Mass-Media’s State - Big Disappointment for the US Ambassador

The condition of mass-media in the Republic of Moldova is one of the biggest disappointments for the US Ambassador to Chisinau, Heather M. Hodges, even if during her seat, she personally and the country she represents paid a lot of attention to this field. The American diplomat made this declaration during her final speech as Ambassador to Moldova. It is true that the new draft Audiovisual Code is better than the current legislation, though it must be improved in order to comply with the European and international standards. The Government stated for several times its engagement to promote a free and independent media, but regretfully we can not talk at the moment about a real progress in this direction, the Ambassador declared. The Teleradio-Moldova company which is in fact a public service continues to be biased in favor of the Government and the leading party. The Parliament must be sure that the new law fits the recommendations of the experts of the Council of Europe and OSCE, but this is also insufficient, states Heather M. Hodges. Even the best law is of no real use if it is not implemented and applied properly. The Government must undertake concrete steps in order to stop its influence over the Public radio and television, therefore to function as real independent, pluralist and unbiased institutions that belong to the service of the citizens, mentioned the diplomat in her speech. The US Ambassador to Chisinau referred to the necessity of reforming the judicial system, not only because a country is not truly democratic without it, but also because foreign states will not invest in a country were the judicial system is not capable or simply does not want to protect their legal rights. The Legal system of Moldova must be reformed in order to become more professional, transparent and less corrupt or less susceptible to political interferences, specified Heather M. Hodges. During her final speech, Hodges talked about the evolution of Moldova since she came in the country and welcomed the tendency of European integration and democratization. The final speech of Heather Hodges, held at Economics Academy on Thursday was entitled: “Moldova’s new path: balance sheet and prospects”. The new American ambassador to the Republic of Moldova could become Michael D. Kirby, proposed by the president George W. Bush.