92000E1793

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1793/00

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(8 June 2000)

Subject: Press freedom in Russia

On Thursday 11 May a private media group Media Moss was the target of a large-scale police operation in Moscow involving an independent television channel and a number of newspapers and magazines. A few days later, on 16 May, the Russian Ministry of Information issued warnings to foreign media, even threatening to suspend the activities of those disseminating information hostile to Russian interests (sic). This would appear to be a global campaign against the freedom of journalists.

Freedom of information and the press is a universal principle. Guaranteeing such freedoms is also a fundamental element in the development of a relationship of mutual trust and peace among all countries and peoples, based on fundamental principles of freedom, pluralism, democracy and the rule of law, generally recognised in international conventions and declarations on human rights. Furthermore, the latest threat issued by the Russian Government potentially and directly affects a number of journalists and media from the European Union.

Democracy in Russia is of great importance and value for stability and security in Europe, as well as corresponding to the interests and desires of the Russian people.

The signals being sent by Russia are extremely worrying and contrary to both the consolidation of democracy in Russia and the stability of Europe in its broadest sense.

Can the Commission therefore say whether and to what extent it is monitoring the situation? What other information does it have at its disposal concerning press freedom and democratic guarantees in Russia and is this information reassuring or does it give further cause for concern? What steps has it taken or does it intend to take to tackle this situation in the context of its bilateral relations with Russia?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written????? E-1778/00 by Mr Ford(1).

(1) See p. 92.