Jordan Times
Monday, November 14, 2005
Media has role in combating terrorism — King
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Sunday said the media has a central role to play in combating terrorism.
The Monarch made the remarks on the final day of the International Conference of
News Agencies held in Amman.
The King said that media outlets have an important role to play in fighting
extremism and challenging those who promote the clash of civilisations theory.
The two-day event brought together heads of international and regional news
agencies and media institutions. Delegates said their determination to press
ahead with the conference as scheduled was taken in order to show solidarity
with the Kingdom's people and leadership through the current hardship.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Adnan Badran, who also met with media delegations,
said that terrorists must not have the chance to utilise the media to promote
their ideas.
He also said that the determination of the participating delegations to attend
the conference is an indication that the international community is standing by
the Kingdom in the face of terrorism.
Participants at the international conference, held under the patronage of King
Abdullah, discussed the reality of news agencies' work worldwide and the
possibilities of enhancing cooperation between them to upgrade the quality of
services.
They also discussed ways to improve journalists' skills, and provide support and
consultations for news agencies, highlighting the need to hold workshops to
develop the techniques of editing and photography.
Local participants at the event included Higher Media Council President Ibrahim
Izzedine and editors-in-chief of local newspapers.