Podgorica, (MINA) – Compromising the personal safety of journalists, as a way of resolving any kind of disputes or discontent, is absolutely unacceptable, Prime Minister Dusko Markovic has stated, adding that his government remains strongly committed to ensuring their safety.
Markovic spoke at the opening of the International Conference on Media Sustainability and Successful Media Business Models, organized by the OSCE.
According to the PM, media freedom and security of journalists are not only requirements for Montenegro accession to the EU, but a moral and democratic commitment of the country.
“To our partners in the international community I say that media freedom and safety of journalists are not a requirement for Montenegro’s accession to the EU. No, that is a moral and democratic commitments of the Montenegrin government, which we will fully meet, even if we never become a member of the EU,” Markovic stated.
According to him, the entire security sector has clear orders to investigate any threat against the safety of journalists and to search for the perpetrators 24/7.
“It is quite simple, whoever the perpetrators or the masterminds may be, we will be after them until the judgment day,” Markovic said.
OSCE representative on media freedom Harlem Desir stated that the media laws in South East Europe are good, but that there are difficulties with their implementation.
Referring to the attack on Vijesti journalist Olivera Lakic, Desir said that impunity for such an act is unacceptable and that he is following closely the investigation.
“It is vitally important that all those involved in this act face justice,” the OSCE official said.
He also note that the economic situation and sustainability of the media is also important for the region of South East Europe.
Chairman of the South East Europe Media Association Zeljko Ivanovic voiced hope that this and future Montenegrin government will do their best to address the issues of attacks on journalists and media.
“Good will and political messages are important, but without concrete results that political will does not mean much,” Ivanovic noted.
He believes that the Government should not provide financial support for the media.
“The Government only needs to ensure a normal market and fair conditions for the media to fight for survival and to depend solely on their audiences and readers, rather than funds,” Ivanovic stated.
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