Appeal to Macedonian media to refrain from "Hate Speech"

VIENNA, 7 May 2001 - Freimut Duve, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, appeals to the media in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to refrain from any form of "hate speech" that can only exacerbate the already precarious situation in the country. "I believe that during these difficult times the media should behave responsibly providing the public with the facts while avoiding any statements that could be seen as generating group hatred," stated Freimut Duve.

He underlined that the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana has already urged for a continuation of a comprehensive inter-Macedonian dialogue. "Such a dialogue should also take place in the media thus playing a healing role," noted the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

He stressed that his office will continue monitoring the situation in the country with special emphasis on cases of "hate speech" as the Representative is tasked under paragraph 6 of his mandate

For more information contact the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, tel.: +43-1-512 21 45 - 0, fax: +43-1-512 21 45 - 9, e-mail: pm-fom@osce.org