Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you as the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. This is another way in which I would like to remind you that, ever since becoming President of the parliament, I have striven and done everything in my power to open the Assembly as much as possible towards the people and the domestic and international public. This has been not only my personal and political effort, but also my obligation as President of the Assembly. It is certain that there is a pronounced public interest in being informed, fully and impartially, about the work of the highest legislative body in Serbia. You can, therefore, definitely count on my goodwill, as well as on that of the parliament I represent.

The times have passed, I hope, for good, when the media were ordered what to do and when to do it, and what kind of programming decisions to take. As you know, a package of laws regulating the field of the media was recently adopted. Their basic aim is to enable the media to be free and independent, according to European standards. This, I am convinced, was and remains our mutual effort and aim.

I inform all the media that the parliament is open to them and that they can observe its work, including the possibility of live television coverage, in accordance with their programming concept and available means. The interest is mutual - being open to the public and presenting valuable information about the work of the Assembly to the people.

For all assistance, including technical services in the building itself, the National Assembly is at your disposal.

Please find enclosed the Conclusions of the Culture and Information Committee, passed at the session held on 14 May 2003.

Natasa Micic
President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia