CONCLUDING DOCUMENT OF THE MADRID MEETING CSCE, 1983
(extracts)
Co-operation in Humanitarian and Other Fields
Information:
The participating States will further encourage the freer and wider dissemination of printed matter, periodical and non-periodical, imported from other participating States, as well as an increase in the number of places where
these publications are on public sale. These publications win also be accessible in reading rooms in large public libraries and similar institutions.
In particular, to facilitate the improvement of dissemination of printed information, the participating States will encourage contacts and negotiations between their competent firms and organizations with a view to concluding long-term agreements and contracts designed to increase the quantities and number of titles of newspapers and other publications
imported from other participating States. They consider it desirable that the retail prices of foreign publications are not excessive in relation to prices in their country of origin.
They confirm their intention, according to the relevant provisions of the Final Act, to further extend the possibilities for the public to take out subscriptions.
They will favor the further expansion of co-operation among mass media and their representatives, especially between the editorial staffs of press agencies, newspapers, radio and television organizations as well as film companies. They will encourage a more regular exchange of news, articles, supplements and broadcasts as well as the exchange of editorial staff for better knowledge of respective practices. On the basis of reciprocity, they will improve the material and technical facilities provided for permanently or temporarily accredited television and radio reporters. Moreover,
they will facilitate direct contacts among journalists as well as contacts within the framework of professional organizations.
They will decide without undue delay upon visa applications from journalists and re-examine within a reasonable time frame applications which have been refused. Moreover, journalists wishing to travel for personal reasons and not for the purpose of reporting shall enjoy the same treatment as other visitors from their country of origin.
They will grant permanent correspondents and members of their families living with them multiple entry and exit visas valid for one year.
The participating States will examine the possibility of granting, where necessary on the basis of bilateral arrangements, accreditation and related facilities to journalists from other participating States who are permanently
accredited in third countries.
They will facilitate travel by journalists from other participating States within their territories, inter alia by taking concrete measures where necessary, to afford them opportunities to travel more extensively, with the exception of areas closed for security reasons. They will inform journalists in advance, whenever possible, if new areas are closed for security
reasons.
They will further increase the possibilities and, when necessary, improve the conditions for journalists from other participating States to establish and maintain personal contacts and communication with their sources.
They will, as a rule, authorize radio and television journalists, at their request, to be accompanied by their own sound and film technicians and to use their own equipment.
Similarly, journalists may carry with them reference material, including personal notes and files, to be used strictly for their professional purposes.
The participating States will, where necessary, facilitate the establishment and operation, in their capitals, of press centers or institutions performing the same functions, open to the national and foreign press with suitable working facilities for the latter.
They will also consider further ways and means to assist journalists from other participating States and thus to enable them to resolve practical problems they may encounter.
