WAM Dubai, 17th Dec. 2008 (WAM) -- Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged today the new board of the Arab Journalism Award to further promote and develop

WAM Dubai, 17th Dec. 2008 (WAM) -- Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged today the new board of the Arab Journalism Award to further promote and develop the concept and principle of free media through introduction of positive benchmarks that spur Arab media to make a qualitative leap in the open media sky.

In a dialogue with the newly formed board of the AJA's 8th edition during its meeting today , Sheikh Mohammed expressed his support for the freedom of the press but demanded, at the same time, media men to commit themselves to integrity, objectivity and impartiality, saying they should strive to spread the truth, which contributes to facilitate change and development in ''our Arab communities''.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was in favour of a responsible freedom of the press away from any personal interests and purposes.

''The journalist is the conscience of the nation and spokesperson of the community and if he betrays his conscience he betrays his nation and insults himself and his establishment before insulting others,''Sheikh Mohammed added.

The Vice President also highlighted the vital importance of investing in the human being whom he considers the backbone of the state, community and a source of proud and dignity to his nation.

''Towers, roads and central markets can be built by any state or investor but man can not be built and developed without a vision that sets the course of building and investment,''he said.

Chairman of the new board Khalfan Al Roumi paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed for his patronage and follow up of the meetings of the AJA board.

WAM/TF