Paris, November 13 (No.2000-117) - UNESCO and the Croatian Institute of International Relations organised a seminar on "A New Strategy for Independent and Pluralistic Media in Croatia" on November 10 and 11 in Zagreb.

The aim of the international seminar was to facilitate dialogue between journalists, media professionals, representatives of the Government and Parliament on the design of a new Croatian media policy, after years of state and ruling party control over the media. It was the most significant gathering of high-level Croatian actors in the field of the media since the election of a new government in January 2000. International experts from the academe and representatives of associations of media professionals were invited to share their views and experiences with the participants.

Alain Modoux, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, underlined that: "Such open dialogues and exchanges are indeed key contributions to the strengthening of the democratic progress in the country in transition which looks towards meeting European and international standards in the field of the media."

The public right to be informed and press freedom were at the centre of debates and the most mobilising issues concerned the public authorities' obligations and public service media. The Seminar proved particularly fruitful in having both public and private media representatives express their expectations and demands from the new authorities which have been governing the country for the past ten months. Journalists pointed to the crucial role of education and training in the development of independent media for changing mentalities and operating a successful transition.

Zeljka Antunocic, the Croatian Deputy-Prime Minister, stressed that the Government is committed "to ensure the independent role of the media in society and to put an end to any political involvement in editorial policy." She also indicated that the authorities are willing to develop a legal framework for the Croatian media system in accordance with the democratic standards of the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Media Charter elaborated by the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe.

Within this new framework, and in order to encourage the initiatives of the new authorities, UNESCO has been offering its assistance to Croatia to change media law and has already provided expertise in the drafting of new legislation. The Organization is also ready to support the transformation of state radio and television into an editorially independent public service corporation.

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