Speaker affirms parliamentary support for national press, responsible freedom

Manama, May 2 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, has affirmed the parliamentary support for the national press, as well as for responsible freedoms of opinion and expression, in line with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In a statement marking the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3, the speaker commended the efforts exerted by the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support the Bahraini press so as to enable it to undertake its national and professional role and responsibilities, under HM the King’s comprehensive development march. She also praised the continuity of the effective cooperation between the government and the legislative branch to discuss the modern press law, in accordance with a pioneering media vision to supports more constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms, meet the aspirations of the press community in the kingdom and highlight the freedom and responsibility of the press in Bahrain. The Speaker lauded the enlightening role of the national press in Bahrain, its constructive criticism that places the interests of the nation and the citizens above everything else, as well as its support for the reform project for the sake of a better future for the kingdom, which, she said, confirms the pioneering role played by the Bahraini press at the regional level. The Speaker extended sincere congratulations to all the members of the press community in Bahrain, wishing them further success.