SOUTH-EAST EUROPE JOURNALISTS ATTEND 2-DAY CONFERENCE IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Apr 16 (Hina) - A two-day conference for journalists from south-eastern Europe, organised by the International Federation of Journalists in cooperation with the Croatian Journalists' Association, began in Zagreb on Friday as part of the European Union's (EU) "Royaumont Process". Journalists will discuss the daily practice of the public information service, standards in editorial activities, authority in creating news, and the current situation in Croatia's electronic media. EU's standpoints were outlined by European Commission special envoy to Croatia Per Vinther. The EU has been encouraging freedom of the media in Croatia for several years, Vinther said, and will further insist on the fact that Croatia, as a Council of Europe member, has the obligation to abide by EU's democratic principles. Vinther said the freedom of the media in Croatia was still unsatisfactory, and mentioned the example of Croatian Television (HTV) which, he said, does not work in the public's interest. The special envoy reminded that he had addressed the same issues two years ago, and hoped he would not have to do so again. All countries which want to be admitted to the EU, Croatia included, will have to abide by EU's rules, Vinther stressed. The "Royaumont Process" project gathers 40 participants from 20 countries. It was initiated by several European governments to assist in the stabilisation and development of good neighbourly relations in the south-east of Europe. An afternoon discussion will tackle a Croatian campaign for the freedom of the media, with participation of representatives of Forum 21, an association of independent Croatian electronic media journalists, and of HTV. (hina) ha