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Manama: Bahrain on Saturday paid rich tribute to the freedom of the press amid official pledges of a new enlightened law and journalists' expectations of a more tolerant and open culture towards the media.
"Media is a cornerstone of the nation's reforms process and our celebration of a free and responsible press reflects Bahrain's spirit of freedom and openness and our commitment that freedom of expression will be protected by the constitution and law," King Hamad said in a message to mark the World Press Freedom Day.
"Our aim is to have a press that advocates values and ethics, stimulates development and assumes responsibilities as a national partner while being a voice of peace and wise dialogue," the King said.
Bahrain plans to enhance the legislation governing journalism in order to provide journalists with greater safety and freedom, he said.
Hosting a reception for all Bahrain-based journalists, information minister Jihad Bu Kamal said that a free press "is an essential human right, a foundation of democratic and tolerant societies, and a critical element in the lives of people and the success of nations."
"Bahrain's commitment to a free press remains strong and unwavering, based on a profound belief in the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere that empowers the press to contribute extensively to a durable and sustainable development," said Bu Kamal who was given the portfolio in September.
Bahrain Journalists Association used the occasion to launch "Journalists Against Sectarianism", a charter that pledged to resist all forms of sectarianism in the media.
"We pledge to reject any media or press article or report with sectarian tones or messages or targeting religious freedoms," said one clause in the charter.
"We stress our commitment to respect professional and ethical frameworks in our work and to fully assume our responsibilities towards the values of democracy, freedom and justice," said another.
The eight-point charter was signed by more than 200 journalists in the first three hours, Eisa Al Shayji, the chairman of the Bahrain Journalists Association, told Gulf News. "We will display it all day long at the association premises so that other journalists have the opportunity to sign it," he said.
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