Strasbourg, 10.07.2009 - I am very concerned about the allegations made on Moldovan State Television that some people employed by the Council of Europe participated in the post-electoral disturbances in Moldova in April.
These very serious allegations have been made without any specific evidence being presented and without the Council of Europe or the people concerned being given an opportunity to respond to them. Clearly Moldovan State Television has much to learn about responsible journalism.
If Moldovan State Television had contacted the Council of Europe before making these allegations, they would have been told that it is seven weeks since I wrote to the Moldovan Government and asked them to explain why one of our experts had not been allowed to return to Moldova in spite of having a valid visa. If they had asked, Moldovan State Television would have also been told that I am still waiting for a reply to my letter.
Council of Europe Directorate of Communication
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
[email protected]
www.coe.int
