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Statement of Brett Bruen, Spokesman of the United States Embassy – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day

May 3, 2006

Freedom of the press is the lifeblood of democracy. A free press informs and educates the public, provides a check on abuses of power, and exposes corrupt practices that stunt the growth of countries and democracy.

Citizens must have the ability to express themselves without fear or persecution. A free and independent media allows the peaceful expression and competition of ideas, on which democracy depends. The United States vigorously promotes media freedom as a core component of our diplomacy and our assistance programs. In Cote d’Ivoire, we have held numerous conferences on the state of the press, sent Ivoirian journalists for training to the United States, and provided journalists with resources and information to improve their professional capacities.

On this World Press Freedom Day, the United States would like to recognize the important contributions of a free press to our society and to honor the sacrifices of journalists who have dedicated and sometimes risked their lives to tell the truth and further democracy.

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