion in Kazakhstan on media reform

ALMATY, 4 May 2006 - Freedom of the media in Kazakhstan and compliance of national legislation with international standards and OSCE commitments were reviewed by participants of today's roundtable meeting in Almaty.

The event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty, the NGO Adil Soz Foundation and the National Press Club, brought together deputies of Parliament, Government and local administration officials, representatives of non-governmental structures, media lawyers and journalists.

"The OSCE believes that independent and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, the Head of the Centre.

"We support the efforts of the Government of Kazakhstan and civil society groups to reform media legislation to establish adequate working conditions for independent and professional journalism, and hope this roundtable will help move the process forward."

Tamara Kaleeva, of the NGO Adil Soz, added: "Current media legislation significantly hinders the development of independent journalism in the country. It should be urgently brought into compliance with the Constitution, the United Nations covenants, ratified by Kazakhstan, and OSCE principles and standards."

A group of non-governmental media organizations presented their draft media law. The Parliament of Kazakhstan is expected to pass a new media law later this year.

A set of recommendations will also be developed as a result of today's discussion, and another similar meeting focusing on media-related court practices will be held in June.

The final set of recommendations from both roundtables will be forwarded to the relevant State authorities and deputies of Parliament.

The meeting was timed to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, marked on 3 May.