Germany contributes 25,000 euro to “Words That Matter: A Glossary for Journalism in Cyprus”

Germany has contributed 25,000 euro to the project of an OSCE glossary entitled “Words That Matter: A Glossary for Journalism in Cyprus”, that was presented this week in Nicosia by Harlem Désir, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

The German Embassy in Nicosia told CNA that Germany`s contribution was 25,000 euro, covering 50% of the total cost.

Ambassador of Germany in Nicosia, Franz Josef Kremp, told CNA today that he shares the opinion of the OSCE official Harlem Désir who in the foreword of the Glossary wrote that “I also hope that it will encourage journalists to consider the sensitivities around certain words, and to offer them a useful tool of possible alternatives.”

“Needless to say, the aim of the glossary is not to impose the use of words or terminology on journalists. They are and should always remain free to write and report without restrictions. The glossary is also not about political correctness, but about encouraging new approaches and a new thinking on the most difficult issues, and a dialogue throughout and between the media communities.”

Meanwhile, the Embassy wrote in its account on facebook some days ago that “Germany is proud to be one of the main sponsors of this meaningful project that is contributing to the rapprochement of the Turkish and Greek Cypriots”.

During the presenation of the glossary on the 10th of July in Nicosia, Desir thanked Germany and the Netherlands for funding the project.

The publication of the glossary caused a lively discussion among the Greek Cypriot media and political parties, with some advocating its cause and others describing it as an attempt to curtail the freedom of the press.

The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.