الاتحاد الكاثوليكي العالمي للصحافة- لبنان اوسيب – لبنان
Antelias, July 6th, 2007
The Catholic International Union of the Press in Lebanon (UCIPLIBAN) had convened on July 6, 2007 and discussed recent media matters and issued a memorandum:
1- Some media institutions and journalists have become committed "combatants" to party and ethnic matters and adopted an extreme address that resulted in subjective and imbalanced news reporting. This has also been projected on Lebanese unity of society.
The most dangerous matter is their ignorance of the danger of this approach and its destructive effects, especially when they foment criminality and provocation in their masses.
2- A phenomenon of a broad mass hostile feeling has emerged against some media means and considered as taking miles in the running struggle. This resulted in obstruction of media coverage and caused fear of showing their institutions names, as has happened to Al-JAzeera TV channel.
3- The issue of NTV journalist Miriam Al Bassam is a blatant example and confirms the need for a respected media, because the Lebanese press has always been a pioneer in spreading Lebanese and Arab public opinion and culture
4- The union categorically rejects all forms of insinuation to any journalist and appeals the ascension of Lebanese media towards the highest national interest and adopts a rational address that renounces separation and segregation which leads to a peaceful society founded on democracy diversity of opinion, and the respect for the other. This world leads to building a culture of peace, and life rather than death and violence
5- The Union lauded the military institution which is the guarantee for Lebanese constitution and laws, and the Union confirms necessity to defend this institution for maintaining national unity and sovereignty. The Lebanese army has committed to provide journalists security and respect for freedom of expression and speech
6- The Union bureau has evaluated results of the General international conference, "Media means and Religion: Danger or Affirmative" which convened in Canada.Father Tony Khadra, head of Lebanese envoy to this conference explained the various approaches of media means role in a diverse society and also the results conferees agreed upon.
A decision has been taken to issue a bulletin, in this context, to publish the conference contents and results for Lebanese media and those of concern.
Traduced by: Dr. Saad Atallah
