The OSCE'S representative for media freedom has lashed out at Ukrainian president-elect Petro Poroshenko for his plans to retain ownership of his television station while selling other assets.
Dunja Mijatovic, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's media freedom representative, said in a Twitter message Monday that Poroshenko's decision to keep hold of his Channel Five television station was "not good."
"TV should be the first asset Poroshenko should sell as President of #Ukraine," she said on her blog.
Billionaire Poroshenko who soared to a commanding victory in Ukraine's presidential election said Monday that he would demonstrate his commitment to "serving the people," instead of increasing his personal wealth, by selling his main assets — including the Roshen chocolate company — but would keep hold of the television station.
Describing his reasons for retaining Channel Five, Poroshenko said it "has never been sold and will not be sold," Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Poroshenko also said the country's free press had played a crucial role in the public protests that had ousted Ukraine's previous administration.
See also:
Poroshenko Claims Victory in Ukrainian Presidential Elections
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