International science and cultural agency UNESCO has warmly welcomed a formal recommendation announced earlier this month, to enshrine the principles of free speech and free media in the new Afghan constitution. Contained in a declaration adopted by some 120 participants at a recent international seminar to promote pluralistic media held in Kabul, the articles on legal issues recommend that ‘that the fundamental right of free speech and free media be included in the new constitution’ and that a review of the legal system begin immediately so as ‘to promote freedom of expression, protect the rights of journalists, and guarantee their freedom to do their work in safety, including publishing critical reports and opinions.’ Other recommendations include: allowing anyone to publish; the development of laws enabling public access to information, and the development of a public broadcaster from the existing Radio-Television Afghanistan. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Abdul Waheed Khan, commented: ‘UNESCO is prepared to provide expertise and whatever help it can to assist the Afghan authorities in ensuring press freedom, allowing for the development of independent pluralistic media, and transforming the national broadcaster and news agency into editorially independent entities.’