FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DISCUSSED AT OSCE-ORGANIZED CONFERENCE IN YEREVAN

Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE)

Sept 28 2006

YEREVAN, 28 September 2006 – The implementation of the law on freedom
of information in Armenia was the theme of an OSCE-organized conference
and awards ceremony held in Yerevan today.

It brought together government officials, international and
non-governmental organizations, the media, as well as the Armenian
Ombudsman, Armen Harutyunyan.

"Public access to information is a fundamental precondition for
building a democratic and pluralistic society," said Ambassador
Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. "It also
ensures every citizen’s right to know and participate in the country’s
political and public life."

Armen Harutyunyan, added: "It is impossible to build civil society
and a real democracy without a full-fledged practice of the freedom
of information."

The event, organized together with the Freedom of Information Centre
and the United States Agency for International Development in Armenia,
was linked to the Right to Know Day, celebrated in several countries
on 28 September each year. It marks the right of individual access
to information held by public bodies and the benefits of transparent,
accessible government.

Following the conference, the annual freedom of information awards
were handed out to the Kotayk Governor’s Office and the official
web-site of the Armenian Prosecutor’s Office, Vanadzor Office
of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly, to citizen Artak Zeinalian and to
Hripsime Jebejyan, a journalist working for the Aravot daily.

"During my journalistic career I have always tried to make sure my
own right to information is protected, and that officials do not
violate this law," said Hripsime Jebejyan.

The OSCE Office assists Armenia in improving implementation of
the freedom of information law by organizing training courses for
journalists, State officials and the general public.