PM says Moldova needs true government-press partnership

Chisinau, 27 October /MOLDPRES/-Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet today attended the inauguration of the first Media Forum in Moldova. In the beginning of his speech, Strelet voiced respect for the profession of journalist, saying it was a challenge implying a high amount of responsibility, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

The Moldovan premier stated that, at present too, some politicians were attempting to control mass media in Moldova, both through involvement in editorial policies of media outlets they own, we well as via influencing certain decisions of the government or parliament.

“As Moldova is currently marked by turbulence and unprecedented provocations in all its sectors, both happening in a crucial period of time for our country, we are in need of a true partnership, based on mutual responsibility, denying any attempt of subordination; a partnership oriented towards the common goal of stabilizing the situation in Moldova and creating a good platform for economic growth; we need a partnership to consolidate the society around certain goals and values,” Strelet said.

The prime minister called on Moldovan politicians and media representatives to be correct, honest and observe deontological norms in the public interest. “I want to believe that the Moldovan media will succeed to evolve from a “partially” to a completely free one. I hope it will implement the desiderata stipulated in the government’s action plan, and namely, to ensure the transparency of share ownership, create a new system of controlling ownership concentration and impose new sanctions for breaching legal provisions in this sector, adopt a new Audiovisual Code, as well as to observe EU resolutions and directives in the mass-media field,” the prime minister noted.

Strelet voiced hope that this first media forum would become a life-changing moment for the government-media relation, adding that dialogue is vital for the society and stability in the country.

The Media Forum was organised by the Moldovan Press Council, in partnership with the Independent Press Association, Independent Journalism Center, Association of Electronic Press and the Young Journalist's Centre. Attending the forum were more than 150 journalists, editors, media managers and other media representatives from Moldova. Participating in the event on 27-28 October, are also representatives of state authorities and embassies, foreign delegations and also delegates of international foundations and organizations. The purpose of the forum is to debate the problems Moldovan journalistic community is currently facing.

(Editor M. Jantovan)