Yesterday at 5p.m. Mr. Elbegdorj Ts., Prime Minister of Mongolia and Mr. Enkhbayar N., Speaker of the Parliament made a joint statement on the new government’s policy toward the existing National Radio and TV Authority which has been working as the special government agency under the direct control of the Prime Minister N.Enkhbayar during 2000-2004. In their statement made to around 20 representatives of Mongolian press, Mr.Elbegdorj and Mr.Enkhbayar said that the new Prime Minister will not continue the practice of controlling national TV and radio and the Mongolian Parliament will adopt a law on public TV and radio within its autumn session of 2004.
“Mr.Elbegdorj takes the first step to free the national TV and radio from government control” writes Udriin Sonin’s Altantuya A., and reminds its readers that only their choice to elect candidates from two major political forces in ‘perfectly’ equal numbers makes this emerging press freedom possible.
Both Elbegdorj and Enkhbayar responded to questions of press representatives concerning threats existed for Mongolian journalists before the election 2004, especially concerns about the criminal cases accusing journalists in libel. “Media Council, and National Board on Public TV etc. were all good ideas which no government dared to implement practically, seems it is going to be the reality during this election term” writes Altantuya A.
“Political parties will stop their propaganda broadcasts from today, it is very exciting that we are able to see the real journalism at last.” called Mr. Bayasgalan from