OCT 15 - U.S. CONDEMNS SHUTDOWN OF SERBIAN MEDIA
USIA
15 October 1998
TEXT: OCT 15 - U.S. CONDEMNS SHUTDOWN OF SERBIAN MEDIA
(Belgrade threatens other independent media outlets) (340)
Washington -- The United States strongly condemns the closing of two
independent dailies, Dnevni Telegraf and Danas, by the Serbian
government, according to an October 15 statement by State Department
spokesman James P. Rubin.
~"Belgrade authorities also shut down the operations of Radio Indeks
and other independent radio stations over the weekend, and we
understand that today other independent media outlets have been
threatened with~ shutdowns ... Belgrade's repression of the media
speaks for itself. It is up to the Serbian government to integrate
itself into European institutions," Rubin stated.
Following is the text of the statement:
(Begin text)
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman
October 15, 1998
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
UNITED STATES DENOUNCES BELGRADE'S OFFENSIVE AGAINST SERBIAN MEDIA
In spite of President Milosevic's public statement Tuesday that "an
accord has been reached to eliminate the danger of military
intervention," two independent dailies were closed by the Serbian
government for inciting "fear, panic, and defeatism" and "undermining
the readiness of citizens to defend" Serbia and Montenegro. Yesterday,
police closed the offices of two dailies, Dn~evni Telegraf and Danas.
Belgrade authorities also shut down the operations of Radio Indeks and
other independent radio stations over the weekend, and we understand
that today other independent media outlets have been threatened with~
shutdowns.
The United States strongly condemns the actions of President Milosevic
and the Belgrade leadership. It should be noted that the closure of
these media outlets is part of an ongoing campaign against free
expression -- members of the Serbian leadership have made threats
against Serbia's independent media and human rights organizations, and
Belgrade has banned international programming.
Belgrade's repression of the media speaks for itself. It is up to the
Serbian government to integrate itself into European institutions. A
vibrant civil society is a prerequisite for democracy, and in the long
term, democracy is the only way for Serbia to reconnect itself with
the family of European states.
(End text)