Royal tribute to media staff

Manama, May 2 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa congratulated journalists and media persons on the World Press Freedom Day which is celebrated on May 3. In an address marking the occasion, HM the King reiterated respect for the noble role of the press and the rights of journalists to express their opinion freely. He said "freedom of expression has been an anchored principle since the launch of the reform project within political, intellectual and cultural pluralism and the sovereignty of the law." HM the King voiced Bahrain's pride in joining the international press community in celebrating the World Press Freedom Day this year under the theme "Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms - This Is Your Right!" He reiterated support to the press and media freedom, being a basic and inalienable human right as well as a pillar of Bahrain's vibrant democratic experience on the path of reform and sustainable development. "We have been keen since the inauguration of the National Action Charter and the constitutional amendments, which received an unparalleled popular consensus, to foster the principle of transparency and prepare the legislative atmosphere for the free and pluralistic press to exercise its national duty safely, independently, impartially, credibly, objectively and without any restraints." HM the King underscored the need for the press to take into consideration the supreme interest of the nation and citizens, religious and civilisational fundamentals and professional ethics. He voiced confidence in the national media to continue developing in terms of propagation, diversity and power to influence the public opinion. He also stressed the importance of receiving and disclosing news responsibly while relying on competent and creative national staff, a deep-rooted democratic experience, constitutional and legislative guarantees and a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. HM King Hamad praised the efforts of Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) in developing journalism, commending the journalists' keenness on the inauguration of the charters of press and media ethics which enable them to perform their duties transparently and professionally. He pointed out his directives to the Civil Service Bureau and the Housing Ministry to boost the journalists' welfare by according importance to the media organisational chart and speeding up housing services. HM the King commended Bahrain's pioneering democratic experience and the kingdom's ability to build a knowledge-based community and promote the approach of accountability and transparency. He also praised the glorious history of the national press and the predecessors' contribution to developing the media, cultural and intellectual movement. "Bahrain is proud of the availability of a legislative framework guaranteeing freedom of publishing newspapers and publications and their circulation," HM the King said, pointing out security and safety of journalists. "We are proud that our country did not witness the imprisonment of any journalist or the shutting down of any press institution because of exercising the constitutional right of freedom of expression," His Majesty said, calling on regional and international mass media to adhere to the ethics of the profession by committing to credibility, probity and objectivity as well as promoting values of peace, tolerance and moderation.