Press Release

World Press Freedom Day Commemorated

To mark World Press Freedom Day, Steven Koutsis, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Mauritania and Mohamed Vall Ould Cheikh, Minister of Culture and Communication, presided at the opening ceremony of a day of discussion and debate regarding freedom of the press in Mauritania.  The event was a joint effort by the Embassy and the Ministry. 

More than seventy journalists, civil activists, and government officials took part.  In his remarks, Mr. Koutsis recalled the attachment of the American people to liberty and, in particular, liberty of expression.  

Participants heard several presentations by journalists and political figures regarding problems in the sector and perspectives on the future.  

According to the annual report of the International Federation of Journalists, more than 170 journalists or persons working for the press were killed during the last year. The year 2006 was, in fact, one of the bloodiest in the history of the press.

For the United States the freedom of the press is a key element for any democratic government because democratic societies need an exchange of ideas.  The United States has an age-old tradition in the field of freedom of expression.  The Department of State continues to highlight the breach of freedom of the press throughout the world. The United States will continue to promote the emergence of a free and active press in Mauritania and will work, in this regard, with its partners, the government, its international partners, NGOs, and individuals.

Nouakchott, May 3, 2007