29 April 2008
Deputy Minister Calls On Journalists To Promote Peaceful Co-existence Luanda, 04/29 (Angop)- The deputy minister of Social Communication, Manuel Miguel de Carvalho "Wadijimbi", on Tuesday here appealed to Angolan journalists to promote the spirit of peaceful co-existence between the political forces and the citizens, in the ambit of the coming elections in the country.
The official was delivering the opening speech of the seminar on "The media and the elections in Angola", in representation of the incumbemt Social Communication minister, Manuel Rabelais.
The event is being promoted by the Journalists Training Centre (Cefojor).
According to Wadijimbi, this seminar is vertically important, for journalists are some of the main social actors in the electoral process, contributing with their work for the mobilisation and elevation of the citizens' democratic and civic conscience, with a view to their participation in political decisions.
"There is no democracy if citizens do not have the right to speak their mind", stressed the deputy minister, adding that Angola is now experiencing macroeconomic stability and national reconciliation, while the democratic process consolidates itself.
He also reminded that the citizens have the right to be informed on matters of public interest, underlining that the public will only be well informed if there is a strong and responsible press.
"The media contribute for the consolidation of the democratic systems", he said, advising that there is need to invest in training, upgrading and brushing up the knowledge and skills of the media professionals, with the objective of empowering the country's journalistic sector.
Wadijimbi is of the opinion that the two-day seminar will bring about a high profile discussion on the electoral process, in a way that is comprehensive, professional, responsible and objective, thus contributing to the strengthening of democracy.
In view of this, he called on participants to use this event as a moment for reflection about the professional performance of journalists, in the framework of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for next September.
"The future of democracy in Angola, invites us to continue promoting pluralism, strict and impartial information, so as to help citizens in their participation in the decision-making process, as well as in the country's economic, social and cultural development", emphasised the deputy minister.
The seminar is being attended by journalists from public and private media organs.
According to the director of the Journalists Training Centre (Cefojor), Albino da Conceição, this course will be extended to all the provinces of the country.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Angola Press Agency. 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.
