12. 06. 2014

DENIAU: PROTECT FREEDOM OF THOUGHT

Belgrade, 12.06.2014 (Tanjug ) - The French Ambassador to Belgrade Francois-Xavier Deniau said that media freedom is a fundamental right of every democratic society.

He said that the government should protect that freedom from all those who would want to endanger it.

"The position of France is identical to the position clearly stated, on several occasions, by the EU representative (Michael) Davenport - that media freedom is a fundamental right, which is at the root of every democratic society and, therefore, of each country seeking EU membership", Deniau told reporters.

This, he said, is stated in the Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, which is dedicated to freedom of opinion and of expression.

"This means not only that the government does not interfere with the expression of opinion, but also that it protects the freedom of thought from all those who would want to endanger it," said Deniau at a reception marking the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.