Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our democracies.
Democracy is a prerequisite for peace and development within and between our countries. Freedom of the press is a key and indivisible part of the freedom of expression. All States of the region must be encouraged to provide constitutional guaranties for freedom of expression, freedom of the press for all forms of media, freedom of association and freedom for media trade unions. Respect for pluralism, cultural, language and gender diversity should be a fundamental factor in our democratic societies and should be reflected through all the media. We strongly condemn the fact that journalists, publishers and broadcasters are still victims of repression, threats, aggression, murder, arrest, detention and abduction for which the criminals, in many cases, enjoy impunity.