DUSHANBE, May 3, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- “On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, I want to express my congratulations to the people of Tajikistan on World Press Freedom Day.  The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects freedom of the press, an essential element of a democratic society,” the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ken Gross, noted in his statement made on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

“To maintain a healthy society, private citizens must be free to express and hear differing opinions and views.  Today the U.S. Embassy will launch an initiative to promote journalism for youth throughout Tajikistan.  The Embassy will facilitate training that will introduce secondary school students to journalism and allow them to write and publish articles online.

“It is also my pleasure to announce that the Embassy has selected Asia Plus journalist Ramziya Mirzobekova to participate in the World Press Freedom Day tour in New York City and Washington, D.C. Mrs. Mirzobekova wrote “Investigation or Inquisition,” an article that documented the case of Usmon Boboyev, a Sughd resident who allegedly died while being interrogated.  We believe that it is critical for government officials to vigorously investigate alleged cases of torture and not punish journalists and newspapers who report on the subject.  While in the United States, Mrs. Mirzobekova will meet with journalists from all over the world and will interview high-level officials from the White House, State Department, United Nations, and NGOs working on press freedom.

“We support media freedom around the world.  In Tajikistan, we are concerned about the continued detention of Asht journalist Mahmadyusuf Ismoilov, the ongoing lawsuits against Paykon , and the recent suit against Imrouz News journalist Mirzomurod Bozor.  We are watching developments in these cases closely and hope that our friends in the Tajik government will recognize that independent media plays a vital role in a healthy, democratic society.

“On behalf of President Obama, I reaffirm the United States’ ongoing commitment to media freedom in Tajikistan.  The U.S. Embassy works in partnership with the Government of Tajikistan, non-governmental organizations, and members of the media to promote a free and independent media.  We have observed time and again that instability results not from too much freedom, but too little freedom.  Airing of differences makes a country stronger and is the first step towards building a consensus.”