Somalia:Free media stand for peace.

Mogadishu 04 Fabaury 2009 The directors and editors of all the free media outlets in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia agreed on banning live broadcasting any inciting program of political, social and religious means following crucial meeting in the Quranic Radio center on Tuesday.

After long discussion and argument, the attendees issued several key points on the table:

1.to stop broadcasting live religious lectures from the mosques where the hardline clerics often used it as conveying their political will and matters out of the topic and instead to record them then censor before airing.

2-not to accept press conferences by the Islamist rebels through telephone lines as the Ethiopian troops withdrew Somalia.

3-not to interview with any person who is unknown with the politics or whose ideology is unclear.

4-Radios should not allow an ordinary man use the media as a tool to offend a high ranking figure or sends wrong messages that might destabilize the situation and can cause civil conflict.

5-to encourage the peace activities and prevent any thing that might stir public's anger.

Finally, the free media officials underlined put these into effect and to have constant meetings to enhance their role towards peace and stability in the country.

Soon after the agreement, the local media refused to air a telephone press conferences held by the Islamist groups Ras-kamboni camp and Al-Shabab.

Associated Somali Journalists " ASOJ"
Dahir Abdulle Alasow