(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release: Media Release Kosovo Journalists Fight Back: Alliance of Journalists Relaunched · Headquarters in Exile Established in London · Regional Sections in Albania and Republic of Macedonia · International Appeal for Support of Displaced Media Staff JOURNALISTS of Kosovo who have been scattered around Europe following expulsion […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ press release:
Media Release
Kosovo Journalists Fight Back: Alliance of Journalists Relaunched
· Headquarters in Exile Established in London
· Regional Sections in Albania and Republic of Macedonia
· International Appeal for Support of Displaced Media Staff
JOURNALISTS of Kosovo who have been scattered around Europe following
expulsion from their homes and offices have relaunched their professional
group in preparation for an early return to Kosovo by journalists and media
staff.
The Alliance of Kosova Journalists, a member of the International Federation
of Journalists, has opened headquarters in exile in London at the offices of
the National Union of Journalists of Great Britain and Ireland. At the same
time a committee of Alliance members has been set up in Albania. A similar
group has been founded in the Republic of Macedonia.
The Alliance President Zeke Gegaj has authorised former Alliance President
Hamide Latifi to establish the headquarters with the support of the NUJ and
the IFJ. The office number in London is 0044 171 843 3705.
“The journalists of Kosovo are fighting back,” says the International
Federation of Journalists which has launched a world-wide appeal for support
for journalists and media staff .”They are determined to return to Kosovo as
a solid and united professional force. In the meanwhile they need solidarity
and support from journalists and trades unionists everywhere.”
The IFJ is issuing international press cards as accreditation for Alliance
members to assist them in travelling within the region. Humanitarian aid is
being distributed through special committees set up in Tirana and Skopje.
Four IFJ missions to the region in recent weeks have established a network
of support for journalists and independent media in Kosovo and Serbia.
Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, announcing the relaunch of the Alliance
said: “Kosovo journalists are determined to remain together despite the
crisis. The Alliance will ensure that when the peace comes, journalists and
independent media will be in the forefront of the campaign to bring
democracy and respect for human rights back into Kosovo.”
The IFJ international appeal for Kosovo is being organised through the IFJ
International Safety Fund. Donations to: Safety Fund, Deutsche Bank, 17 Ave
Marnix, Brussels 1000 Account Number: 611-0122022-66.
The IFJ is the world’s largest organisation of journalists with members in
101 countries.
