Nicosia, Cyprus. The Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ) said reporters seeking accreditation for Cyprus’ EU presidency must present a press card issued by the state and cannot use the UCJ card instead. The UCJ said the authorities have not yet responded to representations on the issue.
UCJ complaint and European Journalists Association involvement
The UCJ said it informed the European Journalists Association (EJ), which made a representation to the authorities on February 12, but the state has yet to answer.
The EJ called on the government to recognise the UCJ press card in all documents and procedures related to media accreditation for the Cyprus EU presidency and to ensure that no reporter would be disadvantaged or excluded for not bearing a press card issued by the Press and Information Office.
Correspondence with ministries
The UCJ said it raised the issue with the deputy ministry for European affairs in letters dated January 13 and January 27, and was referred to the interior ministry, which deals with media issues.
Foreign journalists’ accreditation
The UCJ said foreign journalists received accreditation by presenting press cards issued by the press unions of their country.
Have you been affected by the press card requirements for accreditation related to Cyprus’ EU presidency?
