B3-0879 and 0883/92

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights,

-having regard to the declaration of fundamental rights and freedoms adopted by the European Parliament on 12 April 1989,

-having regard to the principles enshrined in the treaties, in the Constitutions of Member States and in secondary legislation,

A.whereas freedom of expression and freedom of the press are constitutionally guaranteed legal and political rights and are indispensable adjuncts of a democratic state,

B.whereas, in a democratic and constitutional state, freedom of the press plays a role in monitoring the exercise of power and acts as a counterweight to state authority,

C.whereas certain press revelations regarding actions by governments or government services that are contrary to fundamental freedoms concern actions taken as part of government policies to protect national security, for example telephone-tapping,

D.whereas in various Member States of the European Community governments exert pressure on - and take measures against - the press, especially in cases in which it severely criticizes them for acts or omissions,

E.alarmed, in particular, at the situation in Greece where newspaper publishers and owners of radio and TV channels are frequently prosecuted (for example, in connection with the revelations concerning the organization and operation of a telephone-tapping network),

1.Expresses its strong opposition to any action which violates the constitutional freedoms of citizens as regards freedom of expression and information and is opposed to any measures which, on the pretext of protecting the privacy of the individual, seek to ward off press criticism;

2.Expresses its profound concern at the steady increase in complaints concerning government attempts to restrict freedom of the press by legislative means;

3.Calls on the Council and the Governments of the Member States to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that the freedom and independence of the press are fully respected in all Member States;

4.Calls on the Greek Government to avoid any acts directed at restricting freedom of expression in the mass media and curtailing the exercise by citizens of their rights;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the Greek Government.