UMA needs immune, open public opinion, Moroccan official says

The Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) needs an "immune and open" public opinion, and "enthusiastic and cultured" youth aspiring to participate to running public affairs, said Morocco's Communication minister and Spokesman of the government.

Materializing this objective rests on the emergence of "a professional and responsible" press that addresses the Maghreban public via hundredth of television satellite channels with more sophisticated equipment than that currently used by local media, said the Moroccan official, at the opening here Monday of the first Forum of Maghrean Journalists.

Both the public opinion and the Maghreban youth should be "immunized" to meet different media challenges, by way of greater freedom of the press and democracy.

The Media's aim is not only limited to disseminating information but also to shaping trends in public opinion, noting that media have become "an essential partner" in the development process.

Created in May 2001 in Oujda, North-Eastern Morocco, at the initiative of intellectuals, scientists, economists and journalists, "the Maghreban Space" is an NGO that aspires to base Maghreban relations on the needs of sustainable development of the peoples of the region.