AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN TO BIH BOSSE HEDBERG VISITS ONASA INDEPENDENT NEWS AGENCY
SARAJEVO, April 26 (ONASA) – General Manager of the ONASA Independent News Agency Elvira Begovic received today in headquarters of the Agency in Sarajevo, the Ambassador of Sweden to BiH Bosse Hedberg, whom she informed on the work of the Agency. General Manager Begovic pointed out that mission of the Agency is continuous contribution to development of true, independent and professional informing in advanced, European – oriented, multicultural and multiethnic BiH, by aiming on spreading of its network outside of BiH as well.
Ambassador Hedberg pointed out that he knows that ONASA Independent News Agency recently celebrated its 16th anniversary of work, by assessing its activities as very important.
The Ambassador stressed independent media have a very important role in all societies, and that he wants to believe that they can influence on the process of passing of political decisions, by adding that giving of support to these media is from crucial importance.
“I believe that independence of media is something that we need to defend together, because all of us will have benefit from that,” Swedish Ambassador said.
By reminding that BiH has political ambitions to become a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO, the Ambassador pointed out that this requires implementation of certain reforms, by stressing that in this process, the role of media is extremely important, so discussion on key issues was continuously “on daily agenda” .
The Ambassador pointed out that he talked with many leaders of BiH political parties over their views regarding the forthcoming elections, and over issues which they will promote as a priority issues during the pre-electoral campaign.
According to him, during these meetings, political leaders have been talking about the economy, but that they did not mention too much the details regarding the needed reforms.
“When the need for reform occurs, it seems that politicians, unfortunately, do not show flexibility and compromise. That is obviously part of the heritage from the period of conflict, but it is difficult for us to promote and implement reforms in such environment,” Ambassador said, by adding that, in this context, existence of independent media is from extreme importance.
According to him, one of the roles of independent media should be reminding of political leaders to the need of fulfilling of the promises which they have given to the citizens, related to membership in international organizations, and on the necessity of undertaking of necessary steps so BiH could become a member of these organizations.
During the visit, Ambassador of Sweden to BiH visited all business premises, and talked with employees of the Agency. (the end)