Ambassador John Herbst
Mass Media for Elections without Censorship and Oppression
Speech to the Journalists’ Forum
Kyiv, Ukraine
November 10, 2003

It is a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about such an important issue. With the upcoming presidential elections, Ukraine is rapidly approaching yet another crucial crossroad in its history. The path ultimately chosen – a commitment to a free and fair election with un-biased, unrestricted media access, or continued pressure on opposition elements and media critical of the presidential administration – will demonstrate whether Ukraine has truly embraced the principles of democracy that are key to its future as a viable member of the Euro-Atlantic community.

The 2002 parliamentary elections brought Ukraine closer to international standards; however, as you are aware, there were significant problems, including administrative pressures on candidates and voters, as well as irregularities relating to media coverage. For there to be free and fair elections in Ukraine, it is critical that all voters be allowed to determine their own leadership, all candidates have the right – and the opportunity – to campaign, and for the media have equal access to all candidates without fear of reprisal.

The current situation in Ukraine with respect to media freedom continues to cause concern. Citizens have the right to choose their own government and must have the freedom to exercise that right. Broad, unfettered access to information about the issues, candidates, and elections process is key to achieving a well-informed, voting public. An independent media that is allowed – and even encouraged – to present the broadest possible coverage of events and issues is the most important mechanism for ensuring that citizens get the information they want and need. However, in Ukraine, corruption and pressure on the media still exists. Journalists sometimes pay the price for their profession through violence and even death. Other journalists -- to avoid pressure, as Bulat Okudzhava might say, to “get a little piece of sausage,” are reduced to the pathetic position of criticizing foreign officials for alleged internal interference when these officials comment on clear violations of human right, media freedom, or democratic norms. The efforts of the government to control the media through such means as temniki, send a very clear, very disturbing message to the international community that Ukraine has a long way to go before there is truly freedom of the press.

The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental premise of democracy. Freedom of expression consists not only of freedom of speech, but also of the right of the people to freely assemble. The recent incident in Donetsk, when the opposition party Our Ukraine was effectively prevented from gathering, is a disappointing example of failure to adhere to key principles and values of democracy. It is essential that this not be repeated. For Ukraine to achieve its goal of greater integration with the international community, particularly the West, it must be vigilant in assuring the effective exercise of freedom of assembly, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

It is very encouraging to me that you are all gathered here today to discuss the elections and the critical role of the press in that process. It is through such forums as this that the elements key to the establishment and growth of a truly free and independent press are brought to the forefront. This is an opportunity not only to discuss the issues and views relevant to media freedoms and the upcoming presidential election, but to also proactively identify potential solutions to existing problems. An independent media that provides, without restriction or fear of reprisal, information about all the issues and candidates to the people is one of the fundamental underpinnings of a truly democratic society. It is important work and I applaud you for your efforts to bring to the public an awareness of the issues and information it needs and deserves.