U.S. AMBASSADOR CALLS ON MOLDOVAN JOURNALISTS TO TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA to Moldova James D. Pettit made an official statement on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3.

He thanked the media representatives for the essential service they provide to Moldova and encouraged them to tell people the truth as they find it without omission.

"An independent and pluralistic media environment is essential to the effective functioning of a representative and democratic government. You contribute greatly to Moldova's continued path toward reform by holding elected leaders accountable to their constituents", the diplomat maintains.

In the run-up to the upcoming elections, he encouraged journalists to ask the difficult questions to which the public deserves answers, no matter whom they might make uncomfortable.

"Give every candidate, party and policy proposal the scrutiny the public deserves. Ensure that the public has access to information on the parties and candidates. Tell the truth as you find it without omission, and if you find yourself the target of unjust pressure to censor your reporting, speak out. The United States supports media freedom around the world, including in Moldova, and we will continue to press for judicial independence and prosecution of crimes against journalists, and we will intercede when and how we can, as appropriate", the ambassador promised.

According to him, citizens are relying on the media to ensure they have the information needed to make the hard choices of who best represent their interests.

"I encourage you to meet that need swiftly, enthusiastically, bravely and above all, objectively", he said.