Seemo criticizes Berisha on his attack against journalists

TIRANA, March 29 – The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute, strongly criticized recent comments made by the Prime Minister Sali Berisha to journalists.
According to information reviewed by SEEMO, on 18 March 2008 Berisha insulted journalists during a government meeting that was not only carried witnesses by reporters, but also broadcast live on television. The Prime Minister was commenting on coverage of an explosion that occurred in Gerdec, near Tirana, on 15 March 2008, and repeatedly insulted journalists reporting on this matter. “We are deeply critical of these events and this manner of communication,” said SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, “particularly when it is carried out by public authorities.” Vujovic continued, “SEEMO calls for, and strongly supports, the maintenance of a respectful environment for journalists and media in Albania, as in every other country, as such an environment is the cornerstone of a true democracy.” (Tirana Times Staff)