Quest for independent press in Russia

"We recognise how difficult this path is, and how much work needs to be done, but we are making progress," he says.

"Millions of people read newspapers every day in Russia and there is freedom of expression," he says. "We are seeking to establish independent press, we are dealing with our history over the last 70 years. What this means is that, when we are setting up civil society, we need an independent press, but it will take time."

What is needed, he said, was professional management, social responsibility, and a press that appealed to readers and to advertisers.

For more on the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) congress held in Moscow this year or the World Editor's Forum, go to www.moscow2006.com and www.editorsweblog.org.