Iraq takes part in GCSP conference in Switzerland

INA-  BAGHDAD

 
Communications and Media Commission CMC confirmed on Sunday that the government has shown exceptional interest in media freedom and providing facilities for journalistic work.
 
In a speech at the conference held by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy GCSP in Switzerland, and received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Head of CMC, Ali Al-Moayyed, said that "The Iraqi government, represented by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, has shown exceptional interest in media freedom and providing all the necessary facilities for journalistic work in Iraq, believing in the important roles of media institutions in the process of construction and development."
 
"Iraq continues to spread a culture of tolerance, spread freedoms and adhere to lofty democratic principles," he said, praising "the Iraqi media and their great sacrifices in promoting democracy, combating terrorism and achieving societal harmony".
 
Al-Moayyed reviewed the development in media freedoms after the fall of the dictatorial regime in 2003, noting that "the number of media institutions increased to more than 300 radio and television institutions and media offices, compared to a very small number of institutions during the former regime, which were all linked to the ruler at the time."
 
He pointed to "the agreements and understandings with state institutions to support media freedom in the country, and the great cooperation of the Supreme Judicial Council represented by its Head, Dr. Faiq Zaidan, and issuing a number of directives within the framework of providing safe environments for journalists to work and practice their work freely in accordance with the Iraqi constitution.
 
The Head of CMC explained the important role played by the Iraqi media in promoting civil participation, integrity, the rule of the state and the law, as well as supporting human development through a number of coordination initiatives adopted by CMC between the media on the one hand and official institutions on the other.