Speaker: Press among royal reform project pillars

Manama, May 7 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, has stressed that the Bahraini press is one of the key pillars of the Reform Project spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. She said that the royal initiative to allocate a special day to honour the Bahraini press affirms HM the King’s interest in the national press so as to continue its progress, in light of the atmosphere of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as responsible word, and play its role in cementing national unity and maintaining the cohesion of the kingdom’s solid social fabric. The speaker expressed sincere congratulations to the press personnel across the kingdom, marking the Bahrain Press Day, which falls on May 7 every year. She stressed that it is an opportunity to recall the role played by the Bahraini press throughout its long march, citing its efforts to support the comprehensive development process, reflect reality with credibility and responsibility, being a real mirror and an effective partner in the national achievements, and contribute to developing work in various state departments, out of its keenness on achieving public interest, and belief in the honour and code of the journalism profession. Zainal added that the Council of Representatives would continue supporting national press and media work through approving an enlightened and modern press law, in accordance with the directives of HM King Hamad and through cooperation with the government. The speaker pointed out that the rapidly unfolding developments and challenges in the region require concerted national efforts to strengthen belonging to the nation, consolidate citizenship values and abide by the law, adding that the law supports the freedom of opinion and expression, in addition to responsible word, as the best means to achieve the all-inclusive Bahraini identity and responsible media discourse to strengthen national unity. She affirmed that the responsible freedom of opinion and expression is an inherent right confirmed by the National Action Charter and guaranteed by the Constitution, and is among the deep-rooted fundamentals to which the national press in Bahrain is always committee while assuming its patriotic duties with “distinction, creativity and responsibility.” On the same occasion, the speaker lauded the role played by the Bahrain Journalists’ Association (BJA) to develop the press profession, wishing everyone further success.