Kuchma Orders National Council to Act Openly and Transparently

On April 18, President Leonid Kuchma has called on the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council to strictly observe constitutional norms, acting openly and transparently exclusively within the framework of Ukrainian law in order to further promote the freedom of speech and build a civil society in this country, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

Mr. Kuchma emphasized that he had been forced to appeal to board members by a complicated situation in television and radio station licensing, which in some cases could provoke domestic political tension and create a negative international image of Ukraine, the head of state’s press service reports. The president pointed out that such licensing should be carried out in an atmosphere of openness and on a competitive basis. Pres. Kuchma called on board members to carefully study every specific situation, every broadcasting request, and every feasibility report.

The president also stressed that now, when a democratic society is still in the making, safeguarding the freedom of expression, along with the free voicing of views and convictions is one of the main objectives and priorities of the Ukrainian leadership and the president in particular.

The head of state added that he was convinced the board would do its best for precisely these fundamental principles of democracy to take root in Ukrainian society.