OSCE Freedom of the Media Representative launches exchange opportunity for journalists in Cyprus, aims to encourage dialogue and understanding

NICOSIA, 4 October 2019 — The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, launched yesterday in Nicosia the second exchange opportunity for journalists from both Cypriot communities.

To kick off the launch, the Representative met with the 15 journalists selected to take part in the exchange and who will work for one week, at a host media, before the end of 2019. The project was developed in partnership with the Cyprus Journalists' Union, the Basin-Sen/Press Workers' Union and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Union.

“This exchange opportunity represents a unique occasion to meet and work with journalists and editors from another community; to immerse themselves in another newsroom; to create new working relationships — perhaps develop friendships — and to report on a local story,” said Desir. After the exchange, the participants will share their stories in their home media with their readers, viewers or listeners.

“Within the “Cyprus Media Dialogue” project that we initiated in 2017, the exchange opportunity aims to encourage and enhance dialogue, co-operation and solidarity between media and journalists from both Cypriot communities,” Désir said. “It will contribute to support media diversity, the free flow of information by providing media content about the life of both communities to the Cypriot public and will advance quality and ethical journalism in Cyprus."

This exchange opportunity programme was made possible thanks to the financial support of three OSCE participating States: Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

During his visit to Cyprus, the Representative met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and with the Government Spokesperson, Prodromos Prodromou, to present the exchange project. They agreed on the importance of safeguarding and promoting the value of freedom of the media.

More on the Cyprus Media Dialogue: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/cyprus-dialogue.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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