2006 CG events

Consul General's Remarks on World Press Freedom Day

Jerusalem
May 3, 2006

Today, May 3, is World Press Freedom Day. On this day, the United States and countries all over the world celebrate one of the most important of all civil liberties, which is freedom of the press. On behalf of the United States, I would to congratulate Palestinian journalists and press institutions on their longstanding efforts to create a vibrant, lively and free press.

Freedom of the press is essential to a strong civil society and a healthy democracy. A free press informs and educates the public, provides a check on power and the abuse of power, and gives voice to the persecuted.

Citizens must have the ability to express themselves, to debate alternative ideas and to challenge assumptions. A media that is independent from the state allows the peaceful expression and competition of ideas, on which democracy depends.

We vigorously promote media freedom as a core component of our diplomacy and our assistance programs because a free press is essential to democracy. We do this by calling attention to efforts to restrict freedom of the press, by supporting the rights of independent producers and broadcasters, and through training for journalists, editors and media managers.

We also support professional exchanges and civic education programs that strengthen an independent media. For those who have difficulties gaining access to free information, we provide material assistance for the production of radio and television programs. The US Consulate General in Jerusalem is proud to have supported many Palestinian journalists through of these initiatives, and we look forward to continuing this important work with our Palestinian counterparts.