Albania News Moreover
Europe and Eurasia
We have witnessed some improvements in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in many European and some Eurasian countries, though serious problems remain in others. Across the region, even in countries where non-governmental and political-opposition groups have been the targets of government repression, civil society continues to develop. In Europe, progress has been made on regional conflicts and refugee/internally displaced persons (IDP) returns. The international community, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the United Nations, has played a major role in achieving these results. However, the conflict in Chechnya and associated violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue, with little meaningful accountability. Pro ... [Read More]
Freedom Paper No. 1: Free & Independent Media
Still, it is not clear that the growth in the number ofnewspapers has substantially increased the amount or kind ofinformation that Koreans are getting. The government stillrequires newspaper publishers to own their own printing presses,thus placing severe obstacles in the way of small, narrowlyfocused newspapers. In addition, many readers distrustnewspapers because of the influence of advertisers. ... In the past several years, South Korea has developed aburgeoning, competitive newspaper industry. Until 1987,newspaper publishers were required to be licensed by thegovernment. With the new Periodical Registration Law passed thatyear, publishers may issue newspapers after simply informing thegovernment that they plan to do so. Government "guidance" tonews organizations is also disappearing. ... [Read More]
Europe and Eurasia
Freedom of media was also a serious concern for the United States in its effort to promote democracy in Kazakhstan. For example, the United States strongly advocated for the rejection of a flawed media law that would have impeded freedom of speech, in particular campaign reporting, and regularly raised concern over a series of legal actions aimed at independent media. After much public debate and criticism of the media law, President Nazarbayev vetoed the legislation. The American Bar Association’s Central European and Eurasia Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI), a U.S. implementing partner, began a new media defense project that provided an analysis of the law’s shortcomings. The project also provided training to lawyers defending journalists and media outlets in court. United States advocacy efforts were complemented by several U.S.-funded programs to expand freedom of the media. The United States funded the NGO Internews to conduct programs to strengthen independent media through training an ... [Read More]
Europe and Eurasia
The United States also brought American media experts to Moldova to participate in seminars and conferences with Moldovan media professionals and students. During 2003, an American professor taught Moldovan journalism students basic principles of news reporting, interviewing and newspaper design and layout during a summer camp, a former U.S. news anchor participated in a similar camp for more advanced students and young professionals on fundamentals of broadcast media and an American professor presented a course at Moldova State University on media ethics. The United States also continued to support a three-year partnership between Moldova State University, the Department of Communications, the Independent Journalism Center and Missouri School of Journalism to improve journalism education in Moldova. ... [Read More]
H - Europe Overview
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IV. Country Narratives: Europe and Eurasia
The government’s recognition of the trafficking problem in Belarus and its efforts to address the issue have increased trafficking awareness among government agencies. The government did not conduct an independent anti-trafficking information campaign during 2003, but state-controlled media outlets have increased news coverage of the issue. Labor and Education Ministry officials coordinated spot checks on organizations that arrange student exchanges and work-abroad programs. The Labor Ministry also continued to monitor and license activities of employment agencies offering Belarusian citizens labor contracts in foreign countries. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: Record-level Funding Sought for U.S. Peace Corps
Moreover, the demand for Peace Corps volunteers overseas continues to increase, with more than 20 additional countries requesting Peace Corps programs and assistance. This past year, the Peace Corps began new programs by sending volunteers to Fiji, Albania, Chad, and Azerbaijan. The Peace Corps also plans on returning volunteers to China and Jordan in 2004. In addition, the Peace Corps is working on a new partnership with Mexico and this year will send its first group of volunteers to the country to work in the areas of information technology, small business development, and science and technology. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
AFN available on the Ridge as well as by private license. TVSH broadcasts in Albanian. Shows continue to run heavily toward local events, plus sports, musical entertainment, locally produced plays, educational broadcasts, movies, and a few old American TV shows (dubbed in Albanian or Italian). Local and international news is broadcast several times daily. There are now 50 local independent TV stations that also broadcast in Albanian. Italian, French, and German stations as well as EuroNews, EuroSport, and NBCEurope can be received in Tirana. Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical JournalsLast Updated: 9/30/2003 10:32 AM A continually expanding selection of Western newspapers and magazines is available in Albania. For example, The International ... [Read More]
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