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Hiki
12-08-2010, 12:35 PM
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/12/152465.htm


U.S. to Host World Press Freedom Day in 2011

Press Statement
Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
December 7, 2010

The United States is pleased to announce that it will host UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day event in 2011, from May 1 - May 3 in Washington, D.C. UNESCO is the only UN agency with the mandate to promote freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.

The theme for next year’s commemoration will be 21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers. The United States places technology and innovation at the forefront of its diplomatic and development efforts. New media has empowered citizens around the world to report on their circumstances, express opinions on world events, and exchange information in environments sometimes hostile to such exercises of individuals’ right to freedom of expression. At the same time, we are concerned about the determination of some governments to censor and silence individuals, and to restrict the free flow of information. We mark events such as World Press Freedom Day in the context of our enduring commitment to support and expand press freedom and the free flow of information in this digital age.

Highlighting the many events surrounding the celebration will be the awarding of the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize at the National Press Club on May 3rd. This prize, determined by an independent jury of international journalists, honors a person, organization or institution that has notably contributed to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom, especially where risks have been undertaken.

The Newseum will host the first two days of events, which will engage a broad array of media professionals, students, and citizen reporters on themes that address the status of new media and internet freedom, and challenges and opportunities faced by media in our rapidly changing world.

The State Department looks forward to working with UNESCO and the U.S. executive committee spearheaded by the Center for International Media Assistance at the National Endowment for Democracy, IREX, and the United Nations Foundation and the many civil society organizations they have brought together in support of the organization of events unfolding in Washington.

For further information regarding World Press Freedom Day Events for program content, please visit the World Press Freedom Facebook page http://www.connect.connect.facebook.com/WPFD2011


Is this a joke? Seriously? If it isn't then they really got the nerve :D

pcosmar
12-08-2010, 01:19 PM
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/7canol

On Wednesday 8th December 2010, @wikileaks said:

STATEMENT: "We will not be gagged" #cablegate #censorship

Following the detention of Wikileaks founder and editor-in-chief Julian Assangem, Wikileaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson said:

“Today, Wikileaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange was refused bail by a UK court. While we are troubled by this bizarre decision, we know Julian is grateful for the support of both his legal team and prominent figures such as Ken Loach, Jemima Khan and John Pilger.

“However, this will not stifle Wikileaks. The release of the US Embassy Cables – the biggest leak in history – will still continue. This evening, the latest batch of cables were released, and our media partners released their next batch of stories.

“We will not be gagged, either by judicial action or corporate censorship. Today Visa joined Mastercard, Paypal, Amazon, EveryDNS and others in cutting off their links.

“Wikileaks is still online. The full site is duplicated in more than 500 locations. Every day, the cables are loaded more than 50 million times.

“US Senator Joe Lieberman today attacked the New York Times for its decision to publish the cables, just days after calling for companies to boycott Wikileaks.

“Just minutes later, the State Department announced the US will host next year’s UNESCO Press Freedom day. The irony is not lost on us. We hope in future, UNESCO celebrates press freedom somewhere where it exists.”

Nope, not a joke.
It is an insult.
:(

jmhudak17
12-08-2010, 01:25 PM
This is ridiculous.

CharlesTX
12-08-2010, 01:33 PM
Lol

Heimdallr
12-08-2010, 01:57 PM
Are you fucking kidding me?

cswake
12-08-2010, 02:00 PM
Glenn Greenwald appreciated it as well...

http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2010/12/07/wikileaks/index.html


Finally, in light of all of this, I challenge anyone to get through this State Department Press Release (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/12/152465.htm) without repeatedly cackling aloud. I don't believe it can be done.

Bruno
12-08-2010, 02:12 PM
War is peace
freedom is slavery
ignorance is strength

Bern
12-08-2010, 02:27 PM
The aristocrats!

Vessol
12-08-2010, 02:31 PM
The U.S Government is the ultimate troll.

Kludge
12-08-2010, 03:23 PM
bump

Bern
12-08-2010, 03:25 PM
Sorry for my earlier post. I thought this was the thread where we told bad jokes.