Turkey Is Praised for More Press Freedoms

[CShine]

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - The president of the World Association of Newspapers said Monday that Turkey has made considerable progress in expanding freedom of the press and could serve as an example to other Islamic nations. Seok Hyun Hong, speaking at the opening of the group's annual congress, said the newspaper association had previously turned down offers to hold its annual meeting in Turkey.

"I do feel confident and comfortable in recognizing significant advances in the field of freedom of expression and that is why WAN (World Association of Newspapers) is able to come to Istanbul this year with a good conscience," Hong said.

Hong spoke at the opening of the 57th World Newspaper Congress and 11th World Editors Forum. More than 1,000 representatives from newspapers in 85 countries were in Istanbul for the meetings.

Turkey can serve as an example of a Muslim country that "can promote and enjoy tolerance, democracy and full human rights," Hong added. "These rights and other basic democratic values are outlawed or severely restricted in the great majority of countries with predominantly Muslim populations."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4153272,00.html

[daleo]

1. My first thought was of Bush's Thanksgiving turkey

Perhaps it had whispered in *'s ear before its untimely demise, and convinced him to amend the Patriot Act.