Louis O'Neill

As Ambassador to Moldova for the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), Louis O'Neill has placed particular emphasis on protecting all Moldovan's rights to freedom of expression and conscience. On both right-bank and left-bank Moldova, Ambassador O'Neill's efforts have made a difference in advancing OSCE core values.

When an alternative radio news network, "Antena-C" shut down in December of 2006 ostensibly due to "technical problems," in the middle of a live debate, Ambassador Louis O'Neill stood up for the OSCE's commitment to freedom of expression. "I urge all those involved to ensure that Antena-C gets back on the air without further delay and guarantee that the station can offer its listeners comprehensive and balanced programming that respects the principles of pluralism and freedom of expression," he said.

These sentiments were echoed four months later when more issues cropped up regarding the freedom of the Moldovan press. "Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the media are fundamental to a functioning democracy. Any limitations on these rights in a democratic society should be clearly prescribed by law," said Ambassador Louis O'Neill.

On the cultural side, Louis O'Neill ensured that the OSCE Mission to Moldova supported "Vadul Lui Woodstock," a music festival held in August of 2007 that was themed "Music for Peace." In public remarks, Ambassador Louis O'Neill stated his hopes for the festival and its potential impact on the people of Moldova: "The OSCE Mission is particularly sensitive to initiatives that use cultural tools to establish connections between Moldova's citizens - that's why we've supported this festival for the last two years." He added that: "Another of these tools is a joint exhibition of three painters from Transnistria, which we are currently hosting on the Mission premises, as part of our ongoing exhibitions that feature Moldovan artists." The inclusion of a Transnistrian artist was significant in this case due to Transnistria's current status as a break-away region of Moldova whose sovereignty is not recognized by any country on earth.

In addition to OSCE-sponsored music festivals and art exhibits, Ambassador O'Neill has integrated a photography contest into Moldova's cultural calendar. "This event gives photographers from Moldova a unique opportunity to share their views and talents, and will raise the visibility of documentary photography in Moldova," Louis O'Neill said when speaking of the contest. "This event combines our tradition of holding monthly arts exhibitions with our day-to-day work in the media field."