UNION OF ALBANIAN COMMUNITIES CONDEMNS DEATH THREATS TO OTV CREW

ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Commenting on events related to "Hello, Inspector" broadcast of Open Television (OTV), the Union of Albanian Communities in Croatia on Saturday issued a statement condemning death threats of the so-called 'Albanian lobby' to OTV reporters. The purpose of "Hello, Inspector" programme, produced by the OTV and the State Inspectorate, was to demonstrate forms of protection of consumers' rights in all areas of economic services. The programme was first shown on OTV on January 18 this year. The first two shows were dedicated to conditions in the production of the basic food product - bread, with OTV reporters revealing the other side of bread production in bakeries visited by inspections. Some Albanian owners of bakeries have interpreted the show as a media attack motivated by ethnic hatred rather then by the real problem of law-breaking. Identifying themselves as members of the "Albanian lobby", they requested that the show be cancelled and threatened to kill the author of the show. The Union of Albanian Communities in Croatia said it did not have sufficient information about investigations into illegal activities in bread production, except for what the media have already reported. We support measures taken by state bodies against illegal activities regardless of their perpetrators, the Union said. The Union said it supported Albanians who run their businesses in an honourable manner and abide by the law. The Union also said it distanced itself from individuals who were identifying themselves as the so-called Albanian lobby and who were tarnishing the reputation of and working against the Albanian community in Croatia. (hina) rml