ANNEX XI
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
ON THE OPENNESS AND ACCESS TO THE CSCE FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS
MENTIONED IN THE VIENNA CONCLUDING DOCUMENT
The practices of openness and access to CSCE meetings based on the relevant provisions of the Final Act and applied by host countries have evolved in a positive way. These practices relate inter alia to access to the host State, to the venue and to open sessions of CSCE meetings for representatives of the media, representatives of non-governmental organizations or religious groups, and private individuals, both nationals and foreigners; unimpeded contacts between delegates or visitors and citizens of the host State; respect for CSCE-related activities, including the holding of peaceful gatherings, and for the freedom of journalists to report without hindrance as well as to pursue their professional activity in conformity with CSCE commitments. In the light of that experience, all participating States understand that Governments of host countries for the CSCE Follow-up Meetings mentioned in the Vienna Concluding Document will follow and build upon these practices as they were most recently applied at the Vienna Meeting.
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