OSCE REPRESENTATIVE ON MEDIA FREEDOM SAYS CRO MADE STEP FORWARD

VIENNA, March 14 (Hina) - Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media Freimut Duve on Thursday submitted a regular report on freedom of the media in some OSCE countries to the OSCE Permanent Council. Speaking about Croatia, Duve said that a law on the media, which Croatia adopted in 2001, was a step forward. He said the "crucial" issue was the existence of the Croatian Radio Television (HRT) without the influence of the government and parliament. A certain number of key amendments, which Croatia should adopt, have been suggested in the analysis of the law on the media, aiming at helping Croatian authorities and the media in the transformation process, Duve said. This would enable the Croatian Television and the Radio to progress as independent public services, he said. The analysis suggests the formulation of a special law on electronic media which should enable the establishment of a completely independent body, in charge of all radio and TV stations, including HRT, Duve said in Vienna. Speaking about individual cases, Duve said he was initially worried about some indications that the state attorney could start a procedure against journalist Denis Latin. He said he was satisfied that this did not happen. Duve said he was following events related to the "Feral Tribune" weekly with interest and that he will make a statement in that regard soon. He said he was encouraged by the extensive public discussion on the topic and that he hoped the discussion will yield positive results. (hina) np