Development of Arab media roled urged

Director of the UAE National Council for Media Ibrahim al Abad underlined the importance of developing Arab media discourse to be able to face current crises, especially terrorism.

Fighting terrorism will not be achieved by security ways alone but also through cultural ways in order to build an Arab mentality interested in tolerance, pluralism and co-existence, he said at the opening session of the 46th session of Arab Information Ministers Council.

Media can play an important role in spreading the values of tolerance, respect and dialogue and in fighting extremist ideas, he added.

The agenda of the current session includes many topics related to promoting values of moderation, tolerance and peace, the role of media in fighting terrorism as well as the Arab media strategy.

The changes that have taken place in the Arab world over the past few years showed the need of paying more attention to culture to face the misleading ideas promoted by extremists and terrorists, he said.

Addressing the gathering, Arab League Secretary General Nabil el Arabi underlined the importance that media would be professional and abide by code of ethics in a way that will help ease tension among warring sides and build an atmosphere of trust.

Arabi's statements were read out on his behalf by his deputy Ahmed ben Helli.

"We want an Arab media that unit and does not divide to be able to face current dangers besetting the Arab world," he said.