Minister of Information, Melhem Riachy, on Friday renewed promises to guard freedoms in Lebanon, maintaining that he is working on turning his Ministry into an institution for communication and dialogue.
“This is a crucial project aimed to remain abreast and to find connection between people and the state,” Riachy told a meeting organized by NDU, on the reality of media in Lebanon and the role of the Ministry of Information in that respect.
“The Ministry of Information is now a preoccupation after a period of stagnation,” he said.
“Before canceling the Ministry, its presence must be used to carry out organizational tasks,” he added.
Pertaining to the laws he is preparing, Riachy indicated that the bills would aim to prevent tampering with journalists.
He continued that he was also working on a law to protect journalists and media institution, in accordance with international stipulations, in addition to a law that bans advertisers from imposing TV programs.
“We deserve decent information that enter our homes, in addition to a law that reorganizes the mission of the press and editors’ orders,” he concluded.
===========R.A.H.
