PM says will act upon UNI issue soon

New Delhi, Nov 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured a delegation led by well known journalist Kuldip Nayar that the government would take "appropriate steps" with regard to the sale of a majority stake in the United News of India (UNI) to Mediavest after taking "all aspects into consideration".

The delegation, which was also joined by UNI employees' representatives and others from 'Citizens for UNI,' impressed upon him the need for maintaining the neutral and independent character of the 45-year old premier news agency.

The Mediavest move has been opposed by political parties, trade unions and other civil society groups.

Mr Nayar, a former Editor and General Manager of UNI, explained to the Prime Minister that the future of the country was secure only if there was a vibrant second news agency with a cooperative structure and wide pattern of share holding.

The Prime Minister said the agency needed to be put on an even keel and that the interests of the employees would always remain formost In his mind.

He said the Press has to play an impartial and constructive role in national development.

He said he was awaiting a report on the status of UNI from Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.

Mr Nayar is Chairman of 'Citizens for UNI' and a former member of the Rajya Sabha.

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