Respecting CoE recommendations on the draft Audiovisual Code will prove the European integration goal of Moldova – expert

Moldova’s determination to join EU will be seen in the way the draft Audiovisual Code will be adopted and we must acknowledge that the draft Audiovisual Code (AC) is a very important element of democracy, human rights and media, Alexandru Dorogan, the chairman of the Electronic Press Association APEL declared on a show at “Vocea Basarabiei” radio station. According to Dorogan, the expertise of the Council of Europe (CoE) on the draft Code tackles for the first time the process of improving the legislative framework from a European integration perspective. “Now it is not only about complying with the recommendations, the new law must comply with the standards of those that are or want to become EU members. We must prove our goal of European integration”, Dorgan declared. Referring to the amendments the Parliament could operate as a result of draft’s expertise, the head of APEL said that he waits for significant improvements. He hopes that this issue will be regarded most seriously and that the MPs will change their viewpoint on the importance of the document, taking into account the proposals of the civil society. The quoted source said, referring to the objections of the European experts regarding the method of creating and the functions of the Audiovisual Coordinating Council that the objections that the civil society presented at start can be found in the expertise. “It is said clearly: no – to the political control over ACC. And in the project this kind of control can be easily seen – it is stipulated that ACC activates under the Parliament’s control, and dividing members of the Council in conformity with parliamentary factions as well shows the aim to control the institution”, the head of APEL states. According to him, the project is not stipulating attracting the best specialists, elaborating an audiovisual policy. As well, the document gives ACC monitoring competences over TRM, fact that is not complying with some standards and recommendations, Dorogan states. Referring to the calmness surrounding the draft AC, Dorogan offered 2 explanations: on one hand, the expertise of CoE, which is serious, deep and deals with the lacunas of the draft, arrived and it is quiet because it is working over it. On the other hand, it is quiet after many discussions on the behalf on this draft Code and after many alternative talks. The draft Audiovisual Code was elaborated by Communist, Christian-Democrat and Democrat MPs. The representative of political parties, experts, journalists, representatives of the civil society qualified this document, within numerous debates on the issue, as a political one, which will allow the interference of the government in the affairs of the national audiovisual.