Arab Journalists ask governments to increse press freedom

The Federation of Arab Journalists stated that the press in the Arab states suffers political, legal and administrative harassment that obstructs its performance.

The federation said in a statement issued on the anniversary of the international day for press liberty which was ratified by United Nations on Monday and the anniversary of the Arab press which coincides with May 6 every year that this harassment cannot be expected because it goes against historical trends and as it is hostile to the prevailing democratic development all over the world.

The statement said the press is passing through an important stage in its development and is making achievements in the fields of financial, artistic and technical development.

The statement stressed the importance of removing legislative and administrative restrictions as well as of lifting the political and ideological obstacles off the press' shoulders as well as reporters who it said proved in all circumstances that they are the first defenders of principles and national interests reaching to self-sacrifice in order to realize liberty and responsibility.