Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Poland, Gave Keynote Remarks at “Strengthening and Financing Media Freedom: Best Practices for Central Europe” conference
Conference hosted by Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA)
1 November 2024 | TVN24.pl
Freedom of speech and free media are key to a flourishing democracy, said the US ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzezinski, during a conference in Warsaw on strengthening the independence of the media. He thanked journalists for their commitment to seeking the truth and spoke of their “great service to Poland and the United States.”
It is the media that holds officials accountable, the media that helps people understand the events that shape their lives so that they can make responsible decisions – said Mark Brzezinski during the conference . – This is an absolutely key function of journalism in any democracy – emphasized the United States Ambassador to Poland.
During the CIPE conference in Warsaw, Brzezinski thanked journalists for their commitment to seeking the truth. “It is a great service to Poland and a great service to the United States,” he emphasized, adding that “it is also a great service to the entire world.”
The diplomat also referred to informing the public opinion during Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine . He said that “the world is watching what is happening here”, and also stated that “in the sea of tragic headlines around the world, the humanity of the Polish nation has been proven”. – During historical moments, Polish media played a key role – said Brzezinski, referring to the attitude of Poland and Poles towards Kiev during the Russian aggression.
– On behalf of President Joe Biden , I can say that Polish hearts, helping Ukrainian refugees, made such a great impression and we appreciate it very much – emphasized the American diplomat. – It is the media that provides safe and reliable information for refugees and those who want to help them – he said. Addressing journalists, Brzezinski announced that “you are the ones telling the truth about Putin and the atrocities he commits”. He also assessed that this led to an increase in awareness in the world about Ukraine.
During his speech, Brzezinski also devoted attention to the media in Russia, where the government is “systematically eliminating independent media”. – A vacuum has been created, which is filled by the Kremlin’s lies about the war in Ukraine – he said.
– Our most powerful weapon against Russian lies is the truth – stressed Brzezinski.
CIPE, the organizer of the Conference on Strengthening Media Independence, is a pro-government organization founded in 1983 in Washington, D.C. and operating in over 80 countries.