May 3rd marks the annual commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable. Romania has become a regional model for the rule of law. Many of these improvements are due to the determination of brave, local journalists, and to their efforts to increase transparency, disclose irregularities, and hold authorities and private individuals responsible for their practices. We would like to salute the reporters in Romania who serve exclusively the public interest and people here.
We should not forget that all around the world, reporters are killed violently, attacked for what they have written, and silenced for what they have witnessed. In open, democratic societies, journalists must be able to work freely and safely. Governments, NGOs, companies, and ordinary people must continue to support – and demand – independent media, because a nation without a free and independent press cannot flourish freely, economically, and democratically.
