OSCE chief condemns witchhunt against B92

The head of the OSCE Mission in Serbia, Hans Ola Urstad, has visited B92 and condemned threats directed at the company. “It’s ridiculous! In any free, open, democratic society there is no place for threats to journalists or any individual media company. Free speech is the main foundation of democratic society. That’s why I think threats, regardless of whether they’re directed at B92 or anyone else are unacceptable,“ said Urstad. OSCE chief condemns witchhunt against B92 He also welcomed the announcement of presidential elections. The Norwegian diplomat and former ambassador to Serbia said that the media had an important role to play in creating a democratic atmosphere in which elections could be held. "They must be allowed to work unhindered, while media companies must take their work seriously and carry it out in a professional manner," he said. “Elections are an important matter, and that’s why the media has to take the matter very seriously. Sadly, certain media companies are very lax even when elections are at stake. We hope the media will play a significant role, as it always does, but that it will do so in an appropriate manner,“ he said. In Urstad’s opinion, all political options must be treated equally to allow them to express their ideas. “Meanwhile, we expect the media to help the public understand what’s going on, as the media has an important role there too. They are the link between politicians and the public,“ the OSCE chief explained. He added that it was “very good that it’s finally been decided, and that elections will be held in line with the Constitution. The OSCE views this as a positive signal,“ he said. Urstad, whose organization has been working intensively for the last six years with the authorities in the south of the country, says that the situation there was stable and did not want to comment on any links between the situation in the south and the Kosovo status process. “As a habit, I don’t answer hypothetical questions. Nor will I do so this time. Right now, I can say that the situation in the south is stable and quite good. We’re working closely with officials there,“ the OSCE chief stressed.

OSCE chief condemns witchhunt against B92

He also welcomed the announcement of presidential elections.

The Norwegian diplomat and former ambassador to Serbia said that the media had an important role to play in creating a democratic atmosphere in which elections could be held. "They must be allowed to work unhindered, while media companies must take their work seriously and carry it out in a professional manner," he said.

“Elections are an important matter, and that’s why the media has to take the matter very seriously. Sadly, certain media companies are very lax even when elections are at stake. We hope the media will play a significant role, as it always does, but that it will do so in an appropriate manner,“ he said.

In Urstad’s opinion, all political options must be treated equally to allow them to express their ideas.

“Meanwhile, we expect the media to help the public understand what’s going on, as the media has an important role there too. They are the link between politicians and the public,“ the OSCE chief explained.

He added that it was “very good that it’s finally been decided, and that elections will be held in line with the Constitution. The OSCE views this as a positive signal,“ he said.

Urstad, whose organization has been working intensively for the last six years with the authorities in the south of the country, says that the situation there was stable and did not want to comment on any links between the situation in the south and the Kosovo status process.

“As a habit, I don’t answer hypothetical questions. Nor will I do so this time. Right now, I can say that the situation in the south is stable and quite good. We’re working closely with officials there,“ the OSCE chief stressed.