Media persons reaffirm support to leadership

Editors of leading news publications and other media persons, writers, thinkers and intellectuals have reaffirmed their unwavering support to the sagacious leadership under the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in all measures it takes to maintain the security and stability of the country and its citizens. “Our pens and writing confirm that our first and foremost loyalty is to the country,” they said at a forum organised by the UAE Journalists Association at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on Monday. As many as 70 editors, TV and radio journalists, live programme anchors, columnists and active Twitter users took part in the forum. The participants said the media in the UAE would counter any incendiary media campaign against the UAE and defend the country’s stand on the issues and would not accept any interference from any foreign entity. They also reiterated that the UAE is an open country whose policies are based on the concerns for the citizens and preservation of its soil. “The presence of any clandestine organisation or contacts with such foreign organisations is unacceptable in all countries in the world and funding of any party from abroad is incriminatory in all countries,” they said. In a statement issued at the end of the forum, the participants said: “We are on the same boat at this juncture. Therefore, we have to stand with the UAE leaders and work together to bolster loyalty to the country and maintain the accomplishments of the federation made over the last four decades.” They called on the media and different social media networks to confront the ideas that spread ill will and disparage the country, and protect the new generation from these thoughts. Earlier, chairman of the UAE Journalists Association Mohammed Yousouf delivered a speech in which he said, We are meeting for the love of the country and the amicability which was inculcated in our minds and hearts by the leaders of this country.” He cited the stand taken by the Cabinet at its last session and the keenness of the Public Prosecution on making known to the UAE the outcome of the investigation about the people who have been detained for their alleged connection with foreign groups.