The OSCE`s (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, officially launched on Monday in Nicosia an exchange project for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists.
Speaking at a press conference at the House for Cooperation in the Nicosia UN-controlled buffer zone, Desir recalled that
his Office launched a project in March 2017 called the ‘Cyprus Dialogue’, which is a bicommunal project aimed to assist Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists in their efforts to strengthen quality media and ethical journalism on the island.
The project, which enjoys a wide international support, is carried out in close cooperation between the Office and the Cyprus Journalists’ Union, Basin-Sen /Press Workers Union, and the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Union.
In April, the Office hosted a one day expert meeting for 40 journalists from both communities, discussing issues such as ethics and self- regulation in their work. The same day, the heads of the journalist unions signed a Memorandum, published in Greek, Turkish and English, in which they agreed to mutual cooperation and solidarity on issues of journalists’ safety, access to information and adherence to professional standards.
Desir said that in the next steps, the project will focus on two activities. The Office, he said, has launched a project inviting young Cypriot journalists to participate in a week long exchange project in November and December of this year.
The successful applicants, who are selected by the three Unions, will spend a week in a media outlet of the other community and share their experiences with their home readers, listeners or viewers.
`The project aims to widen the professional networks of young journalists, and increase understanding in both communities about life in the neighbouring community` he said.
The Representative welcomed the selected journalists for a discussion in the Home for Cooperation to officially launch the start of the exchange project.
Also, starting today, the Office will engage with the Press Councils, journalist Unions, international experts and members of the civil society to start the creation of a glossary.
Desir said that the trilingual glossary, which will provide a useful tool for anyone carrying out journalistic activities on the island, will include sensitive words, often used in the media, and their possible substitutes.
Desir’s Office, is the only intergovernmental media watchdog in the world aiming at improving media freedom and freedom of expression records.
The Office is mandated to assist countries in a long list of activities including support to the authorities in implementing the commitments of the Organization.
The Office closely co-operates with the Delegation of the Republic of Cyprus to the OSCE, in Vienna.
During his stay in Cyprus, the Representative will be received by Demetris Syllouris, President of the House of Representatives
of the Republic of Cyprus and hold meetings with Victor Papadopoulos, Deputy Government Spokesman and Alexandros Zenon, Permanent State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, Desir will meet with members of civil society, including representatives from Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalist unions.
