Finland to promote free and independent media in the Middle East

Press release 174/2003
15 August, 2003

Finland’s permanent representative to the UNESCO signed an agreement with the organisation on 13 August which provides Finnish support for the promotion of free and independent media in the Middle East. A Finnish-sponsored media expert will be located at the UNESCO office to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.

The objective of the programme is to develop independent and versatile media in the Middle East. The programme will promote dialogue between media professionals, enhance opportunities to produce more independent news coverage, train journalists and other communications experts and provide support for independent media.

Journalist Antti Kuusi has been appointed as the Finnish-sponsored media expert and he will assume his post at the end of August. Kuusi worked as media expert in the former Yugoslavia in the late 90’s when Finland supported a similar media project by the UNESCO during 1996-2002. The long-term project was found both useful and topical, and the output of Finland and Finnish journalists involved was highly appreciated in the region and by the UNESCO.

The Finnish assistance for the project is USD 150 000 annually.

Further information: Riitta Resch, Head of Unit, tel. 09 1605 5672, and Counsellor Timo Heino, tel. 09 1605 5282, Unit for General Global Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland