On December 9-10 in Gudauri (Georgia) a founding conference titled International Association of Journalists "South Caucasus” was held, where media and journalistic associations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Mountainous Karabagh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia were represented. The conference was organized under the auspices of OSCE Mission in Georgia with the financial support of the Government of Sweden.
The Association, as it was mentioned in the Declaration adopted, is a non-governmental organization, unifying journalists, publishers, and representatives of journalistic associations who strive to strengthen the peace, co-operation and stability in the region. The document stipulates also the aims of the Association: to assist the regional integration, synchronization of the democratic processes and the establishment of civil society; contribute to the development of free democratic media in the region, creation of conditions for social and legal protection of journalists; assist the creative growth, strengthen the professional solidarity of journalists.
The Declaration was signed by all 36 participants of the conference. An organizing committee of the Association was elected – one representative from each party and a consulting lawyer. The committee will prepare the charter and other registration documents of the organization. This governing body will make consensus-based decisions.
The International Association of Journalists "South Caucasus” is expected to be registered in the beginning of year 2001 in one of the European countries.
