Chechnya Flag
Russia
In August after a number of television stations showed footage of Chechen leaders in their reports on the conflict in Dagestan, the Ministry warned the companies against "giving air time to Chechen field commanders," stating that this "violates Article 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation on the Mass Media" (which forbids the inciting of racial violence or hatred). Days earlier, a city-owned station in St. Petersburg was issued an almost identical warning for airing anti-Semitic material (see Section 5). Later that month, Minister Lesin issued another stern warning to the ORT in connection with a news report by the station that allegedly displayed "flagrant disrespect for the flag of the Russian Federation" and allegedly contained "disrespectful comments about the Russian President." Minister Lesin informed the station that "such violations might lead to the revocation of the station's broadcasting license." In late August, the Ministry again warned the ORT that it could lose its bro ... [Read More]
Writers on America - Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State
I don't remember when I first realized I was an American. Pledging allegiance to the flag at age six. Registering for the Selective Service at eighteen. Joining the Marines at twenty. I'm certain, though, that long before any of these happened I was made quite aware that I was first, a Mississippian -- a Jacksonian in fact -- a southerner, a son of parents who were not themselves Mississippians, but Arkansans, and so slightly different from me. All these unique local identities, of course, presume me to be an American, since the Republic, the country and principles it embodies contain all the others. Thus, anything about me and my productions that I might attribute to being a southerner, etc., can also be attributable -- by radiating logic -- to being an American. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: White House Daily Briefing, March 8
Syria's continued presence in Lebanon undermines the aspirations of the Lebanese people to live in freedom. I also noticed today that the flag that was being waved was the Lebanese flag. ... MR. McCLELLAN: They were waving the Lebanese flag, I might point out. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: National Security Advisor Rice Briefing on APEC Meeting
Q: If I'm asked about Japan's role in this international coalition, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armacost told the Japanese officials to, "show the flag," meaning the Japanese government should be involved fully in this campaign against terrorism. ... Q: You see the Japanese flag, don't you? ... DR. RICE: Well, the Japanese flag is alive and well in this coalition. I can't say that I know where it's showing, but I can tell you that it's extremely important. We're very pleased with the response. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: Anti-Terror Cooperation a New Foreign Policy Standard, Jones Says
I was recently told of a magnificent gesture by the captain and crew of the German warship Lutjens (D185) a few days after the attack. Departing Plymouth, England, the Lutjens drew up alongside the USS Winston Churchill on the high seas for a farewell salute. When the American captain called his crew topside, they were stunned to see the entire crew of the Lutjens standing at their ship's rails in dress blue uniforms, flying an American flag at half-mast and holding a large sign, with the words, "We Stand by You." ... [Read More]
Belarus
Presidential Decree No.5, issued in 1997, prohibits a range of broadly defined activities and limits freedom of expression. For example, the decree prohibits individuals from carrying placards or flags bearing emblems that are not registered officially with the state, as well as emblems, symbols, and posters "whose content is intended to harm the state and public order, rights and legal interests of the citizens." The decree also bans activities that are "humiliating to the dignity and honor of the executive persons of state bodies." This decree has been used to prosecute and fine those carrying symbols emphasizing the country's independence, such as the red and white flag. ... [Read More]
2005 Reports
111111--04/05/05 Copyright Protection of Digital Television: The "Broadcast Flag" -- NEW! ... [Read More]
Kyrgyz Republic
The new Constitution and the law provide for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the Government restricted these rights. The new Constitution also prohibits censorship and compelling citizens to express their ideas or opinions. The law on mass media prohibits the dissemination of government and commercial secrets; inciting war, violence, or intolerance toward ethnic or religious groups; desecration of national norms, ethics, and symbols (such as the national seal, flag, or anthem); pornography; and encroachment on the honor and dignity of a person (libel). ... [Read More]
Press and Information Office, Public Affairs Office, United States Embassy, South Africa
United States recognizes anniversary of medical breakthrough A vaccine that could save lives and prevent disability was unveiled on April 12, 1955. U.S. researchers announced an effective vaccine to protect against crippling polio after field studies involving 1.8 million children from the United States, Canada and Finland. 04-13-05: United States Committed to U.N. Reform, Tahir-Kheli Says (Urges upcoming U.N. summit focus on Millennium Development Goals) U.S. Ambassador Shirin Tahir-Kheli, senior adviser to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on U.N. reform, said that "the United States remains committed to the United Nations and feels it is critically important for member states to help the U.N. meet the challenges and promise of the 21st Century." 04-13-05: United States Leads the World in Developm ... [Read More]
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