Stress on freedom of press

Participants in the Conference of the International Federation of Press Councils (IFPC) have praised President Hosni Mubarak's emphasis on the importance of the freedom of press.

A statement released Saturday at the end of the first conference of the IFPC said that the gathering furnished an opportunity for holding deliberations and examining papers on issues of the press.

Moustafa Kamal Helmi, Speaker of the Shura Council and Chief of the Higher Press Council, delivered a speech on behalf of President Mubarak.

Foremost among issues discussed were challenges facing the press in the 21st century and rights and responsibilities of the press and press councils.