Speaking at the opening of a workshop on legal protection for Iraqi media and journalists, Muasher said a draft press and publications law and another on the right of journalists to have access to information would be referred to Parliament for endorsement.

Muasher said the government has also worked out a set of measures designed to secure independence for the official media in Jordan.

He said the process of media liberalisation does not end with the endorsement of a mere legislation, but should be accompanied by practical steps to bring about a tangible change on the ground.

“Government officials are not accustomed to accepting criticism by journalists and therefore criticism should be constructive to become palatable,” Muasher told the delegates.

The Arab world, including Iraq and Jordan, have a long way to go towards achieving a free and responsible media, Muasher said.

His views were echoed by UNESCO Representative in Iraq Mohammad Dajleed, who said Iraq was going through difficult circumstances and journalists need to play a key role in Iraq's reconstruction process and in strengthening Iraqi-Jordanian relations.

A total of 50 journalists from Iraq and Jordan are attending the weeklong workshop, organised by the Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists in conjunction with UNESCO.