'Arab media needs more freedom'

Dubai, May 6: General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces urged the Arab media to adopt a constructive self-criticism policy.

''Arab media should shoulder their responsibility to live up to challenges the Arab region is currently facing,'' he said, yesterday at Abu Dhabi, the official WAM news agency reported. The developments in the Arab media was praised by the Abu Dhabi crown prince who reiterated the UAE support for all modes of media so as to keep abreast of the rapid development in the country.

Shaikh Mohammed made his remarks as he received yesterday media personalities taking part in the third Arab Broadcast Forum being hosted by the Abu Dhabi Media Company in association with a number of Arab and international TV channels.

''Media should be given more room of freedom without any restrictions so as to play its aspired role in stimulating the drive towards development and progress in the Arab world,'' remarked the crown prince.

He also demanded that Arab satellite TV channels should be reinvigorated and directed to serve development issues.

UNI