Posted: 3/6/2000 10:31:23 AM

By: @ dynasite.com

This was the declaration that I referred to in my previous post. Please note that this is a translation.

************************************

Panama Journalist’s Union


RESOLUTION

The Journalists’ Union of Panama, exercising its legitimate rights and concerned with the critical situation currently affecting journalism in the country, appeals to the community at large for agreement on the criteria that should be used to regulate ethical journalism and in so doing, promote the improvement of the Panamanian nation.

CONSIDERATIONS

1. That on repeated occasions, as indicated in the accusations brought forth on July 15, 1999 by journalists of the Diario La Prensa, Gustavo Gorriti manipulated the information and content of articles written by journalists of that newspaper.

2. That the current directors of the Diario La Prensa, who proclaim themselves to be defenders of the rule of law, violated Laws 67 and 11, that regulate professional journalism in Panama and specifically forbid a foreign citizen from directing any
Media activity in the country.

3. That the writing and editorial staff of the Diario La Prensa has been experiencing a reign of terror under Gustavo Gorriti since his designation as Joint Director.

4. That Gustavo Gorriti has played with and tarnished the dignity and honor of many Panamanians through publications in the Diario La Prensa, without sufficient proof to support his allegations.

5. That demonstrating a total lack of responsibility, the directors of the Diario La Prensa have proceeded to transfer assets out of La Prensa to other companies in order to protect themselves from multi-million dollar law suits directed against La Prensa based on the defamatory and biased articles they have published.

6. That Gustavo Gorriti, in flagrant disregard for local journalists, disrespected the current directors of the National Press Association for having publicly expressed their concerns over his activities.

7. That in Havana, Cuba, the Latin-American Press Federation recently made public their disagreement with the journalistic activity of Gustavo Gorriti in Panama.
IN FAVOR OF FREE JOURNALISM IN A FREE NATION…
WE RESOLVE

1. To declare Gustavo Gorriti Persona Non Grata in the press community of this country because of his abhorrent practices which deeply affect the image of the country.

2. To energetically condemn Gustavo Gorriti for his journalistic malpractice in Panama and promotion of irresponsible jou
lajdslk
dfsdfs
sdfsdfsdfsdfsdf