AKIPRESS.COM - Promoting access to information and effective mechanisms for accreditation of journalists were discussed at an OSCE-organized round table discussion that concluded in Turkmenistan's Ashgabat on April 30.

The two-day session was attended by members of the parliament, officials from the Foreign Ministry, the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinematography, the National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights and the Ministries of Communications and Justice, as well as by representatives from educational and research institutions and national broadcast, print and online media.

They addressed international standards and national practices in promoting access to information, as well as effective mechanisms for the accreditation of local and foreign journalists

“The OSCE participating States committed themselves to safeguarding the right to information, which is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability of governments,” Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat Ivo Petrov said. “We believe this discussion will support the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan in reinforcing its national legislation in addressing access to information in line with international standards and OSCE commitments.”

Two international experts elaborated on different types of information and principles of interaction with the legislative, executive and judicial bodies as well as the legal framework on access to information and the experiences of European and CIS countries in developing mechanisms for accrediting local and foreign journalists. The participants exchanged views on the specifics of covering large-scale international events, including summits, sports competitions and performances.