Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Dec. 3 / Trend D. Azizov /
A modern democratic society cannot function without freedom of expression and information, as well as a social climate based on transparency and openness, Chairman of the Uzbek Legislative Chamber's Information and Communication Technologies Committee Abdurashid Jurabaev told the People's Word newspaper today.
He added that there are more than 1,200 print and electronic media outlets in Uzbekistan today. More than 60 percent operate in the regions. About 53 percent of all TV channels and 86 percent of all radio channels in the country are private. A modern industrial and technical base has also been created.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov has proposed additional measures to reform the information space and freedom of speech. They will affect public relations and touch upon improving market mechanisms in the information sector, providing free and equal access to information, realizing principles of openness in the state activity and management, and creating effective legal mechanisms aimed at strengthening the media's role in securing public and parliamentary control, he said.
The laws on media economic foundations, broadcasting, and telecommunications will serve as the legislative basis for implementing these initiatives.