Islamic Information Ministers' Conference Begins In Libreville

From ZURIATI ZULMI LIBREVILLE (Gabon), April 18 (Bernama) -- Islamic information and its role in promoting dialogue and correcting the erroneous image associated with Islam will feature at the Ninth Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers (ICIM) which kicked off here Tuesday. The organisers said discussions may also focus on the restructuring of the International Islamic News Agency and the Islamic Broadcasting Union as well as the possibility of launching an Islamic television channel. Ministers gathered in Gabon's capital are likely to touch on what is described as external media action through the development of a comprehensive information plan with inputs from member states and groups of ambassadors in key capitals around the world. Gabon, located in west central Africa, is hosting the conference for the first time which runs until April 20. Another likely subject to be taken up at the Libreville conference is a proposal to craft an information programme to highlight the position and role of the African continent within the Muslim world. In addition, conference attendees may also take a closer look at the role of information in supporting the Palestinian cause. Meanwhile, Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba said the conference had specific agendas that would be important to highlight. He described Gabon as being in the heart of Africa and a country with rich history, diverse culture and human wealth. "It's a receptive land with sincerity and acceptance towards the entire Muslim world," he said in remarks published ahead of the conference. -- BERNAMA