Diplomatic missions in Chisinau express concern over freedom of media

The embassies and international organisations accredited in Chisinau are concerned about the trends related to the freedom of media in Moldova. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, March 15, and quoted by Info-Prim Neo, the diplomatic missions note a worrying trend, beginning with the effect of reorganisation of Antena C and Euro TV, and continued with 103.5 FM in Balti. “These actions clearly limit the space for the free flow of information. We fear this may have a negative impact on the freedom of the election campaign. Furthermore, Teleradio Moldova has made little progress towards becoming a truly independent public service broadcaster”, the statement reads. According to the cited source, the upcoming local elections will be yet another test for Moldovan democracy and political leadership. “We are concerned, on the eve of these elections, that the ability of the media to report and comment freely on the elections is becoming restricted. Furthermore, the functions of the regulatory bodies are not yet effective in guaranteeing the application of spirit of the law”. Embassies and International Organisations, recall the commitment undertaken by Moldova under the EU–Moldova Action Plan and other international agreements including the call to the unrestricted flow of information enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to develop a truly vibrant and free media. Freedom of the media is the basis of a functioning democracy. The signatories call on Moldova to adhere fully to its obligations to the OSCE, EU and Council of Europe as well as other international commitments and on all bodies concerned to implement fully international standards on media freedom, so that the Moldovan people receive the free and unfettered the views of all sides in the election campaign. The statement is signed by the Embassy of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Hungary, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Poland, Romania, Republic of Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Moldova, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, OSCE Mission to Moldova.