Afghanistan Journalists Federation (including 9 journalists union supporter), Ministry of Culture and Information,UNAMA, UNESCO and UNDP, celebrated the World Press Freedom
Day in the hotel Inter Continental today morning in Kabul,At this meeting, a number of journalists from different provinces, foreign journalists and representatives of the diplomatic community in Kabul, were also invited.
The meeting participants emphasized the freedom of speech, the greatest achievement in the last decade in the country, problems, obstacles and challenges to be meet and extend free speech concern.
Din Muhammad Rashdi, Deputy minister of Information and Culture at the meeting, said: "Freedom is the natural right of man, and no institution has the right to fore do his thoughts on the freedom of others or to impose their interpretation on others," At the meeting the UN Secretary General's message has been read on which the international community support for the development of freedom of expression and free media in Afghanistan was assured.Afghanistan Journalists Union say this is the first time that the various corporate sponsors and media reporters in perfect harmony to celebrate this day, and their commitment to work together to defend the values of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression.
Faheem Dashty, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Afghanistan's National Journalists Union and Board member of Afghanistan Journalists Federation, said: "This is the first significant move of Journalists Federation of Afghanistan. we will attempt to work through to accomplish major tasks, and with the approaching of 2014 presidential elections and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country, it is expected that the challenges, threats, risks and barriers to work in the media will increase".
He adds: "The joint efforts of journalists and media institutions is needed,and the good news is that these challenges and risks, by working closely with these institutions will be gathered and the outcome will be reached. Seediqullah Tawhidi, Head of Afghanistan Media watch and the board member Afghanistan Journalists said in his speech:"Ministry of Information and Culture is working with rumor and conspiracy against Afghanistan Journalists Federation to Take our cooperation forward، But anyone who thinks ,that we leave and watch it's a dream that will not come true .
Other participants in the meeting emphasized on the need for cooperation and trade institutions Feedback and support stressed media and journalists.
Hilay Ershad, Head of cultural , religion, education and higher education affairs commission of AFG parliament ensured that any law regarding to media activities without consultation with journalists and media professionals will not be approved. Noting the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Information and Culture on several media law She said : " We have invited representatives of Journalists prior to the debate on this amendment, we will consult with them to ensure that These modifications will not lead to restrictions on the media and journalists. "
