Lithuanian Conservatives ease off sunshine laws before elections

  • 2000-04-20
VILNIUS (BNS) - The Lithuanian ruling Conservative Party faction suggests all parties should discuss the draft amendments to the law on provision of information to the public and if a consensus is not reached, put it off until "calmer times."

According to a press release issued by the faction's board on April 13, the greater part of the country's parliamentary factions are more concerned with media support before the upcoming parliamentary elections. Any attempt to look into problems within the field, amid the political passions, is almost impossible.

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus and several parliamentary factions and parties criticized the amendments, which stipulate that a public information inspector's institution should be set up.

Representatives of the media have also criticized what they said are attempts to bring back media censorship and restrict freedom of press.