Brussels, 23/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 20 April, the Swedish Presidency published the following declaration on the situation of the media in Russia, on behalf of the European Union:
"Freedom of speech and pluralism in the media are essential democratic principles and core values for the EU-Russia partnership. They are among the most important gains the Russian people have achieved over the past ten years. The European Union is therefore deeply worried by recent developments in Russia....