OSCE Centre promotes public discussion on freedom of expression

ASTANA, 5 March 2007 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, encouraged Kazakh authorities today to abandon plans to require licenses for all printing presses.

Existing and draft laws concerning freedom of expression and the publishing business in Kazakhstan were discussed today at a meeting organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty and Kazakhstan's Association of Newspaper Publishers.

The international media organization, "Article 19", presented a legal review of the draft Law on Publishing, expressing concern that the proposed licensing scheme for all printing presses could limit freedom of expression.

"License-free printing presses are the prerequisite for a free media landscape. Imposing licences on printing houses is contrary to international standards and is the same as imposing a licence on the use of ink and paper," said Haraszti, addressing the participants of the meeting from Vienna.

"I hope that today's discussions will help clarify the role of State regulation of the media and that, in light of these discussions, the responsible authorities will decide to abandon these draft provisions."

Publishers that participated in the discussion pointed to problems with newspapers distribution in the regions, and expressed hope for wider State support of the publishing business, including more favourable tax treatment and less regulations.

The meeting was part of the Centre's work to help Kazakhstan develop legislation in line with international standards.