Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

The Council delegated Mr. Ibrahim Nafie, chairman of the syndicate, to convey a message to the President of the Republic and to arrange a series of meetings with key personnel to assure financial and job security for the journalists affected by the closing down of Al-Shaab newspaper.



The Council, moreover, found that there was an urgent need to conduct a national debate, to address the various aspects of democracy affecting the rights and duties of all parties concerned, while protecting the democratic process from irresponsible acts.



The statement issued by the council addressed five main issues:


1- Respect for all religions, by all writers and creative thinkers,

2- Freedom of thought, creativity and expression are guaranteed rights for
scholars, writers and creative thinkers,

3- Total rejection of the closing down of Al-Shaab newspaper,

4- Ensuring that responsibility goes hand in hand with the freedom of the press,

5- Condemning all incidents, exchanges and arguments that have occurred within the community of the press.



Similar information was available in the following papers:


Al-Ahrar, May 26, 2000 p.1, 7

Al-Wafd, May 26, 2000 p.1

Al-Ahali, May 24, 2000 p.1