International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House (Toronto)
23 April 2003
Toronto — A one-day conference held at UN conference Hall: Various sectors of society protest against new draft press law
A forum that discussed the new draft press law was held at the UN Conference Hall on April 16/03. The purpose of the forum that was organized by the EFJA-Publishers Forum was to give the opportunity to sectors of society other than journalists and publishers to express their views and ideas on the new draft press law. Intellectuals, representatives of civic associations, government offices, heads of NGOs, chambers of commerce as well as diplomats and political parties have participated in the forum. Over 300 invited guests that were present at the forum took part in the discussions.
Intellectuals and individuals including the former FDRE President have maintained that the new draft press law must either be dropped altogether or, if not possible, be amended. They have called on the appropriate authorities to refrain from rushing to put the new draft press law before parliament for approval and to allow people to hold further discussions on the issue.
The forum participants have raised and discussed the following points: "Is there a need for a new draft law? Couldn't it be incorporated in other laws?
In its present form, the press law imposes strong restrictions on the free press. The purpose of the new draft press law is to deny political parties public forums for discussion. All participants have agreed that further discussions should be held on the new draft press law.
The Minister of Information who was present at the forum said, "enough discussions have been held on the press law at two symposiums organized by the Ministry." He said his office is prepared to send the new draft press law to the Council of Ministers and subsequently to Parliament. The Minister however said he is prepared to meet and hold talks with any party that seeks to organize additional forums.
Three intellectuals had presented papers at the forum. The moderators were two neutral individuals who were selected from the community.
Kifle Mulat President The Ethiopian Free press Journalists' Association (EFJA) April 20/2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility of EFJA**
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2003 International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
