The Stability Pact supports the countries of South Eastern Europe on their way towards Euro-Atlantic integration and in meeting the necessary requirements. Ensuring the freedom of the media is an important component of this process. In this context, the Stability Pact is closely monitoring the events related to the payment of taxes by Albania’s Top Channel.

Freedom of the media is a vital component of human rights in an open society. Government authorities and private actors including media firms need to act transparently and within the law. Progress in the implementation of rule of law and the fight against corruption is one of the priorities in Albanian Government, and therefore transparency in enforcement is of highest importance. This is of particular importance in the sensitive field of the media.

The Stability Pact, in line with many other domestic and international institutions, among them the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), therefore urges the Albanian authorities to ensure the utmost transparency and care in this sensitive case.
 

For further information, please contact Stability Pact's Spokesperson
Mr Georgi Gotev at the SP Secretariat in Brussels
(Tel: +32 2 401 87 25 or press@stabilitypact.org).
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PR2007/010