Monday, January 30, 2012

ARTICLE - FREEDOM OF PRESS PROGRESSING

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS PROGRESSING IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

Reporters Without Borders (RWB) has released its world ranking of press freedom in 2011. Haiti is ranked 56th of 179 countries, two places higher than in 2010 [58th]. In its report, RSF says "In Haiti [...] the political tensions occurred on the eve of the inauguration of Michel Martelly, May 14, will fortunately not exceed the critical threshold for the security of journalists."

In this new classification, Haiti is only 5 places from that of the United States (47th) and 15 places from that of France (38th), and ahead by 43 positions of the Dominican Republic (95th). The first 2 places are Finland (1st) and Norway (second), while the latter two countries in this ranking are North Korea (178th) and Eritrea (179th).

"This shows a progression for which we can be proud of our democracy in motion," declared the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Gary Conille about this classification. He noted that "As part of the efforts of my Government to encourage accountability and transparency in state affairs, I insist that I have the duty to explain my policies and decisions, and to inform the citizens of priorities established for the country. To do this, the media, whoever they are, are key partners allowing us to maintain this link between the government and the people. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of our democratic system and I will ensure that is is guaranteed."

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