Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) - Belarus attaches great importance to the cooperation with the OSCE, Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister Elena Kupchina said at a workshop organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, BelTA has learned.

"Belarus attaches great importance to the dialogue with the OSCE, the participation in the activities of this important regional organization and interaction with its institutions," said the deputy minister. According to her, the OSCE has accumulated vast expertise which can be used to improve national legislation.

"I would like to reaffirm Belarus’ readiness to continue an open, meaningful, constructive dialogue with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media,” said Elena Kupchina.

In turn, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic noted that the workshop with the participation of mass media and law enforcement officials is the result of a constructive approach to the issues of freedom of the media. Dunja Mijatovich expressed the hope that the workshop will enhance the knowledge of journalists. The OSCE representative stressed that journalists must respect the principle of non-interference in the events they cover.

The workshop is not the first example of the successful cooperation between Belarus and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. It is a kind of continuation of the workshop on online journalism which took place in 2013.

The workshop is dedicated to the interaction between the media and law enforcement agencies. It is held by the OSCE with the support of the Foreign Ministry of Belarus.