OSCE-led expert meeting in Nicosia decides on ways to further improve quality media and co-operation between Cypriot journalists

NICOSIA, 25 April 2017 – At an OSCE-led meeting in Nicosia today, representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists, together with international media freedom experts, discussed ways to enhance their co-operation, and adopted a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“Today’s expert meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss many ways to promote accountable and quality journalism,” Frane Maroevic, Director of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said. “We are committed to supporting the journalistic communities of Cyprus in their efforts to promote media freedom through this constructive dialogue.”

The meeting was the second event of the “Cyprus Dialogue”, launched by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in March. Some 20 journalists from both communities participated in today’s event together with experts from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Ethical Journalism Network.

“It is at times of conflict that societies need objective, unbiased reporting and accurate information the most. Professional solidarity and accountable journalism need to be constantly discussed and this dialogue is an excellent platform for that discussion,” Jeremy Dear, Deputy General Secretary of the IFJ, said during the meeting.

The event concluded with the adoption of a MoU, in which the heads of three journalist unions agreed to mutual co-operation and solidarity on issues of journalists’ safety, access to information, and adherence to professional standards. During the meeting the participants also discussed issues like ethics, good governance and self-regulation in their work.

Further, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Journalists agreed to continue the Cyprus Dialogue under the auspices of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media with multiple meetings planned for the remainder of 2017.

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