13. 06. 2002

ANEM OBJECTS TO NEW DEMOCRACY STALLING TACTICS

BELGRADE, June 13, 2002 - ANEM issued a statement objecting to an announcement by DOS member New Democracy that it would vote against the Broadcast Bill before the Serbian parliament. ANEM chairman Veran Matic said the association was unpleasantly surprised that New Democracy should voice its opposition after the government, of which its leader is a prominent member, had adopted the draft. "It is also unacceptable that the New Democracy party decided against influencing the final text through amendments, but rather sought its withdrawal from procedure," said the ANEM statement. ANEM said the move confirmed that the Serbian authorities are still trying to stall the adoption of new media and telecommunications legislation in order to keep their grip on the media.