Sultan opens international government communication forum

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has called on media to respect the mentality of recipients through present real and professional information away from misleading facts, pointing out the need to exercise the ethics of journalism and media career. The remarks were made by Sheikh Sultan during the opening of 3rd International Government Communication Forum at Sharjah Expo, themed: ?Different Roles... Mutual Interest', in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Felipe Calderon, former president of Mexico, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of the Soviet Union, as the guest of honour. Sheikh Sultan added, ''Journalism is not less serious than a doctor's profession, as publishing false news mislead readers and viewers." He referred to the rights of media persons provided by the law to exercise freedom of expression. He concluded his remarks by sending a message to the TV channels, which broadcast imported videos or even local productions, calling on them not to receive or encourage news or stories which demolish artifacts and values. He added the channels should condemn lying, theft, laziness and cowardice, hatred or any criminal act. Earlier, the event started with the national anthem, then a statement from Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre in which he welcomed the Sharjah Ruler and the guests of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi stressed the rights of media which are guaranteed by law and enabled the journalists to exercise freedom of expression and criticism. He added that Sharjah is working on development and supporting of government communication at all government departments through unity of government communication, developing abilities of employees through training programmes, as well as the launch of the Sharjah Government Communication Award.