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Association of European Journalists |
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UK Section |
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WPF Day |
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Chairman's report for
2006 MEETINGS |
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Chairman's report to the 2006 AGM, 10 January 2007 |
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In 2006 our list of speakers at
members' professional lunches was exceptionally strong. It included two renowned
anti-corruption figures, the Romanian Justice Minister, Monica Macovei, and
the French-Norwegian former magistrate Eva Joly, who addressed us on the eve
of the launch in November of the English version of her book "Justice
Under Siege". Also, senior Turkish MP, Yasar Yakis, and OSCE
Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, as well as former
British Ambassador to Washington, Sir Christopher Meyer, and the Minister for
Europe, Geoff Hoon MP. Please see Past Events for the full
list of guests. We had good attendance at all the
lunchtime meetings. We intend to maintain the high quality of guest speakers,
including figures from a wide range of European states covering various
fields of activity. Please note
that Sir Jeremy Greenstock, former UK special envoy to Iraq, had agreed to be
our guest on 23 May this year. The past year was remarkable for
the way that the AEJ British section developed an array of fruitful contacts
with other organisations both in the UK and internationally. OSCE:
Mr Haraszti's appearance at the AEJ in London was part of a wider programme
of planned activities involving the AEJ with the OSCE's Representative on
Freedom of the Media. Press Freedom is, at the initiative of the British
Section, a central theme of the 2007 Annual Assembly of the AEJ, in Dublin
Castle in November. Mr Haraszti agreed to speak at that Assembly, and also in
the debate on 3 May 2007 in London marking World Press Freedom Day,
on the motion "World Press Freedom is in Retreat". German Embassy: a good number of AEJ members took up the invitation from the
German Embassy in London to attend a high-level briefing session by senior
political representatives of the 2 parties in Germany's coalition government,
on the theme of Germany's EU Presidency (first half of 2007). The London Press Club extended the opportunity to AEJ members for membership in the
club, with a central London |
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See also Minutes of 2006 AGM location and an attractive
programme of events Our thanks go to Martyn Bond and the LPC. The British Section is actively
assisting our Irish AEJ colleagues in preparing for the 2007 Dublin Congress
and Assembly in November. We are actively involved in World Press Freedom Day event on 3 May
2007 - a debate with high-profile speakers on the motion "World Press
Freedom is in Retreat" at Portcullis House in Westminster, along the
pattern of vigorous debate in 2006 on "Press Freedom and the Danish
Cartoons Row". In 2007 we saw a good number of
new faces at our meetings and new members. Finally, a reminder to members
that the AEJ flourishes when our own members give support by attending,
contributing to our plans, helping with recruitment and, when possible,
contriuting their own time and effort for our common goals. The year saw a significant change
in the line-up of AEJ UK officers. Kevin d'Arcy retired as Executive
Secretary after many years of committed and enthusiastic service. The Section thanks him warmly for all
his past work. He remains an active member. Celia Hampton generously agreed
to perform the duties of Secretary as well as Treasurer of the Section for
much of the past year. Mike Springate agrees to become Treasurer for the year
ahead while Celia continues to serve as Secretary. Thanks to all and all good wishes
for 2007! William Horsley, 10 January 2007 |
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