Jordan Times
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Monarch says training conduit
to better media performance
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the importance of
the media in carrying out its role professionally.
Speaking to the chief editors of the country's six dailies, the King pointed to
training as a conduit to better performance of the press corps.
He highlighted the principles of good journalism, saying objectivity and
accuracy must be the guiding rules.
King Abdullah reiterated that the country's national interests should be a
priority of its coverage of current events. He added that the media should
strive to express the conscience of the country and reflect the needs and
aspirations of its citizens.
In that vein, he said, the media has a significant role to play in educating the
public, particularly the youth, on their civic duty to participate actively in
the political, economic and social development of the Kingdom.
He said the march towards progress and development is greatly aided when the
media takes genuine responsibility to draw attention to the value of creative
thought, the fundamental necessity for a solid work ethics, and the merit of a
cohesive society working in harmony towards the country's goals.
Addressing developments in the Palestinian territories, King Abdullah reiterated
Jordan's commitment to advancing the peace process that aims to achieve a just
and comprehensive peace.
He said the international community needs to intensify its efforts in this
arena. King Abdullah urged Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations
and commit themselves to implementing the roadmap for peace, which stipulates
the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Turning to the situation in Iraq, the King again stated Jordan's commitment to
the neighbouring country's territorial integrity and the need to achieve
security and stability there.
“We support the Iraqi government's efforts to end the present state of chaos and
violence and eventually prepare the ground for building a strong and united
Iraq,” King Abdullah said.
On the domestic front, the King said a top priority remains sustainable
development. He said this goal will be achieved through reform programmes that
address poverty and unemployment, and are designed to improve citizens' living
conditions.
He expressed confidence that related programmes and projects currently under
implementation will achieve these goals, and will lead to the achievement of the
Kingdom's aspirations for a modern, democratic and moderate Jordan.
He called for the full participation of citizens and civil society organisations
in working diligently to achieve the country's objectives.
The meeting was attended by Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai.