THE media should align itself with the objectives of creating a more peaceful and stable political environment, Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya has said.

Mr Kapeya said in Lusaka yesterday that the media played a critical role in peace building and conflict resolution as well as economic development.

He was speaking when he officiated at a media sensitisation workshop on small arms and light weapons dubbed 'Peace journalism in a world of conflict'.

Mr Kapeya said peace was a fragile commodity which should be guarded jealously through responsible reporting by the media.

"Peace is a fragile commodity which must be guarded jealously. It is said that wars are born in the mind and it is in the mind that wars must be fought," Mr Kapeya said.

He said information was power as it dealt with the mind where decisions were made, adding that it was imperative for the media to disseminate information that fostered peace and love.

"Our region is in a hurry to develop and the media has a critical role to play in realising this objective by promoting a climate of peace, security and stability," he said.

Mr Kapeya praised the media in Zambia for ensuring that peace was upheld through responsible reportage since independence.

Zambia, he said, would continue to collaborate with the regional centre on small arms and light weapons in ensuring the best practice guidelines on practical disarmament were adopted and deployed at all levels.

"It is my sincere conviction that this seminar will result in deeper and more informed reporting by the media on issues of small arms and light weapons in making society safer and a better place to live in," Mr Kapeya said.

Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons representative, Angela Baiya-Wadeyua said there was need to supplement Government's efforts through raising awareness on small arms and light weapons to enhance peace.

Ms Baiya-Wadeyua said the media played a critical role in securing peace and fostering development in any nation.