Minister of Information, Melhem Riachy, affirmed on Monday that words were the basis for the establishment of Lebanon.

"Not all those who have a different opinion are to be deemed criminals," the Minister said in an address to Beirut Arab University Faculty of Media students, who visited the Ministry of Information today. Riachy welcomed them in the presence of Rita Njiem Al Roumi, Radio Lebanon's director of programs.

"What happened with Marcel Ghanem was due to the absence of a union that protects media in Lebanon," Riachy said.

"Job opportunities for media professionals are not easy to find these days, especially that they have to master an impeccable Arabic language. The current media lacks many things, most notably protection and syndical immunity, proper contracting means with media institutions, a professional and health support fund, as well as a pension fund," the Minister said, pledging to get the newly drafted editors' syndicate law implemented.

"Today, the law is on the Prime Minister's table, and next week I will ask him to sign it and refer it to the President of the Republic and then to the House of Parliament," Riachy said, vouching for the sacred rights of every journalist in Lebanon.

He called on his visiting students to participate in training courses related to the verification of information due to its paramount importance in media work. He also demanded the practice of permanent objectivity.

"Do not fear the truth, avoid injustice, and avoid going against public morals," he concluded

Source: NNA