Unified Arab media strategy urged

Cairo, May 25 (BNA): The Arab information ministers council endorsed Bahrain's proposal to block satellite channels which incite on hatred and terrorism. Under the proposal, a committee made up of media experts would be set up to assess the commitment of these channels and take necessary measures to ensure neutrality and stave off defamatory campaigns. The move was announced as Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi chaired the 47th pan-Arab meeting in Cairo, Egypt. He conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to the Arab Information Ministers for their dedicated efforts to bolster joint Arab media work. He welcomed the Arab accord on the commitment of the mass media to international covenants, particularly the Arab Media Code. He stressed the importance of heeding accuracy, probity and objectivity, respecting Arab dignity and national sovereignty, strengthening tolerance and fraternity, renouncing discrimination and bigotry and criminalizing incitement on violence, extremism and terrorism. Al-Rumaihi called for a unified Arab media strategy to protect the pan-Arab national security, protect the vital interest of Arab states, preserve their unity, independence and territorial integrity and protect their cultural identity. He urged the implementation of the pan-Arab media strategy on combating terrorism and condemning this trans-border scourge in all its forms and regardless of its motives, stressing the need to promote authentic religious values which advocate tolerance, moderation and peaceful co-existence. The minister expressed Bahrain's pride in taking part in the Saudi-led Arab and Islamic Alliance to protect the Arab security and Islamic unity, combat terrorist and extremist groups and confront blatant Iranian interference in the internal affairs of several countries in the region, including the Kingdom of Bahrain. He underlined Iranian detrimental role in subverting regional security and stability, inciting on sectarian strife and supporting terrorist groups, which contravenes international covenants and the principles of good neighbourliness. He underscored the importance of channeling the Arab media to play an instrumental role in supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting gender equality, empowering women and improved their media image. He warned against security and economic challenges and political unrest, stressing then to support the Palestinian cause, protect Al-Quds, and defend the Palestinian people's inalienable right to establish its independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. He reiterated Bahrain's firm keenness on strengthening coordination and partnership with member states to bolster pan-Arab complementarity, underlining the pivotal role of the media in enhancing awareness, supporting development and culture, protecting Arab culture and identity and project its positive whether internally or in the world. He urged technical and legislative to block the satellite channels which incite on religious hatred, sectarianism, extremism and terrorism, stressing the need to file complaints with international organisation against some regional and foreign channels that fuel strife and show hostility to Arab states.