OANA’s active presence, big step toward breaking media monopoly: Culture Min.

Tehran, IRNA – Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili highlighted on Tuesday the important role of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and said the active presence of independent media and news is a big step towards breaking media monopoly. Media monopoly tries to change the truth and divert public opinions, Esmaili said this morning in a meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi which was also attended by the participants in the OANA General Assembly meeting in Tehran. The Islamic Republic of Iran during the past four decades has been a pioneer in justice and media freedom despite the poisonous media atmosphere imposed by world powers including US imperialism, the minister noted. He further said that the world today is facing media terrorism which is after distorting the truth. So, the convergence of independent media is necessary to stand against such moves, he added. Referring to the rotating presidency over OANA which is to be presented to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) during the General Assembly meeting in Tehran, the culture minister said the Islamic Republic will take this opportunity to be the voice of the oppressed worldwide. The 18th meeting of the OANA General Assembly began in the Iranian capital on Monday (October 24) with participation of Managing Director of IRNA Ali Naderi and with a speech made by the culture minister. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish