UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL URGES PAKISTAN TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON THE MEDIA

UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL URGES PAKISTAN TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON THE MEDIA
New York, Nov 8 2007 8:00AM
Reacting with concern to the suspension of the Constitution in Pakistan, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today voiced hope that President Pervez Musharraf would lift restrictions on the media.

"I am concerned about the consequences of the emergency measures announced in Pakistan on the fundamental human right of freedom of expression," said Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

"It is important that the citizens of Pakistan continue to have access to free information and sustain free and open debate. Freedom of expression and press freedom are integral to sustainable and peaceful democratic societies," he concluded.

On 3 November, President Musharraf suspended the Constitution and strict curbs were imposed on independent media in Pakistan.

2007-11-08 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/