UNMIK/PR/64

PRESS STATEMENT

06 October 1999

Kosovo Transitional Council Condemns Abuse of the Freedom of Speech in Media

PRISTINA-Members of the Kosovo Transitional Council denounce the phenomenon of abuse of the freedom of speech in media and public statements through threats and incitement of violence against individuals, institutions and communities.

They also condemn abuse through disinformation, offenses, insults and personal attacks which should be subject to a code of conduct.

These abuses constitute an assault on the freedom of press, on the process of normalisation in Kosovo as well as on the development of democratic life in Kosovo.

The members of the Kosovo Transitional Council call for civility in public debate and respect for modern journalistic codes of conduct.

Public and private debate should be allowed to flourish in an atmosphere free of hatred and intolerance.