The OSCE has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Ukrainian authorities to block the Strana.ua website. A representative of the organization for mass media, Teresa Ribeiro, made a statement to this effect
In an appeal published on the OSCE website, she advised Kiev to thoroughly check the mass media before applying such radical measures, Strana.ua reported.
“Although Ukraine has a legitimate right to protect its national security, the authorities should find a balanced and proportionate solution to its media-related problems, a solution that preserves media pluralism, the free flow of information and diversity of opinions in line with relevant international standards and OSCE commitments”, – Ribeiro said.
The international organization is concerned that freedom of speech is seriously hindered in Ukraine. Ribeiro said that the authorities should create a healthy, competitive and dynamic environment for the media. But instead they simply liquidate those media outlets which refuse to pursue a progovernment, aggressive line.