Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi chaired today the opening session of the 48th meeting of the Arab Information Ministers Council which convened in Cairo. Addressing the ministers, he described surging violence and terrorism as the first enemy to development and a major danger to the nation. He pointed out the need for the Arab media institutions to work together to face those challenges.
Al Romaihi conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his appreciation of the dedicated efforts of the Information Ministers to promote joint Arab media work. He said Bahrain is the most affected Arab country by tendentious information and the spread of satellite channels that do not comply with legal and moral regulations, like Qatari channel Al-Jazeera.
The minister affirmed the need to start taking serious measures against those channels inciting sedition and threatening people’s security and stability. He also denounced undermining the nation’s sanctities and peoples’ security and stability under the pretext of freedom of expression, condemning targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-the symbol of Islamic faith and Arab identity.

Al Romaihi thanked Egypt for the good welcome and hospitality, lauding its contribution to hosting such periodic meetings in cooperation with the Arab League Secretariat General and wishing Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit every success in serving common interests. He called on the Arab media institutions to assume their national and moral responsibilities in fighting all forms of terrorism and drying up its media and ideological sources according to a unified Arab media strategy that promotes the spirit of co-existence, tolerance and moderation as well as renunciation of discourse inciting hatred, religious sedition, sectarianism and conflict between the Arab peoples.

Al Romaihi asserted that Bahrain has so far been one of the most affected countries by the practices by Qatari Al-Jazeera network and other channels owned by or affiliated to Iran due to their hostile agenda which are alien to the principles of Islamic fraternity and good neighbourliness. He said that more than 900 negative reports were issued about Bahrain in a systematic targeting of the kingdom.
He condemned the systematic method of those channels to shake Bahrain’s security and stability and undermine its unity and national identity by distorting the truth, spreading rumours and fallacies and supporting terrorist organisations.

The minister warned of blurring lines to confuse people, stressing the need to join hands for the sake of Arab national security. He urged to take serious steps against mass media inciting sedition, violence, extremism and terrorism, describing that as the need of the hour.
He also emphasised the need to commit to accuracy, objectivity and credibility in disclosing news, pointing out the importance to take action against any disrespect of people’s dignity, national sovereignty as well as Arab and international media and human rights covenants. He expressed confidence the session would come up with resolutions backing Arab media integration, just regional and international issues, including mainly the Palestinian cause and the right of the Arab nation to security, peace and sustainable growth.

Al Romaihi handed over the presidency of the 48th session to Tunisia’ Minister of Relations with Constitutional Bodies, Civil Society and Human Rights, Mehdi Ben Gharbia.

Source: Fana News