Vienna, 06/06/2005
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is concerned about a recent attempt by a Macedonian political party to ban Serbian music in Macedonia (Republic of Macedonia – FYROM).
According to information before SEEMO, on Wednesday, 1 June, the leadership of the Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO)/People’s Party sent an appeal to all owners of television and radio stations in Macedonia to ban the broadcasting of Serbian music for the next three months. This appeal followed the decision of the Serbian Orthodox Church not to recognise the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
SEEMO strongly condemns this call by the VMRO/People’s Party, because no party has the right to influence the editorial policy of any media house.
All politicians must recognise the basic principles of freedom of expression and press freedom.