Paris, 11 September {No. 2000-81}- UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura today signed the Chapultepec Declaration of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), one of the main documents relating to press freedom in the Americas.

The Declaration was signed during a visit to UNESCO Headquarters by a high-ranking IAPA delegation. The President of IAPA, Tony Pederson of the Houston Chronicle, Houston (Texas), welcomed Mr Matsuura's endorsement. He said: "The Declaration is based on the concept that no law or act of government may limit freedom of expression or of the press whatever the medium. We believe that this is fundamental to the survival of democracy in our nations. The struggle for freedom of expression and of the press is not a one-day task; it is an ongoing commitment. Not only is this freedom an antidote against every abuse of authority, it is a society's lifeblood."

Expressing his joy at "joining political leaders and distinguished journalists in signing the Declaration", Mr Matsuura said he hoped that the number of American countries which have not endorsed the Declaration "will decline thanks to our efforts." He added: "We have to work together to have these countries endorse the Declaration. [...] Democracy cannot function without freedom of the press, this is definitely the position of UNESCO and this is my own conviction."

The Miami-based IAPA is one of the leading professional press freedom organizations in the Americas. The IAPA counts among its members all of the leading and most influential newspaper publishers and editors throughout the continent.

The Chapultepec Declaration dates back to 1994 and sets out the main principles of press freedom for the Americas. Since its adoption, almost every Head of State or Government in the Americas, the vast majority of professional media organizations, several international organizations and countless private citizens have signed it.

The text had already been endorsed by the previous Director-General of UNESCO, Federico Mayor.