Moroccan minister says freedom of expression is major problem facing journalism in the Arab states
Regional-Morocco, Politics, 3/26/1999

Moroccan minister of territory development, environment, town planning and housing and head of leftist daily "Liberation," Ahmed El Yazghi, said the major problem facing journalism in the Arab world is the lack of freedom of expression.

The minister, who took part in a colloquy held in Beirut on "what press for which Arabs... tomorrow," in his capacity as head of a daily, said the Arab press also suffers from lack of professionalism. He went on that media which are close to governments are unable to achieve development goals sought by citizens.

"Censorship, strangled freedom and disputes between Arabs are also preventing the press from endeavoring to serve Arab causes and fulfill its role of awareness-promotion and limiting them to government-controlled mouthpieces of propaganda," he deplored.

El Yazghi also drew a comparison with democratic countries where the media act as a counter-power and a lobby influencing decision-making, criticizing the government actions, and promoting public awareness.

Turning to the Moroccan case, he said most of the press belonged to political parties and as such centered its action against censorship which was eventually lifted in 1977 when freedoms in Morocco expanded. He also cited the amnesty granted in 1994 to all political prisoners and exiled persons.

In addition, said El Yazghi, the government appointed one year ago has set on top of its priorities deepening democratic practices and reforms to lead to sound elections in addition to the decision to teaching human rights in schools.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco enjoys largest press freedom in Arab world, union says   (2/12/1999)
  Arab Journalists Union to discuss Arab developments tomorrow   (2/8/1999)
  Rights and liberties in Arab world discussed in symposium on human rights   (12/17/1998)

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