ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - President Stjepan Mesic gave a Christmas and New Year's reception for media representatives on Friday, saying "there is no free and democratic society without free media".
ZAGREB, Jan 16 (Hina) - President Stjepan Mesic gave a Christmas and
New Year's reception for media representatives on Friday, saying
"there is no free and democratic society without free media".#L#
Extending his best wishes for the New Year, Mesic wished everyone to
do their jobs in the interests of their profession and the entire
Croatian public.
Speaking of the most important events last year, the president said
that the November 23 parliamentary election and the change of
government proved the maturity of democracy in Croatia, and that
Croatia's application for European Union membership showed its
readiness to meet the criteria set by the international community.
Mesic stressed he was pleased with professional coverage of the
election campaign by the media, which he said was also confirmed by
independent analysts.
Speaking of relations between the media and politicians, Mesic said
everyone on the political scene was subject to public assessment and
that no one had the right to complain about criticism, but that
"everyone has the right to complain about unsubstantiated and
tendentious criticism and mudslinging".
"Unsubstantiated criticism based on half-truths or even lies is a
defeat for the profession and the professional ethic. You too must
stand up against it and must never let anyone turn you into executors
regardless of their motives," the president said, adding that on the
other hand politicians should never try to use the media for their
personal ends.
(Hina) vm sb