ARLA/CLUSTER: Petição parlamentar contra o fim da Radio Netherlands Worldwide

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

 The importance of Radio Netherlands Worldwide to the Netherlands as a
trading nation

Petition to members of the Dutch Parliament

We, the signatories to this petition, would like you to consider the
following when deciding the future of Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

The Netherlands is one of the world's most important exporting
countries and trading nations with a good international reputation in
many fields of expertise. This 'image of the Netherlands' is partly
the result of many years of external profiling, in which Radio
Netherlands Worldwide has played a key role.

Many businesses focus their activities on markets outside the
Netherlands. Dutch companies have local production units all over the
world. Its strategic location makes the Netherlands a good base for
foreign enterprise.

These are foreign companies which invest in the Netherlands and which
have built up relations with local businesses - especially in the
small and medium-sized sector.

The image of the Netherlands abroad is vital for its competitive
position. This image is partly determined by the government's official
foreign policy.

However, Dutch companies, universities, the creative sector, NGOs,
football clubs all contribute to the reputation of the Netherlands.
Part of the brief of Radio Netherlands Worldwide is to propagate a
balanced and well-informed image of all such activities.

In addition, the Netherlands is committed to reinforcing democratic
values throughout the world and providing global solutions. This is in
the country's own interests. As a strong, internationally oriented
trading nation, the Netherlands benefits from economic and social
stability in other countries. Social responsibility in business is not
just an advertising slogan, but a basic condition for perpetuating the
Netherlands' strong position in the global market. Radio Netherlands
Worldwide helps do this.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide informs people throughout the world on
issues which matter and which are well-known Dutch themes (such as
human rights and international justice and euthanasia ), about sectors
in which the Dutch command expertise and about Dutch innovations which
contribute to resolving global problems. This is done on a wide range
of platforms (internet, radio, television, satellite, mobile
platforms) and in local languages.

Radio Netherlands spreads Dutch values: freedom of speech and press
freedom, as well as freedom of religion, freedom of sexual orientation
and equal rights for women.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide has the knowledge and know-how to provide
the Dutch civil and business sector with information about other
countries and from other countries, through its wide range of
international networks and sources.

Soon you will be deciding on the (future) funding of Radio Netherlands
Worldwide. We believe that this decision could affect the
international profile of the Netherlands. You will be asked to approve
cuts to the tune of millions of euros, but we fear the bill could
ultimately be footed by 'the Netherlands plc'.

We are urging you to bear in mind the important role Radio Netherlands
Worldwide plays in influencing opinion and in propagating a strong and
well-balanced image of the Netherlands abroad.

Sign the petition at http://www.radionetherlands4u.nl/en


Fonte:  Mike Terry