Skopje, 3 May 2023 (MIA) - Freedom of expression is a driving force for all other human rights. It enables dialogue, builds understanding, increases public knowledge, contributes to analytical thinking, and leads to better policies, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski says in a message on World Press Freedom Day.

"I would like to congratulate World Press Freedom Day, on which we received confirmation of yet another success, and confirmation that we are on the right path, the European path. North Macedonia marks new progress in media freedom, ranking 38th out of 180 countries in the world in the latest report of the international organization "Reporters without Borders."

"In 2016, the country ranked 118th out of 180 countries. This is evidence of the Government's democratic and European aspirations and our categorical 'Yes' to freedom of speech and media independence," Kovachevski notes.

He points out that the Government sees media associations as partners.

"We will continue working together toward further media freedom advancement, as we did adopting the Law on Civil Liability for Insult and Defamation, which guarantees freedom of expression, and with amendments to the Criminal Code treats attacks on reporters as assault on an official."

As a country in negotiations with the EU, within that process, we are already adjusting regulations, guided by good European practices for quality, protection and professionalism in the media sphere. I also call for a joint fight against disinformation, on behalf of the citizens' right to know the truth, Kovachevski emphasized.

On his behalf and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, he congratulates World Press Freedom Day to all professional journalists who contribute to the democratization of society. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA archive