pa rt II Civil and Political Rights (26.1) They consider that the print and broadcast media in their territory should enjoy unrestricted access to foreign news and information services. The public will enjoy similar freedom to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority regardless of frontiers, including through foreign publications and foreign broadcasts. Any restriction in the exercise of this right will be prescribed by law and in accordance with international standards. (26.2) The participating States will not discriminate against independent media with respect to affording access to information, material and facilities. (…) (28.9) The participating States will endeavour to maintain freedom of expression and freedom of information, consistent with their international obligations and commitments, with a view to enabling public discussion on the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as on the lifting of the state of public emergency. They will, in conformity with international standards regarding the freedom of expression, take no measures aimed at barring journalists from the legitimate exercise of their profession other than those strictly required by the exigencies of the situation. (…) (34) The participating States will adopt, where appropriate, all feasible measures to protect journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions, particularly in cases of armed conflict, and will co-operate to that effect. These measures will include tracing mission journalists, ascertaining their fate, providing appropriate assistance and facilitating their return to their families. Budapest 1994 (Decisions: VIII. The Human Dimension) 36. The participating States reaffirm that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a basic component of a democratic society. In this respect, independent and pluralistic media are essential to a free and open society and accountable systems of government. They take as their guiding principle that they will safeguard this right. 37. They condemn all attacks on and harassment of journalists and will endeavour to hold those directly responsible for such attacks and harassment accountable. 38. They further note that fomenting hatred and ethnic tension through the media, especially by governments, can serve as an early warning of conflict. Lisbon 1996 (Summit Declaration) 9. (...) Among the acute problems within the human dimension, the continuing violations of human rights, such as (...) threats to independent media (…) continue to endanger stability in the OSCE region. We are committed to continuing to address these problems. (…) OSCE Human Dimension Commitments 119