Letter to President Milosevic from Kati Morton

May 19, 1998

President Slobodan Milosevic The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Dear Mr. President,

I write to you out of concern for the status of independent media in Yugoslavia. I feel very strongly that the growth of a vigorous free media is the surest sign Yugoslavia can send the world that it is committed to genuine democratisation. Only by embarking on that road will Yugoslavia be able to join the international community of progressive states. Only then can Yugoslavia benefit from membership in those international organizations which are vital for Yugoslavia9s economic and social revitalisation. Unfortunately, most of the signals coming from Belgrade at the moment point to the opposite trend.

Mr. President, the situation is urgent. Only your personal attention can reverse the trend. Let me first address one critical issue: the recently announced fees for the use of radio and television frequencies (the Official Gazette of FR Yugoslavia, May 8, 1998). This measure breaches the most minimal principle of fair use of the air waves and send a terrible message to the world. The fees are so high as to seem a deliberate attempt to bankrupt many stations. It is also unfair that stations that have a ten year license pay no fees whatever, while their competitors are charged astronomical amounts for a temporary license. Also, what is the rationale for punishing those stations that have shown quite remarkable professional maturity in forming the ANEM network, by fining them 50% more for such membership? This practice smacks of state intimidation.

I understand the need for regulation of the air waves, but the measures just announced are punitive and authoritarian.

Mr. President, you and I have had productive conversations about the role of independent media in strengthening civil society in Yugoslavia. As you recall, last year we both signed a document I drafted promising a good climate for a free press in Yugoslavia. This was positively received at the time. Can we do this again? I look forward to hearing from you. My home telephone is 212-496-1106 and my fax is 212-496-0274.

I am hopeful that we can reach an understanding regarding this matter which is of gravest concern to the world media and to friends of Yugoslavia everywhere.

Sincerely yours,

Kati Marton

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