Commissioner for External Relations and the European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner called on the Moldovan authorities to respect their international commitments in the field of democracy and human rights, and media freedom, especially in the run-up to the 2009 spring parliamentary elections.
In a statement on the decision of the Moldovan Broadcasting Coordination Council to refuse the prolongation of the broadcasting license of Pro TV (Chisinau) channel, the European official expressed her concern about this decision, reported REPORTER.MD.
"I am concerned about the December 11 decision taken by the Broadcasting Coordination Council of Moldova to interrupt the broadcasting license of the Pro TV (Chisinau) television channel. Media freedom is one of the fundamental principles of a functioning democracy. Respect of democratic principles and human rights is a key element in our relations with the Republic of Moldova. It is important that the Moldovan authorities respect their international commitments in the field of democracy and human rights, and media freedom, especially in the run-up to the spring 2009 parliamentary elections," Benita Ferrero-Waldner said.
A number of Opposition parties as well as the civil society condemned the Broadcasting Coordination Council for its decision, describing it as political and making common cause with the PRO TV team.