Qatar: new media law to be endorsed after Ramadan

HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari has confirmed that the Cabinet will endorse the new media law, which was approved by the Advisory Council recently, at its  first meeting after the return of the Cabinet form its  recess after the holy month of Ramadan. Dr. Al-Kuwari said, after meeting  with chairmen of the boards of directors of youth centres and clubs, that everyone has the desire to see the law issued as soon as possible, therefore the Cabinet was  keen to endorse it at  its first meeting after the recess, expressing his belief that the State of Qatar will be proud of this law which will be the first of its kind in the Arab world. The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage noted that  the media law has been studied very carefully and a long time was taken to discuss all its aspects, believing that such a great effort emphasizes its coverage of all aspects and its coming out free from defects. Dr. Al Kuwari underlined that the new media law keeps pace with the great development currently witnessed by the State of Qatar, pointing out that the study of the law lasted for four consecutive years a matter confirms that all  bodies in the State were briefed on it before its issuance, in addition to the Advisory Council's meeting with editors of newspaper to familiarize them with the law and to discuss it with  them before returning it to the Council's Legal Affairs Committee. He explained that it was the first time for the Advisory Council to discuss proposals of editors and to take into consideration the opinion of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, adding that the law was returned again to the Advisory Council. Dr. Al-Kuwari considered that move  confirm that the media law was studied from all its aspects so that will come out in a form living up to what media men are looking forward to, especially that it abolished prison sentences against journalists. On the other hand, HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage during his meeting with chairmen of boards of directors of youth centers and  clubs, which was held at the ministry on Tuesday, launched the youth centres book the website of the youth centres department, which he considered an important step in the development of youth work in order to have access to the largest segment of them. He praised the site and its different sections which explains simply how to get familiarized with youth centres and participation in them, and which also defines how to have access to them via electronic maps, valuing as well the efforts of  those who prepared the youth centres book. Dr. Al-Kuwari said this publication is the first of its kind in the ministry, which highlights the role and importance of youth centres and institutions to be  a reference for all. Dr. Al-Kuwari recommended the posting of the book in the website of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, and  thanked to the former chairmen of youth centre for their efforts during their terms, wishing the new boards of directors, which were formed recently, a fruitful stage that lives up to the aspirations of the State of Qatar. The meeting discussed a number of issues tabled on the agenda, including the creation of (youth centre director) post to be occupied by a qualified specialist Qataris for each youth institution . Dr. Al Kuwari, hoped that Qatari directors will be on top of all youth centres within a short period of  time , stressing that the state's human resources law will be applied on these posts He welcomed the proposal submitted on holding an annual conference for youth to discuss the experiences of youth centres at local, Gulf, regional and international levels  and the holding of workshops, seminars and exhibitions. The Minister of Culture, Art and Heritage stressed that HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani accord much care to youth and provide them with the necessary help and support, either through the budget or through the support fund. He pointed out that everyone should shoulder the historical and national responsibility to exert further effort during the coming period.