Freedom of press [Archives:2002/31/Focus]

BY YASER AL-MAYASI
[email protected]
The question of freedom of the press has become one of the most critical issues that concerns everybody all over the world. There are several international NGOs working in this field, reporting the pros and cons, of freedom of the press.
Yemen has recently observed the 24th anniversary of president Salehs assumption of power. During this period, Yemen under president Saleh leadership has realized many remarkable achievements. Security and stability of the country are some of the most precious achievements of the president.
The presidents stance with pressmen and press is a clear indication of his support for freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
The freedom of the press has witnessed considerable improvements on the political arena. What is needed is the journalists freedom in order to report rightly his or her news stories. This can not be achieved unless there is an adherence to rules of a true press. Media in this case should be constructive not destructive.
We have been aware of some complaints addressed to the presidential office by some citizens. What we see is that those complaints have been positively responded to and welcomed by the president himself. Unfortunately, some senior officials do not bother themselves to respond to complaints raised by the citizens that are published in local newspapers. Such an attitude indicates their non-respect of press and simplest principles of democracy.
There is no need for decision-makers to be annoyed of the constructive criticism. This has been done with a view of correcting mistakes committed at their institutions and are not meant for personal reasons. Man is an integral part of media; both of them are complementary to each other. Preserving the freedom of the press is the responsibility that should be shouldered by all.

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