With the representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, responsible for the freedom of Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu, the Undersecretary of State met today by the Prime Minister and a government spokesman Paul Marinakis, with whom he discussed issues related to the protection of the journalistic function.
Mr Braathu, earlier, also met with Dimitris Kirikirgou’s Secretary General of Communication and Information.
During the meeting, the Undersecretary of State, rather than the Prime Minister, referred to the progress our country has made in the field of rule of law, the protection of journalistic function and the freedom of the media in Greece.
Mr. Marinakis made special reference to the five actions of the Greek government, which have already been recognized as good practices by the OSCEand have been included in his online toolbox. This is the Memorandum of Understanding, the Task Force for the safety of journalists, the establishment of the International Center for the Security of Journalists in Thessaloniki, the Law on Public Sector Administrations, implementing ERT and the Athenian Macedonian News Agency (RES).
He also emphasized the positive remarks that existed in this year’s European Commission Report in our country, which records the adoption of legislative and non -intervention that enhance and strengthen transparency in property and objectivity in all states of state -owned businesses, Abusive lawsuits against journalists, while many of the EMFA forecasts (European regulation to integrate into national law of the Member States) are already national laws of our country in force.
At the same time, Mr Marinakis pointed out that the draft law on the modernization of public television is in public consultation, as well as the incorporation of further EMFA forecasts into the Greek legal order. He also stressed that it was approved by the Council of Ministers and the draft law on the final licensing of the regional channels was being launched, and within the next time a corresponding procedure for the radio stations will proceed.
In addition, it was mentioned in the new pilot program “Critical Readers” promoted by the General Secretariat for Communication and Information and the Ministry of Education, Religions and Sports, in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which will contribute to the cultivation of news and schools.
In closing, Deputy Minister Marinakis emphasized that the goal of the Greek government is clear: with legislative initiatives to support journalists and journalism so that citizens can properly inform.
The OSCE spokesman warmly congratulated the Greek government on all initiatives, stressing that he will be a helper and a warm supporter.
He further pointed out that the work being done shows the government’s mood and determination, emphasized the great importance of the collective agreement for journalists working in the public media that is already in force and expressed the hope that this example would be followed by private media in order to ensure further safeguards.
During the meeting, Mr Braathu noted: “Greece has raised significant steps in enhancing the safety of journalists, through a series of skill development and educational activities, but also through legislative steps, for example, Slapps to safeguard freedom. I encourage the authorities to continue on this positive course and look forward to our ongoing cooperation to protect journalists, who are an essential pillar of democracy. “