how is situation with human rights in belarus now?
A [Ambassador Stewart]: This is a broader question than just independent media, but I do continue to follow Belarus after my assignments there. Last fall, there were some positive steps by the authorities including allowing distribution of two independent newspapers nationally, but we still seek a more open political and economic system, including a free environment for non-state media. Comment [journalism]: I am working in a USAID project to enchance local media in governorates,, still I think there is no much attention to their power and little support, knowing that independant media should start by decentralizing itself, with good governance,, we establish a local media association which needs support to make their voices heared in Qena A [Ambassador Stewart]: Good for you. Local media associations can be a good forum for strengthening journalistic professionalism and ethics as well as making the media’s voice stronger. We should look at this model for other places. Ambassador Stewa
